We all have those days when we struggle to lace up our running shoes and get out the door. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top 20 motivational running quotes to help you go the extra mile on your next run.
For the Beginner Runner
“With self-discipline all things are possible.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them” – Michael Jordan
“All runners, at one time or another, are beginners.” – from The NYRR Book of Running
“I run because if I didn’t, I’d be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.”– Dean Karnazes
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” – John Bingham
“I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” – Jesse Owens
"A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there." – Unknown
"If you want to change your body, exercise. If you want to change your life, become a runner." – Unknown
Next Steps: Feeling motivated to hit the ground running? Then, it’s time to set some goals and crush them. People are more likely to stick with a plan if they set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused and time-bound or S.M.A.R.T. for short. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “I’d like to run longer and faster,” using the S.M.A.R.T. approach it would look something like this, “I’d like to be able to run a 5k in under 26 minutes by September 1st.”
Related: 7 running tips for beginners
For the First-Time Half Marathoner
“Different people have different reasons for racing, but one is simply the incentive to get out and run, increase mileage and feel good.” – Hal Higdon
“It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” – George Sheehan
"I'm not running half of something. I'm crushing the whole 13.1" – Seen on Half-Marathoner T-Shirts"It doesn't matter what happens between the starting line and the finish line. All that matters is that you cross both." – Unknown
"Concentrate on small segments of your race at a time. For example, rather than obsessing about the distance that remains, simply complete the next mile in good form...try another, then another, until the race is done." – Jerry Lynch
"Be confident in the work you did to prepare for the race. Take a look back at your training logs to remind yourself that you've done everything possible to prepare. The race is the fun part where you get to see the hard work pay off. Enjoy it." – Desiree Davila
Next Steps: As you prepare mentally and physically for race day, don’t forget to create a solid recovery plan that boosts circulation, reduces soreness and promotes overall wellness. One of our best recovery tips for half marathoners is to wear compression socks. Compression socks improve the circulation of blood within the legs based on their design. They provide graduated compression, which means that they are tightest around the feet and lower legs since these are usually the most affected areas when it comes to swelling.
Be sure to look for compression socks that are made from breathable material and have moisture-wicking and skin-cooling fabric properties. Every pair of our Crazy Compression socks goes through a multi-step process to improve the antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.
Related: 10 mistakes first-time half marathoners should avoid
For the Seasoned Pro
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
“Experience has taught me how important it is to just keep going, focusing on running fast and relaxed. Eventually pain passes and the flow returns. It’s part of racing.” – Frank Shorter
“You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.” – Gatorade ad
“Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running.” – Julie Isphording
“Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don’t have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up.” – Amby Burfoot
“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.” – Sarah Condor
Next Steps: Gentle cross-training is an excellent way to switch up your routine to keep you motivated on your fitness journey. Walking, swimming and cycling are great options so long as they are low impact. In addition, cross-training will help you to prevent common running injuries such as runner’s knee, shin splints and sprains. Check out this article for more tips on cross-training exercises you can incorporate into your weekly routine.
Related: 10 boredom busting tips for runners
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite motivational running quotes? Let us know in the comments below or join our Facebook and Instagram community to share your story!
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.