Motivation Monday

Greg Meyer, coach of the John Hancock Employee Runner Team, was the last American to win the Boston Marathon in 1983, crossing the finish line in one of the fastest American times ever run on the course (2:09:00). During his prolific career he also won the 1982 Chicago Marathon, the 1980 Detroit Marathon, and set ten American road racing records and two world records in the 15K and Ten Mile. Greg's range of talent across all distances set him apart from many road racers of his day as he also excelled at cross-country and track, winning several national titles and setting an indoor American record in the 5,000 meters. Greg has worked with runners of all ages and abilities to train and motivate them to accomplish their goals. Here, he offers advice on how to stay motivated during training.

Motivation comes from within. What's important to you? Is it to prove to yourself you can push beyond what you previously thought you could do? Is it to show others that you have the ability to stay focused and accomplish something more than they thought you could? Is it for the excitement of the event, the thrill of the day? Or maybe it is because of a charity that you committed to and don't want to let down…this all comes from within.

To find this, start by asking yourself, "is this important to me", "how important is it in the overall scheme of things", and "what am I willing to do to accomplish this?" If you want to do this, but lack the personal day-to-day motivation, look to an outside person to carry you through. Find a partner, a reason to show up. This is the hardest part for new people…

The single biggest accomplishment in running a marathon isn't the race itself – it is the training leading up to it. Again, ask yourself…

How, and why, is this important to me?

Are you currently training for an upcoming race? Tell us, what's important to you?

Learn more and join the conversation at jhextramile.com