As a masters or menopausal athlete, motivation can feel like an elusive thing. Some days you wake up ready to crush your goals, while other days, the thought of putting on your running shoes feels like a monumental task. You’re not alone—whether it’s hormonal changes, slower recovery, or just life’s demands, staying motivated as you age can be tricky. But what if you could embrace this struggle, rather than fight it? What if your motivation dip is actually a sign that you’re on the verge of something better? Let’s explore this and find new ways to keep your running journey fresh, exciting, and—most importantly—sustainable.
Motivation Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
It’s easy to look around and think that everyone else has it all figured out—especially when it comes to staying motivated. The reality is, motivation isn’t something that can just be “switched on” at will. For masters and menopausal athletes, motivation can fluctuate. Some days you feel unstoppable; other days, you might feel like you’ve hit a wall. Hormonal shifts, slower recovery, and life stressors can all impact how motivated you feel to run, which makes it even more important to find new, personalized ways to stay on track.
What if Motivation Isn’t Always the Answer?
A lot of athletes are taught to rely on motivation to push through tough workouts and achieve goals. But what if, instead of relying solely on motivation, we shifted our mindset to accept the natural ebb and flow of energy that comes with aging and life stages?
Think of motivation as a cycle—just like the seasons. You might have periods of high motivation, followed by dips where running feels like a chore. These phases aren’t something to be ashamed of or avoid. Instead, they can be a chance to lean into what’s happening in your body and your mind.
When you lose motivation, it might be your body’s way of telling you that it needs a break, a change of pace, or a new challenge. It’s important to recognize that motivation isn’t something you need to "force." And when the motivation dips, that’s when it’s time to embrace the quiet, reflective moments. The same way winter allows nature to rest, these low-energy times give you space to rejuvenate.
Motivation Doesn’t Have to Be an Individual Journey
It’s tempting to think motivation is something you should conjure up all by yourself, but that can be isolating. When you’re feeling disconnected or discouraged, the motivation you need might just be the support and connection of others.
We often don’t talk enough about the power of community when it comes to staying motivated. Many runners, especially older athletes or those navigating menopause, can feel like they’re doing it alone. You might feel like the only one dealing with slow recovery or low energy. But here’s the truth: many others are facing the same challenges. Sharing your struggles, triumphs, and day-to-day experiences with a group can be one of the best ways to stay motivated. Whether it's joining a running group, finding an online community, or simply connecting with a friend, knowing that someone else understands your journey can keep you going.
Redefining "Losing Motivation" as Growth
Let’s take a new approach to what happens when you feel like motivation has gone missing. Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, consider it an opportunity for growth. It’s easy to feel frustrated when your pace isn’t where it used to be or when your body doesn’t recover as quickly. But these dips are not failures. They’re chances to recalibrate, rethink your goals, and align your training with what serves you now—not what served you years ago.
Think about it: when you lose motivation, it may be a sign that you’ve outgrown your old goals or training methods. Maybe it's time to try something new, like adjusting your intensity or exploring new forms of movement that spark joy. This is about recognizing that you're evolving as an athlete, and that’s something to celebrate. Losing motivation isn’t a sign that you're failing—it’s an invitation to reflect and grow.
A New Perspective on Training: Less Pressure, More Joy
I work with masters and menopausal athletes who often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform at the same level as younger runners or to keep up with old training habits. But what if we shifted away from the pressure to achieve, and instead focused on building a training practice that brings you joy, peace, and balance?
When training becomes about performance or meeting expectations, it’s easy to burn out. But if you shift your focus to the joy of movement and the process of growth, motivation becomes more sustainable. Training can be about staying consistent—not chasing a new PR every time you lace up. It’s about enjoying your body’s ability to run, to stretch, to recover, and to evolve. This mindset isn’t about giving up on goals but rather adjusting your approach to enjoy the journey.
Let’s Work Together to Unlock Your Potential
If you’re ready to explore new ways to stay motivated—ways that honor your body and your unique journey—let’s talk. As a certified coach with experience working with masters and menopausal athletes, I understand the specific challenges you face and can help you create a plan that aligns with your current needs and future goals. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that makes motivation a natural part of your running routine, no matter where you are in your journey.
It’s time to embrace the seasonality of motivation, connect with others who understand, and redefine what it means to be motivated. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to rely on motivation alone. With the right approach and the right support, you can continue to enjoy running for years to come.
Let’s unlock your potential together.