Finding Joy in the Run

Not every run should feel like a grind. In fact, if you want to stay consistent, especially as a busy adult balancing family and work, finding joy in the process is essential.

Research supports what many runners already know…joy leads to consistency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that runners who experienced positive emotions during training were significantly more likely to stick with their routine over time. In short, if you love it, you’ll keep doing it.

So how do you rediscover joy in running? Start by shaking up your routine. If you always run for pace, go for time. If you usually run the same route, explore a new neighborhood or trail. Try a theme run, like running to your favorite coffee shop or chasing a sunrise. Changing your environment or purpose can bring fresh energy.

Let go of perfection. Run without a watch once a week. Focus on how you feel rather than how fast you go. Run with music that lifts your mood or a podcast that makes you laugh. You can also invite a friend or join a group. Shared miles often lead to shared joy.

Make space for gratitude. Use your run to clear your head, reflect on something positive, or simply appreciate your ability to move. Even five mindful minutes during a run can reset your mood.

At Outwork Co., we believe training should fit your life, not add stress. That means creating space for fun and flexibility. Joy doesn’t have to replace progress, it fuels it. When you enjoy the process, the results follow.

If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated, try to fall in love with running again. Strip away the pressure and get back to why you started in the first place. With the right mindset, every run can become something you look forward to, not something you have to push through.

You deserve to enjoy the journey as much as the finish line. That’s how you OUTWORK YESTERDAY, by making it meaningful today.