Coopah How To: Stay Motivated During Marathon Training
Here’s the truth no one tells you: even the most committed runners aren’t motivated all the time.
Marathon training is an incredible journey - but it’s not always easy. Some days you’ll feel invincible. Other days, it’ll take everything just to lace up. Maybe the weather is far from ideal, you have lots of other commitments, or you’ve just had one of those days, the idea of getting out for a run? Not exactly thrilling.
But here’s the thing - the marathon isn’t going to run itself. So let’s talk about what actually helps when motivation disappears and you need to find another way to keep going.
These are the things I come back to, run after run, race after race. And if they’ve helped me - they’ll help you too.
Run With Others (It Changes Everything)
One of the simplest ways to stay consistent? Don’t go it alone.
Running with someone else gives you a reason to show up, even when you don’t feel like it. And once you’re out there chatting away, the miles suddenly feel a lot more doable. Bonus points if there’s a post-run coffee and pastry involved – you’ve earned it.
Can’t physically run with someone? You’ve still got options:
Call a mate and run “together” on the phone.
Push your little one in the buggy and get your family involved.
Rope in your colleagues and start a lunchtime run crew at work.
It’s not about the perfect plan – it’s about building a routine that works for you.
Switch Up Your Route
We all fall into the trap of running the same loops, especially when training ramps up. But familiarity can get boring fast – and boredom kills motivation.
So shake things up. Find a new trail, explore a different park, switch direction on your usual loop. New sights = new energy.
Just a quick reminder to stay smart if you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar:
Let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back.
Keep your phone on you and make sure it's charged.
Use route planners like Strava or Garmin to help map it out.
Bring water, fuel, and a card in case things don’t go to plan.
You’re training for a marathon – it’s a big deal. Treat every session with the respect it deserves.
Reconnect With Your ‘Why’
This one matters - a lot.
Your motivation might dip, but your reason doesn’t go anywhere. So when things get tough, bring yourself back to why you signed up in the first place.
Maybe you're chasing a PB. Maybe you're doing it for someone you love. Maybe you’re proving something to yourself. Whatever it is - it’s powerful. Use it.
You could even turn your ‘why’ into something visible - a post-it on the mirror, a note in your phone, a playlist that reminds you what you’re working for. Don’t let it drift into the background. Keep it close.
Prioritise Rest & Recovery
If you're constantly knackered, struggling to get out the door, or everything just feels harder than it should - chances are, your body’s crying out for a break.
Rest isn’t optional. It’s essential.
So take your rest days seriously. Get enough sleep. Hydrate. Fuel properly. This stuff makes a massive difference - not just to your recovery, but to your motivation too.
The goal isn’t to grind through training. The goal is to adapt and come back stronger. And you can’t do that if you’re always running on empty.
Follow A Coopah Plan
If you're constantly wondering what session to do, how far to run, or whether you’re doing it ‘right’ – no wonder motivation starts to fade.
That’s where Coopah comes in.
We build personalised training plans that adapt to you – your goals, your fitness, your schedule. No fluff. No filler. Just the right sessions at the right time.
You’ll see your progress. You’ll know you’re on track. And when things get tough? Our coaching team is always in your corner – real advice, real support, whenever you need it.
We’ve got your back, every step of the way.
Motivation will come and go – and that’s okay.
What matters is showing up, even when you don’t feel 100%.
You’re stronger than you think. You’re doing something incredible. And I’ll be right here, cheering you on.
Coach Jordan x