These 8 RUNNING Tips Changed My Life

Motivation can be tough sometimes BUT with these tools in your toolbox you give yourself a great chance to get out there even when it's hard! Eventually you won't know how to do anything else....
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[@PhilippPley]

You regret the runs you didn't do and rarely ever regret the ones you did do. That's my motivation.

[@yeledim296]

💯

I never regret the runs I didn't do, because they don't exist 😂

[@newbeginnings9457]

Motivation is BS! Just go

[@samisavola863]

i regret them the next morning tho :D

[@Miag_vip]

100% facts!

[@haileyng7483]

These so called ‘life changing tips’ videos rarely deliver, rather they’re just clickbait. This video ACTUALLY is life changing. Have rewatched a couple of times to remember. Thanks a million!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha awesome! Thanks, Hailey. Reading that first sentence I did not expect the comment to turn out like it did so I’m very appreciative of the kind words 😊 I hope they do help. They have all been game changers for me. Keep at it 😊

[@50Something]

Even when I don't feel like running, I'll start my preparation ritual anyway by putting on my Garmin, filling my hydration bottle and choosing my calf compression socks and shoes. Before you know it, I have totally forgotten that I didn't want to run. I gave up only once and that was last week after just 3km but I had covid and it just wasn't working out.

[@mikekarpaty3871]

Great video as always Ben. When i started running in October 2016 my mentor gave me some advice which i have stuck to rigidly. He said " when you get home from work get in,get changed and get out". A mantra that never fails.😁😁 Also use a diary which i have done for every run. A very useful tool. All the best from sunny Wales 🌅🌅

[@irawhitlock1084]

Great info! Love Mel Robbins 5 second rule. Mental stress is what gets me. Hard day at work always makes it harder to run but when I do it I realize it's exactly what I needed to mitigate the stress.

[@Gr8LakesCamper]

Great tips! May I add one more (at least, it works for me)? Related to your willpower battery tip is my stress level monitor. For me, when work/life adds stress to my day, there's nothing better to relieve that stress than a nice solid run. You could even say that, as my willpower battery is losing power, oftentimes my stress level monitor is gaining that power.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Very good point and great one to add in to the mix! Thanks Rick 😊

[@chrisryan6013]

Great tips! Also, just want to say that the quality of your videos has come so far. You and Mary both are owning it, so wonderful to see how comfortable and confident you are in delivering the messages you want to deliver. Keep the positivity coming, it truly has an impact 😊

[@TheHumanBodyTalk]

🔥🔥🔥

[@michelleharnett1351]

I seem to use a version of the 10 minute rule - just warm up and if I still fell like crap I can go home. Also, I give myself permission to take things easy, if necessary but hardly ever need to.

[@johnkerr6466]

I allow myself to swap an interval session for an easy run if I'm not feeling up to it. I can always manage a slow 30-mins and I'll feel good for at least doing something! Another one is to swap 1km/1-mile intervals for 30-sec reps - I just find that easier mentally.

[@DeeKay1911]

Always listen to the body - so a good way to do it, is to swap hard sessions for easy runs on days where you don’t feel it. Go for a hard one the day after

[@ikik1648]

I do this too, and looking at my strava’s BPM data on how most of my “easy runs” are actually almost Zone 3, I need to force myself to do actual easy runs more often 😂

[@doug7273]

Thank you so much for this video! Can't wait to implement some of these tips!

[@beverlycole4836]

Ben, you're definitely the best motivation! Great video!

[@531c]

Thanks for the tips. Even a seasoned old hack like me needs a pep talk every now and then. Your vlogs are always welcome and even the non tips ones are motivational. It's a healthy habit to aspire to improve one's health outcomes and you're helping many in this regard. Good man. 👍

[@joelenemoodley5135]

Your humour is wonderful. Keeps me motivated. Love it!

[@jmanonmakes]

These tips are so helpful. Thank you!

[@simondeboer6035]

This was excellent. In particular it solidfied some of the principles that I have been working with and struggling to explain to others. Going to share this a couple of places.

[@bryanturner4686]

This is a terrific video! These tips are terrific for training as well as life.

[@AlbertineVoncken]

Thanks for the tips. Not only are there new tips, but also insight on why it did work to train quite consistently for the last years. The ten minute rule and planning of exercise and races are the things that really worked for me last years. Also placing my gear in plain view and wearing it if I plan a morning run. And I have a running group once a week. That also motivates. Didn't know about the five seconds rule and the joker, but for sure will use that. Thanks!

[@surreytrailgoat5469]

the 5 second rule and the 10 minute rule are the best for me too. Another great video!

[@MrJeremytpage]

That introduction was so great. It was put simply but the message was profound. Thank you so much for this video.

[@christothek1326]

Thank you so much, that inspired me a lot!!

[@mattbarton2029]

Just wanted to jump back on here after watching this last night. Started my run this afternoon and had one of those where I wasn’t feeling it AT ALL. Implemented the 10 minute rule, and I tell you what, worked a charm! Definitely something I’ll continue to use. Thanks guys!

[@aimeedacosta6864]

After watching just one of your alls videos I subscribed. Thank you and please continue!!

[@bgberkley]

Nothing better than coming back from a nice run to see a new Messy Happy video waiting to be watched! Great tips as always, thank you.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

You’re too kind, Brent! Hope the run was good 😊

[@RunSensible]

This is fantastic as usual but a timely video for me. Thank you! 💪

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Woop woop 🙌🏼 thanks and glad it helped 😊

[@sophie4636]

Fantastic video, really helpful 👍 🙏

[@jimfrazier1073]

Thank you, really struggling with consistently getting out the door. Appreciate all the tips!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks Jim. Hope it helps in some small way 😊

[@lucamurrone1811]

You guys make such good videos, thanks for the tips and the effort you put in each video….keep going….KZbin need more peolple like you both👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@henrychai9944]

awesome video with very good advise

[@michaelbooth2890]

I recommend listening to the Rocky IV soundtrack when you know you're lacking motivation

[@annettegohla8057]

In my opinion, your content gets better and better. Thanks again for the great work! I signed up for the Berlin marathon in September and I need the inspiration and motivation from your video :)

[@tanbafootballfc]

Nice big paths.. Can get hot, enjoy

[@UTFapollomarine7409]

love the videos bud great tips

[@markwalsh6714]

Just what I needed on the pitch black mornings. Thankyou.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks 😊

[@kurtbarlow1375]

I find being a member of a group of committed runners on strava and now having someone i (kind of) mentor, helps me get out the door on days when my desire hasnt turned up

[@julia100801]

You guys are great

[@TheDeclancox]

Excellent tips and very well presented

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you, Declan. That’s much appreciated 😊

[@carlosfornells]

You are absolutely right about the willpower-battery. There’s even research backing this up. It’s all about a region in your brain called “prefrontal cortex”, which is actually getting “tired” with every tiny decision you have to make during your day. Keep up with your great channel 😀👍

[@jobanski]

On weeks when getting out for a run may seem difficult. I will put on my running kit first thing when I wake up, and when a time block opens up I can quickly go out, or run on the treadmill.

[@veteranrunnersaxmundhamsuf3804]

Telling a running mate your long run plans a couple of days before helps me I think if I told them I am running 15 miles Saturday and then I don’t they will ask me why I didn’t go. It has helped me on more than 1 occasion in the past when I have been a few miles in and thought about stopping early. By the way I am running a half marathon in the morning and then again Saturday morning ( I can’t back out now )

[@markjohnson4237]

The 5 second rule. Love that one. Added to my tool box as of now.

[@drbikeshorts]

My rule: when you get home from work, do not sit down. Once you’re on that comfy couch it’ll be much harder to get up again. Put your bag or whatever down and then follow the advice someone gave above: get changed and get out.

[@cyclecoachcyclecoachcom8071]

Great tips Ben, thank you. On a personal level, I used to find that I would play the Joker card too often, so, around 5 years ago, I decided that a goal would be to work out every day for a month (I'm a cyclist, so mechanical destruction issues aren't an issue). Once I'd gotten through that 30 day period I decided I should roll it out for a longer period of time (I started thinking about Ron Hill's 50 year running streak). Currently, I'm at ~4.5 years without a day off... (Note, that at least one day a week, my ride is super easy

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Love it, thanks so much for this. I am injured at the moment and need to carry out alternative non-running exercises. 5-second rule .. in fact, why am I watching this? (bank holiday today) .. going to get in the garage now.

[@CoachNyree]

Def going to use the 10 minute rule, and I think it’ll benefit my clients too. Absolutely loving these tips Ben and Mary 👍👌 can confirm the 5 second rule works!

[@tanbafootballfc]

So I've listened to atomic habits. It's a win for me.. I've started a few things and also it's re in forced some habits I'm trying to get back more often ( meal break work outs at work).

[@clarabenton]

🙏🏻brilliant tips and Mary, you looked utterly radiant in this video btw!

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

First day of winter in Australia. This will be needed.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha good luck, I hope it’s a kind one 😊

[@harrietr6712]

I've just found your channel!! obssessed!!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks Harriet! Welcome aboard 😊

[@toddbowers418]

If you’re a morning runner such as myself, I find it empowering to get the gear together the night before. I gather my top, shorts, belt with key; socks, reflection/light, hat and shoes and set them in a central location and seek them out as soon as I have voided and hydrated. Some folks will sleep in their running clothes but that might only apply to races.

[@DavidTremblay]

Great sharing, the 10 minutes rules and the joker are interesting tips because it removes the momenta where you could push but you shouldn't. I mean if you are not in for a workout after 10 minutes then it wasn't meant to be. I also have few tips like : 1- Anything that is in my agenda, do exist and is compulsory 2- my workout gear is ready I don't have to find it

[@bigadventuresonaveragetale1563]

First thing I see after uploading my video on mindset is this one..... great minds! Great tips here, I use these plus some to do list and intention setting activities each morning, but the joker is a new one for me so thanks for that! See you guys in Yao Yai on Friday!!

[@micah1754]

Awesome video Ben I’ve found this super helpful as a relatively new runner. I started in December and have worked my way up to 10k in 58 mins. I have a couple of niggles like my inner knee hurting so have found I’m better to take a day off in between at the moment to recover properly. I have a history of and eating disorder too so keeping on top of that and fueling properly has been important. When I increased my volume of running I noticed I was waking sweating in the night, similar to how I used to when my blood sugars would drop when I was unwell. Trying to work out ways to prevent that. Is that something you’ve experienced?

[@davidarthur5756]

you wearing shoes in the house is setting off my anxiety hahah, after living in Thailand 12 years thats just sacrilege, whyyyy.... just teasing, enjoy your 3 day holiday

[@0Laura199101]

These are great. My favourite nowadays for me is writing my trainings down ahead. If it goes in the calendar, it (99%) happens! “Running is my happy place”, that’s my other tip!

[@TheHumanBodyTalk]

What a great video. I gonna break this down in a video! 🔝🔝🔝

[@WMSHORNETS]

Great video.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thank you 😊

[@andrewblaine8647]

Hi there, thank you for such great videos! Could you tell me more about the software that you are using for your training calendar at the six minute and 37 second portion of this video? Thank you.

[@mikethompson7875]

I'm fortunate to live near hilly forested trails. Just love being out there. No decision required. Also it's easier to make a habit of running if you do it earlier in the day, before your brain has fully woken up. I just cannot run after work. Excellent video topic by the way.

[@deshall1885]

Thanks Ben and Mary. Another great video. Just what I need right now, thank you

[@rosewhiteheart8203]

Atomic Habits is such a good book!!

[@arnthorla]

- Just put on the running/cycling clothes. Not thinking about anything else, but once they are on it feels kind of silly to stop there, next step of going out is easier. - Not really going out to exercise, just going out to listen to the radio/music, then once you start rolling (this applies to cycling in my case) you just hit the grove.

[@barryalexander2909]

Great tips. I also make my activities around running habitual - be prepared: make sure Garmin is charged, make sure running kit is ready to go, make sure workouts for the week are downloaded to watch, make sure other family members are sorted and prepped for their day (no 'I can't find my schoolbooks/lunchbox/shoes etc moments). I run first thing, but it is stuff getting in the way that prevents it from happening. If I miss a morning run, I promise myself that I will create space for it elsewhere. I have been known to run at 3:00 a.m. to avoid the impact of external stuff (before Storm Eunice hit, when I have to leave early for a work trip.

[@TopsMiah]

Very Good

[@SeeChadRun]

Building a (healthy) habit of running, or anything else that takes time to be good at, allows you to establish a solid foundation that you then build upon to become your best self! You also mentioned will power, which is harder to choose at the end of the day due to decision fatigue. Building a habit helps with this because you've already pre-made that decision. Great 'hacks' Ben!!!

[@jwuertz7101]

The other part of the 10 minute rule is you're 10 minutes from home! 😃 I have a milage goal for the year, which helps me stay motivated to at least try a 0.5 mile walk, because a small milage day is > than a no milage day. And it gives me a chance to evaluate any physical tiredness...keep walking, jog, or head home. One of the other things is knowledge of past success! I've gone out and gotten home on my own 'power' every time so far. I've listened to my brain and done some pretty challenging things, and I've listened to my body to not over do it. That's pretty encouraging!👍 My 'tap out' while out is thunder and lightning. Rain, especially light rain, that's fine, but first thunder is straightest route home. If you go out often enough you will catch a rain storms sometimes. Bonus when I catch the rainbow too! 🌈

[@chloebenn5708]

For me 2 things help when I'm tired from work/ stressed; knowing that the exercise will reduce my stress & help me feel better & that I'm "head tired" not 'body tired" so I'm still capable of doing it. I've really been able to correlate not exercising with being overwhelmed at work especially during covid times, so I really make an effort to keep it up

[@sun.2801]

Love the sliding doors reference

[@balrajsingh776]

#subscribed! Fantastic channel and great tips.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Thanks so much, Balraj. That’s very kind 😊

[@lizzyting8863]

Thank you and allow me to call you my running coach! 👊🏻

[@Alecmcq]

Here’s my strategy… I always workout in the early morning… and I travel to the workout. So, I always allow myself to just go for a coffee instead if when I get there I am still not motivated. I have never yet got to my training location and decided not to workout. I have cut a couple short, but I have never ducked one. The getting there always warms me up and makes me very happy to workout.

[@ed1726]

I find it's totally about environment, convenience and habit for me. One thing I have been doing recently is parking about 3 miles from where I work and running in. Saves on busy traffic near where I work, saves on parking and makes running very convenient even when I am busy with work or other commitments as it hardly takes any longer than just driving. Added bonus is once you run you have to run back. Of course this is very dependent on where you work and how you travel, I am very lucky that I can run along a canal almost the whole way as I just wouldn't do this if it was all road running next to busy traffic.

[@bryguy87]

When I joined a running club… the first thing the taught us was the 10min rule. And i use this all the time.

[@binarysun_]

Whenever I feel my brain is empty and tired after a hard days brainwork and I notice my body didn’t move a lot until now I will definitely go on a run no matter how tired I might feel. It is when I have the fastest runs ever. And it is like my ying (brain) did it’s exercise already but my yang (body) didn’t and I need to align those by exercising my body.

[@queenkatma]

I use the 10 minute rule a lot! I make it minimum of 15min for runs though, 10 mins for strength training. So far I've never gone home after the 15 mins :P it really does work

[@Kelly_Ben]

I wish routine and habit was like what you described for me... first, every day is different. I work 60-70 hours a week between several jobs, and can't stand eating the same thing more than 3 times in a row. Same with running routes, I get so bored running the same route more than twice in a row. I guess I'm using a while lot of my battery adjusting my daily life... but if I don't, I might settle into more of a routine, but I'd be miserable! I love the 5 second and 10 minute rule, and decided long ago to embrace whatever decisions I make without guilt, or it will eat at me.

[@roymatthews2832]

I came for the thumbnail (my favourite shoes), stayed for the content. Thanks

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha thanks Roy. That’s when a thumbnail works! 😉😊

[@RunBeyondLimits]

Love this video although took me a minute to realize you were not talking about the game fortnite...I had to google up how long that is because, America :)

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha I had no concept fortnight wasn’t a term used by you guys over the pond as well! 😂

[@hanskrautenbichler5352]

I have another problem: family obligations. My Motivation would be sufficient for running each single day, but i always struggle to keep calm when it is simply impossible to go out and do something. Maybe one day when all the kids left home... then i'm gonna win that 100k race in my agegroup 80+...

[@gm2407]

My motivation tip. When you are on your feet even if you didn't mean to exercise just start doing warm ups. You will then want to run.

[@2spoons]

Oh we all have our daily life's tails - (we have an ageing mother in law living with us) .... for me it's get up coffee, 2nd coffee RUN..... (and thats it compulsory) and as you might know I run daily...... Run every day #1251 #RunEveryDay then the day starts..... ps I never run less than 2 miles.... and that usually turns into 3 miles..... and by then end of the day sometimes I do it again...

[@nenadcvele]

I started not to think anymore, should I go or shouldn't. I just get up, get ready and go. Last night, I finished work at 8, I was sleepy, tired, but I went out. I planned to go for 5km, ended up doing 7k, plus there was light sprinkling rain.

[@MrEsPlace]

If you ru enough, there are tons of runs that were a massive success that you didn't want to do. Runs that going out the door, worry you, but ended wonderfully. When I’m facing motivational issues towards workouts, I try to remember those moments during a run. "Remember last week? That 10 mile you didn't want but killed... what if you listened and never went? Then what? Where would you be now?"

[@JamesJoker7]

What is the advantage of using Training Peaks over Garmin Connect?

[@midshipsport]

Love running when 'am not. Hate running when I am.

[@dhiruj]

Love The videos you guys put up --- recent subscriber and love it

[@essaysbyken]

I'm watching this for future me. Right now, I have the issue of running instead of doing other things I need to get done. 😆

[@laurainthehaute918]

I resemble that remark!😆

[@BobBob-uv9fq]

Been doing low intensity cycling 134 to 144 bpm.last month or so ,,,pb for 5 miler (5k as well) 8;26. Min miles never ran like that in my life ,,,,also when it this bpm it’s easy to get motivated ,,training 7 or so times a week

[@Shevock]

Fortnight? I'll have to look that one up.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha not the game though 😉😂

[@WMSHORNETS]

I like the 10 minute rule a lot.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

It’s a beaut, Martin! Really helps us loads 😊

[@stibbadrill3057]

Tip #9: Get out of bed 1 hour earlier and do your workout before breakfast!

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Tried it! Works sometimes and not others. I think it depends on the type of job you have and what time you have to get up already. And what time you go to bed. But yes I agree in principle. I got up at 4:30am today to run 16km and was back home at 7:30am to smash the day. Love that 💪🏼😊

[@BogdanTimofte]

Nice, but don't you happen to have a bag of tips for those who constantly overtrain?

[@jakubkotarski221]

How to find you on Strava? ☺️i love your videos☺️

[@ThisMessyHappy]

It’s Ben and Mary Bridges. We’re both on there 😊👍🏻

[@jakubkotarski221]

@@ThisMessyHappy added :) best wishes Jakob

[@guillermobarrio55]

Keeping the daily over-10k-steps streak alive works for me.

[@devinhiatt9995]

No shoes on the couch!

[@chrisrose3967]

Tip nr.9: Buy yourself a pair of yellow hoka’s and a matching yellow hoka singlet 😃

[@Eddie-Spaghetti]

Ben get some more merch sorted just clicked on to buy some gear for me and the wife whom have literally fallen in love with this channel and their is none 😢

[@adamhaus]

some great tips, 5..4...3..2.. off to mcdonalds! :)

[@qbatmobile]

I have one rule and one rule only - go outside and give yourself a słów and easy 5 minute run. After tha I can quit but the problem is that after 5 mins I'm already running my favorite path in a forest and for some strange reason I'm to 'lazy' to go back home.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha love it. “We’ll I’m in it now, can’t be arsed to go home” 😂

[@majed2044]

My trick is: book a race and flight ticket (if the race is abroad). That way there is no turning back and will keep me motivated for training

[@Vesti90831]

Thought the 5 sec rule was, that you can pick up and eat food you drop on the floor! 🤫

[@Renee-Heal-The-Eagle]

I am here for the thumbnail lol

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Ha ha excellent! Then the plan worked 😂

[@Renee-Heal-The-Eagle]

@@ThisMessyHappy Yeah I subscribed lol