Inspiring Without Clichés & Keeping Your “Why” Close
Running is a complex sport. People come and go, motivation drifts, and even the most dedicated runner sometimes loses their mojo. One of the questions I’m asked most often is: “How do I stay inspired without feeling patronised?”
That question is important, because too often inspiration is served up as a cliché: “No pain, no gain” or “You’ll thank yourself later.” The truth? Most runners roll their eyes at those lines. They don’t help you get out the door when life is heavy, or when your confidence is low.
Recently I saw a different kind of inspiration.
This is what a Great-Granny Looks Like
Recently, at a SheRACES Trail Race in the Peak District, Anne, a 66-year-old great-grandmother lined up for this 16-mile challenge. There were no slogans on her t-shirt. No talk of smashing PBs. She ran with happiness and pure joy — you could see it in her stride, in her smile, in the way she cheered other runners on.
That’s the kind of inspiration that works. It’s not about proving anything, or pushing through pain. It’s about showing what running can look like when you do it on your own terms.
Anne - 66 years old and loving life!
Why Clichés Don’t Work
Clichés flatten the complexity of running into soundbites - they don’t acknowledge the messy reality of training when you’re tired from work, juggling family life, or just feeling a bit flat. Being told “no excuses” doesn’t help when what you need is compassion and a small, manageable step forward.
Real Inspiration Feels Human
True inspiration comes from people who are ordinary and extraordinary at the same time:
The beginner who laces up despite doubting they belong.
The runner who walks part of a race but refuses to quit.
The 66-year-old great-granny who runs with joy, not judgment.
When we see runners like this, we’re reminded that running isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about showing up, enjoying the journey, and creating space for ourselves.
How to Keep Your “Why” Close
If you’ve lost your spark, here are a few gentle ways to reconnect:
1. Collect your own role models.
Think of runners who inspire you because of their attitude, not their times. It might be a friend who always shows up, or someone you saw at parkrun who finished with a smile.
2. Write down what running gives you.
Energy, headspace, confidence, time outside — your “why” will often be found in these small but powerful benefits.
3. Celebrate the joy, not the distance.
Remember the great-grandmother in the Peak District — she wasn’t chasing a number. She was chasing joy. You can too.
Closing
Inspiration doesn’t have to be loud or cheesy. Sometimes the quietest runners are the most powerful reminders of why we run.
Keep your “why” close, notice the small wins, and allow yourself to be inspired by real stories, not slogans. Because running isn’t about clichés — it’s about finding joy in the miles you can run today.