My motivation comes with sole.

I’m happy to report that in the week since we’ve last spoken, my running funk has dissipated. Not entirely, but last night I ran a very hilly 8 miles of my own volition, so that has to count for something, right?

I’m like a child in that the easiest way to get me to do something is to reward me with something shiny and new. Now, I didn’t actually go buy anything shiny and new, but I realized last night I’ve got a pair of my absolute favorite running shoes in my closet with only 120 miles on them (Brooks Glycerin, I bow to you).

I’ve been running in Newtons since fall, and finally realized that the IT band issues I’ve been having, and never had before, began almost simultaneously with my transition into them. My gait isn’t efficient enough. My footstrike not forefoot enough. Basically, I failed at Newtons. That’s not to say they’re not great shoes, it’s to say that I’m a terrible runner. Basically.

So I’m shelving them for now and digging my former Brooks out of the closet, and I’ll tell you what: I AM SO EXCITED TO RUN IN THEM TOMORROW. I’m not kidding. Not even a little. And when they’re worn out in another couple months, I’m excited to buy a shiny, new pair.

And just like THAT, I’m excited to run again. Solely for these reasons. But I say, “Hey, whatever gets you out the door is good.” Some people get out the door for the serenity of a long run, or the feeling of accomplishment.

I just happen to get out the door for new shoes. A win-win, if you ask me.

What gets YOU out the door?