Your Next Running Target – Staying Motivated Beyond Race Day

Today, I want to talk about something every runner has felt: what happens after the finish line. If you’re like me—a keen runner, regularly entering races, and always chasing the next challenge—you’ll know the satisfaction of hitting a big target. But equally, you might have noticed how easy it is to fall into a slump afterwards.

I recently completed one of my own running objectives: pacing the local 10K community run at 45 minutes. It might sound simple, but being the pacer meant others relied on me to achieve their goals. I nailed it, coming in just under target time, and I felt great knowing I’d done my part.

But here’s the thing: after the dust settles, there’s this weird lull. The hard training is done, the big day is behind you, and suddenly all that structure vanishes. I’ve experienced this lull—almost a depressive state—where you lose your mojo, motivation slips away, and it becomes easy to skip training.

That’s why it’s so important to have your next running target lined up before you even complete your current event. As soon as one race ends, you need that next goal in the diary. For example, I’ve loosely booked a marathon in the autumn. Whether it’s Chester or another location, having that placeholder immediately turns my mind towards what’s next, and helps keep my running routine intact.

Ideally, vary your targets—if you’ve just done a 10K, look at a half-marathon, a marathon, or even an ultra. If you’re trying to better your PBs, set new times for the same distance. The key is to keep your sights set on something ahead.

Trust me on this: without a future target, the post-race slump is tough to escape. But with a new challenge on the horizon, you stay motivated, training remains purposeful, and running continues to be a fulfilling part of life.

So, the lesson from today’s running diary is simple: always book your next event before you finish the current one. That way you’ll avoid the dreaded runner’s lull, maintain your passion, and keep achieving new milestones.

If this resonated with you, drop me a comment—I’d love to hear about your next running target and how you keep your momentum. And if you support my ultimate ultra marathon mission—run vlogging on consecutive days, barefoot, around the world for charity—please subscribe, share, and help save more children’s lives with every view.

Stay positive, stay happy, and never stop running!