How I Finally Got My Running Routine Back (and How You Can Too)

You know that feeling when your running shoes start gathering dust — and so does your motivation?

I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.

A few years ago, I remember standing by the window on a beautiful Saturday morning, staring out at the sunshine and thinking, “What am I doing with my day?”

The weather was perfect, but there I was — still in my pajamas, scrolling my phone, feeling that familiar mix of guilt and frustration.

I wanted to run. I missed feeling proud of myself, energized, outdoors.

But I didn’t know where to start.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start running again after a break, you’re not alone. I’d tried to “get back into it” so many times before. I’d tell myself, “This week will be different,” only to lose momentum by midweek. Each time I quit, I lost a little more confidence — and it wasn’t just about running. It felt like I couldn’t keep promises to myself.

As a mom, a full-time HR professional, and now a running coach, I’ve learned something important: getting back into running doesn’t take a perfect plan. It takes a simple reset. 

The Mistake I Used to Make

Back then, I thought the only way to restart was to go all in.

I’d create detailed training schedules, sign up for races, or buy new shoes hoping they’d spark motivation.

For a few days, it worked. I’d feel unstoppable… until life got busy again.

Then I’d miss one run, then another, and the guilt would creep in.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve had one too many false starts like I did, my 5-Minute Runner Reset will help. It’s the quick mental reboot that helped me stop quitting and start showing up again — even when motivation was nowhere to be found. 

The Day I Decided to Start Small

One afternoon, after yet another week of skipping runs, I sat on the edge of my bed debating whether to try again. My brain had a list of excuses — too tired, too busy, too late.

Then I made myself a deal:

“Fine. I’ll just put on my shoes. I won’t even commit to running.”

Five minutes later, I was outside.

Ten minutes later, I was running.

By the time I came home, I felt lighter — not because of the miles, but because I’d kept a promise to myself.

That one small action was my turning point.

I realized that rebuilding a routine doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from doing something. 

The Power of Micro Resets

From then on, I started creating little “resets” to help me restart after a tough day or a missed run — tiny mindset shifts that took just minutes but made all the difference.

Things like… 

• Writing down why I run and keeping it where I’d see it every morning.

• Allowing myself to walk when I needed to (no guilt attached).

• Celebrating small wins — even just getting out the door.

These micro habits built real consistency — the kind that fits around work, family, and life’s chaos. For anyone looking for running motivation for beginners, this approach works because it focuses on small, sustainable wins instead of perfection. 

Why I Created the 5-Minute Runner Reset

I wanted to make it easier for other women to experience that same shift — that “I can do this” feeling that comes from showing up without the pressure to be perfect.

That’s how The 5-Minute Runner Reset was born.

It’s not a training plan or a complicated schedule.

It’s a simple, five-minute guide to help you reset your mindset, find your motivation again, and make running stick — even when life gets messy.

Inside, I’ll walk you through nine small but powerful steps to rebuild your routine — no guilt, no overwhelm, just realistic actions that fit your life.

(You can also check out my earlier post about different types of runs and why they matter to explore how variety keeps running fresh.) 

What Happens After the Reset

When you start applying these small resets, consistency becomes easier.

You stop seeing missed runs as failures — and start seeing them as chances to restart quickly and keep going.

According to Runner's World, consistency really is the key to better running - it beats intensity every time.” That mindset shift can turn an inconsistent runner into a confident one.

You wake up on a Saturday morning, lace up without hesitation, and realize… this time, your running routine is here to stay.

And that’s exactly the foundation of my upcoming program, Run More, Quit Less — where we take these same small resets and turn them into a running rhythm you can sustain week after week. JOIN THE WAITLIST to get first access and discount pricing: Run More, Quit Less Waitlist

Because staying consistent isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about knowing how to reset and keep moving forward. 

Ready to Reset?

If you’re tired of starting over, this is your moment to change that.

Download your free 5-Minute Runner Reset and discover how to:

 Restart your running routine without guilt or pressure

 Build momentum with small, realistic wins

 Feel proud and confident — even on your busiest days

 Grab your free copy here

It only takes five minutes to shift your mindset — and once you do, everything else feels possible. 

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need endless motivation.

You just need one small reset — the one that gets you out the door and back to feeling like you.

If you’re looking for a simple way to restart your running habit, stay consistent, and make running part of your life again, this guide will show you exactly how to reset your mindset and make it stick.