“Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body.”-Lynn Jennings. This quote is so true for runners. There are so many that think running is just training your legs and your body. But, the truth is that your mind needs to be trained, also. There will be days when you may not feel like heading out the door. There will also be days when you just don’t know if you can make it through that long run. Here are some tips to help you through those times.Buying new running gear. I know that it sounds crazy – but it really does work. I especially use this one during the winter months. I hate cold weather. But, buying some spiffy new running jacket makes me want to get out there for my run. And, then if you buy a new watch or some other gadget – you just want to get out there and try it out. Silly sounding – but it does work!Try some new routes. If you run the same old route every day – yes, that can get old. Mix it up. Drive across town and run from there. Try running from the park. Whatever you need to do – try running something different. Sometimes you just need to get out of the rut.Read some running books. There are so many great running books out there. I love reading the inspirational stories of runners. There are so many runners who have overcome so much – and much of it is thanks to their running. And, who can’t be motivated to run when you hear about someone who runs with one leg or some other medical issue.Reward yourself. If your running has been hit or miss – set a goal of a certain mileage for a week or a month. And, at the same time – set what your reward will be. It can be something as simple as going to your favorite restaurant or having a snack that you usually stay away from. Or, it can be something more like having a pedicure or a massage. I’ve even purchased a new pair of running sunglasses for attaining a goal. So, be creative – set a good goal and great reward for meeting it.All runners usually have some times when then just feel that they don’t have it in them to go out and run. But, it’s usually amazing that if you can just get that first mile in – the rest of them come really easily. Hopefully, these tips will help the next time you feel “blah” about your running.