In episode 427 of the Real Life Runners Podcast, we continue our Core Values series with one of the most powerful keys to lasting success in running—and life: commitment.

Motivation comes and goes. Some mornings you’ll wake up ready to run, other days… not so much. That’s why commitment matters more. It’s the steady anchor that carries you through the days when motivation fades.

In this episode, we dive into Core Value #3: Commitment. We share how staying committed—to yourself, the process, your goals, and even the people around you—creates the kind of consistency that builds strong, resilient runners.

Drawing from our own experiences as runners and as high school cross country coaches, we talk about how commitment shows up on the good days and the hard ones, how it shapes your mindset, and how it ultimately fuels your growth on and off the run.

You’ll hear personal stories, practical insights, and a few challenges to help you reflect on your own running journey:

• What does it really mean to commit to yourself?
• How do you keep showing up when motivation is low?
• Where do commitment and recovery meet?
• And how can commitment to others (and even competition) make you stronger?

By the end of this episode, you’ll see why commitment is the foundation for real transformation—and how deepening your own commitment can help you reach your next level as a runner and as a person.

03:07 Commitment vs. Motivation

05:20 Commitment to Yourself

20:09 Commitment to the Process

24:33 Running Routine and Commitment

26:03 Commitment to Goals and Process

27:26 Balancing Commitment and Recovery

29:20 Commitment to Others

30:04 Morning Motivation Story

34:51 Commitment in Competition

39:46 Mental and Physical Discomfort in Racing

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