If you are training mainly for joy of competing, you may wake up one morning and realize that it is no longer fun for you. If that is case, it is time to move on to something else, perhaps another sport, something new and interesting. This change in motivation is natural, and is not a result of deficient character, it is part of life.

Endurance athletes are unique animals. The training takes more hours than most sports, and is usually solitary. Successful training for endurance sports requires you to train through all seasons, terrible weather, and early mornings when you would rather be in bed. Even pros make little money relative to other sports, and receive little recognition beyond endurance sport community. If fame, fortune, and adoration are your motivators you are in wrong sport. Endurance sports arguably require greater fortitude and discipline. Know what payoff is for your efforts, and you will be a more motivated, successful, and happy athlete.

Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.

8.Periodize your training. Periodization means training in specific cycles that move towards a goal (race). Your training moves from general to specific and from low intensity to higher intensity as you approach your peak. The implications are that you only perform your most intense work late in season near your goal race or peak. This means less stress on body throughout year because you are not performing high intensity training all year long. Have a licensed running coach work with you on an annual training plan.

9.Perform strength exercises to keep your knees strong. One of more common overuse injuries is "runner's knee." This can be caused by a patella tracking problem, much like a tire that is out of alignment. By keeping your quadriceps strong you can prevent this condition. If you are an endurance runner you do not need to overwork these muscles or use a lot of weight, but light strength work performed correctly can help prevent injury.

10.Cross train. One of benefits that multi-sport athletes have over runners is that they are able to perform swim and cycling work outs in between run work outs. This helps reduce stress caused by pounding of running, but athlete still receives aerobic benefit of training. A good time to cross train is when you have a recovery work out scheduled or a low intensity work out. If you use a heart rate monitor you can stay in same heart rate zone as your run work out. Swimming, cycling, stepper, elliptical trainer, or even hiking are all good examples of cross training work outs.