Motivation Comes in Many Forms
As the calendar flips to a new year, motivation can feel strong—or completely absent. The good news? Progress doesn’t depend on perfection. It depends on showing up.
At the Wyoming Valley Striders, we see it every season: some people thrive with an accountability partner, while others are motivated from within. Neither approach is better than the other—and both can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
The Power of an Accountability Partner
An accountability partner can be a game-changer. Knowing someone is expecting you can be the extra push needed on cold mornings or after long days. It’s not about pressure; it’s about support. A shared goal, a gentle reminder, or simply having someone who believes in you can turn “maybe tomorrow” into “let’s go.”
Wyoming Valley Striders member Russell Keeler credits his wife as his accountability partner:
“My wife is definitely the one who keeps me accountable. If I’m not out the door early for a run, she’ll say, ‘Not running today? That race isn’t running itself.’ She also helps me stay accountable when it comes to injuries. I raced all summer while hurt and didn’t give myself enough recovery time. After the Steamtown Marathon, she told me, ‘Finish or no finish, world record or no world record – no running until the New Year.’ And I listened.”
Russell’s experience highlights an important truth: accountability isn’t just about logging miles—it’s also about knowing when to rest, recover, and take care of yourself.
Consistency and Intention
Others find their motivation internally. They get out the door because they know how it feels afterward. They value the routine, the mental clarity, and the satisfaction that comes from keeping a promise to themselves. That kind of self-motivation can be just as powerful, especially when paired with consistency.
What both approaches have in common is intention. Motivation comes and goes. Weather changes. Life gets busy. But accountability—whether to another person or to yourself—helps keep you moving forward when enthusiasm fades.
Moving Into the New Year
As we move into the New Year, remember that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to be consistent. Whether you rely on an accountability partner or your own inner drive, the most important step is the next one.
Consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or fellow runner to be an accountability partner—sometimes a little encouragement is all it takes to make showing up easier and more meaningful.
Here’s to showing up—for ourselves and for each other—one mile, one run, and one New Year at a time.
To learn more about the Wyoming Valley Striders and our upcoming race schedule, including our first race of the year, the Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run on Sunday, March 22, visit our website.
Featured image: Runners and walkers showed up despite the chilly weather for our 2026 WVS Annual Informal New Year’s Day Social Run at Kirby Park.
