The Olympic games are truly inspiring, but how far would you take it? You may not be able to run as fast as an Olympian but that doesn’t mean your run counts for any less. In fact, with the proper motivation even a couch potato can end up running down big goals that they never thought possible. And what better source of motivation than to know that you’re making a difference? So lace up the sneakers and get off the couch, because it’s time to help your community and the world by raising funds through your run.

Beating the Initial Excuses
You’ve heard the phrase, “no pain, no gain.” Nobody said running would be easy, and it’s not. But with the knowledge that your run can help others, it lightens the load. Initial excuses tend to get in the way of achieving success. Don’t think you can do it? Use that to your advantage. And if somebody else is skeptical of your running abilities, use it as fuel and a fundraising opportunity. Raise money by having people pledge to give a certain amount of money for each minute of the race you complete. By letting the donor pick the amount, they’re more likely to go above and beyond any amount that you set. Plus, if you set an amount that’s too high people could turn down the offer. Every little bit helps, so let the donors make the decision.

Choose Something Near to Your Heart
With so many reasons to run, it’s easy to find one that you can relate with. And by picking a cause that you can associate with, you’re more likely to stick with the program since the cause strikes a chord with you. From fundraising topics like cancer, obesity, abuse and education, there are plenty of ideas to help you get motivated to run.

If you’re not sure which organization to pick, search online for potential topics. Go to Fitnessmagazine.com and search “Run, Walk, Get Fit for a Cause.” You’ll find a compiled listing of possible causes to run for, the distance and a short description about each race. With easy access to so many great causes, it makes it hard to pick. But why stop at one? Choose as many as you like and set your goals high.

Teamwork Doesn’t Seem Work
Nobody likes to go through a difficult task alone. And if you aren’t used to running it can be especially difficult to keep up with training. That’s why it’s a great idea to enlist a group of friends who support you and the cause you’re running for. Many races allow teams to enter, which gives you moral support and a better opportunity to do more fundraising. There is strength in numbers, and your group won’t let you fail. You’ll be going for your own fundraising gold in no time.