This is a collection of writing prompts for runners, free for use for your personal or public writing. If you choose to share publicly, you can credit the source by tagging @rightasrun, copying and pasting the prompt text and link on your posts, and using the hashtags #WriteAsRun #rightasrun on social media.
2021 Prompts
New writing prompts for runners were published once every two weeks in 2021.
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 7: This is the year for…
Let’s face it. Many of us had to throw our run goals into the dumpster fire along with so much of the year that was 2020. But it’s a new year, friends. What’s in store for 2021? Any resolutions or goals? [Try Right as Run’s goal setting worksheet!]
January 1, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 8: Look with fresh eyes.
Run a usual route as if for the first time. Pay attention to what you see, hear, and smell. What do you notice? How do you feel? Is this same old, same old run any different?
January 15, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 9: How low can you go?
Do you get out there if it’s sub 20º? What about sub-zero? What’s the best part of putting one foot in front of the other when the temps drop? Share how you find joy in winter runs.
January 29, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 10: How do I love thee?
Since we all know running is our boo, and in honor of V Day, write a poem or love letter to running. Try a haiku (that’s 3 lines, of five-seven-five syllables) or free verse it.
February 12, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 11: When I race again…
Start dreaming now. Visualize your ideal race. What does it look like? What steps can you take to bring it to life on race day?
February 26, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 12: Make way for the new.
Spring is a time for renewal and growth. What changes do you see in the natural world around you during your runs? Do the new signs of life change your perspective on running? In the spirit of spring, consider how you might make space for the ways in which you wish to grow.
March 12, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 13: What showing up looks like.
Are you in the middle of a training cycle? Running just for you? Taking a needed break? There is no one way to show up. Consider your running and resting habits and how they support your well being. What does showing up look like in this season for you?
March 26, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 14: Celebrate the wins.
What victories have you observed in your running and well being recently? Even the tiniest spark or step forward deserves a moment of YES!
April 9, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 15: Mindfulness by the minute.
Take one minute or three at the end of your run. Sit quietly and focus on how you feel. Pay attention to your breath and your heartbeat. What do you notice?
April 23, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 16: Need for speed.
What motivates you to try to run faster? What tricks or games do you play to get your body to push the envelope? Thinking about the times where flying fast felt smooth and relaxed, what set the stage for that ease?
May 7, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 17: Run’s done. What’s next?
Share your post-run routine to cool down, recover, and reset. If you aren’t feeling your current routine, what needs to change? Dream up your ideal, then give it a test spin.
May 21, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 18: When I run, I am…
When I run, I am [ ]. Fill in the blank. What do you visualize? Do you morph into an animal or object? Or channel a pure emotion or trait? Does this make you feel stronger, faster, more alive? Share the nitty gritty.
June 4, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 19: Under the sun.
In honor of the upcoming Summer Solstice, write an ode to runs in the sun. How does sunlight affect your mood and performance? How does the sun feel on your skin?
June 18, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 20: Run for joy.
What does your most joyous run look like? Is it a hard effort? An easy cruise? Run by track, trail or road? Describe your favorite type of run, then get out there and see if you can manifest it.
July 2, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 21: It’s the little things.
What small practices do you keep to make yourself a stronger runner? Which things do you wish you made space for? We all have more levers we could pull to improve: adding a dynamic warm up, foam rolling, better nutrition or hydration, etc. Commit to layering in one new thing that will elevate your running.
July 16, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 22: Sunrise, runrise.
Get out the door first thing in the morning. No excuses, no delay. What do you notice about the morning sky? How does it feel to start your day on the run?
July 30, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 23: Personal pep talk.
Write yourself a motivational letter. Something you can open or revisit on race day, or any day you need a pep talk. What are the words you will need to hear?
August 13, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 24: Play day.
Let’s pretend it’s run recess! Get in a mindset of playfulness. Run through a sprinkler. Add some skipping interludes. Play games with your pace. What changes when you shift focus in this way?
August 27, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 25: Chasing that PB.
Are you working toward a personal best? Why do you want it? And what do you need to do to get there? Think about the way big and small you can manifest success.
September 10, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 26: Get loopy x 10.
Find a track, or a runnable city block, or a cul de sac. Run repeats on your chosen loop. Embrace the mental challenge of the repetition. Notice the changes from loop to loop. Does it make you feel loopy? Or grounded? Or something else?
September 24, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 27: Ode to place.
Are you in love with a hill? A trail? Maybe it’s the road that does it for you. Tell the story of your running place and why you’re attached.
October 8, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 28: Sense of change.
While you’re out for your run, notice the seasonal changes happening in the world around you. What captures your attention—autumn colors, a different feel in the air, the smell of wet leaves? Or something else? Notice with all of your senses.
October 22, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 29: Savor the miles.
Pick one of those perfect weather days when you’re feeling good, and set the intention to savor every last moment of your run. What thoughts or feelings come up for you? How does this feel compared to your typical run?
November 5, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 30: Attitude of gratitude.
Spend a full week writing down a morning gratitude list. What are the things big and small that made you feel grateful? Did this week of focus impact your thinking?
November 19, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 31: My best run this year.
Take us there. Where was it? Was anyone with you or did you go solo? What made it tops?
December 3, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 32: A few of my favorite (running) things.
Gear, routes, workouts, rituals. Include whatever you like. Make a list and share the love.
December 17, 2021
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 33: Beginning, middle, end.
The year has past its beginning and middle. Now it’s time for the end of the story. Reflect on all the things you wanted to accomplish with your running this year. Celebrate the wins. Note and let go of the losses. What’s the last chapter of 2021?
December 31, 2021
Older Prompts
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 1: I’ve been meaning to…
What you have you been meaning to do, say or be? This could be a new dream, or something you’ve been thinking about for a long time. Maybe you’re not quite ready to jump in all the way, but you’re taking some steps forward. Or, maybe you finally JUST made it happen.
September 28, 2019
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 2: This full, beating heart…
In the spirit of gratitude and Thanksgiving, share what makes your heart full. Write a love letter: to running, to your legs, to your crew who helps you get in your miles, to your favorite shoes, to your current or future self. Whether a simple, small joy, or a major part of your life, say thank you, thank you, thank you.
November 5, 2019
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 3: Year in Review
Reflect on your year in running. Before thinking about goals for a new year, give what has come to pass its proper due. What stood out for you this year? The highlights, the lowlights, and everything in between. Some ideas to get you started: write a story, make a list, or share your top five photos.
December 30, 2019
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 4: Becoming a runner…
Tell the story of how you became a runner. Maybe it began in childhood. Was it joyous? A suffer fest? Something else entirely? Or, perhaps it came later. Think back to the first time you felt like you were a runner. What was going through your mind? What barrier—real or imagined did you have to move through?
April 30, 2020
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 5: I choose this because…
Most of us don’t HAVE to run. It’s something we choose. Why do you choose it? Does your run feel differently when you think of it as a choice?
October 31, 2020
#WriteAsRun Prompt No. 6: Getting out the door.
There are those days you can’t wait to run. Then there are those when you just can’t seem to get it together. What are the tricks you use to get out the door when the going gets tough? Once you’re moving, does your mindset change at all?
November 19, 2020