"Magic tool." The search for the magical answer is an ongoing one. The short answer is no, there is no magic tool. There's no secret that you're not in on yet. Everybody needs something a little different to make us click, and the process of learning about oneself and one's needs is ever-evolving.

 Your question is a psychological one as much as a physical one. You need something that will help you gain back your confidence. You need something that will help you take back control. And don't we all need that, in these unprecedented times! So I'm going to turn this question back to you and ask what you can do to gain some control over this situation. What caused your previous falls? What is different about the treadmill that's reassuring? Does it prevent you falling? Make falls less consequential? What resources do you have that could help you address the root cause?

 If balance issues are a concern, you could address this with your doctor. There may be something out of whack in your inner ear that could be treated. Same if vision (and ability to see obstacles) is the issue. If you're an ankle roller, a more stable (less high) shoe might help. You could start just by walking, and then maybe incorporating a little jogging, just to help you feel more confident. If you keep stepping off the curb or tripping over a sidewalk, ease yourself back in by jogging the perimeter of a field, or on a track, where there is less to trip over. Field running, or soft and non-technical trail running (like on woodchips, or even a dirt road), could be a good idea simply because it's a softer surface to fall on than asphalt, if you truly anticipate falling always being a part of running. It all comes down to what has caused the falls, and the loss of confidence, in the first place.

 Now to the motivation. If virtual races, time trials, and other "imaginary" tests aren't exciting you, it's possible you might want to reset your training plan. You don't need to be following a "serious" competitive plan if you have no love for virtual races and no real races to go to. You can take this time period to lay off the strict schedule, incorporate more cross training, start strength training, and/or focus your energy on a solid recovery routine and other self-care tactics that matter just as much as training and are so often overlooked. Training plans should match lifestyle. If your lifestyle and goals have been impacted by Covid-19, adjust your training plan to match!

 I should add that if you are still in pain, cross training in the way to go until you heal. It's not just a question of motivation, it's also a question of what is safe and advisable for your body.

 Good luck!

As we get older the reflexes, strength, and balance that we trusted to catch us diminish, and the body that once bounced back quickly is more 'breakable'. Now, as I come back from injury, as I go out to exercise in my older body, in places where I used to bomb downhill with aplomb, round corners with grace, and welcome the pain of effort, I am cautious, slower. Now I come to exercise with the perspective that I am coaxing my body to go as far, as well as it can on that day.  To motivate myself I often tell myself I'm just going out for a walk, explore a new place, or find what new flowers have bloomed.  When my mind and body is ready to run, I run and stop when it's not working. Or I go for a nice walk and go home to garden.  I expect your confidence will return. Be kind to yourself. 

 Now, too, we can walk, hike, run with friends at a physical distance that still allows for that motivational, reassuring social connection. This is so nice because if we do fall there is someone there to help us. Reach out to your UVRC mates - there of many of us in your 'shoes', too. We can start running, physically 'together'! 

 I hope that helps.