I love running, but lately, I have just been feeling... MEH. I have no motivation to do tempo runs, speed training, long runs, or basically anything other than just my 5 standard miles. And even then, I feel like I am doing it just to do it.
I know, I know, I know...
Not every run is going to feel good.
There will be periods when I just don't feel like running.
This is all okay!
There are a myriad of reasons I may be suffering from this running funk. These are the reasons I came up with off the top of my head: 
1. I am sick of running around my 'hood.
2. It's cold and dark out.
3. I'm always alone with my podcasts.
I'm not going to allow myself to wallow in this funk for too much longer! I love running, and I long to look forward to my runs and enjoy my time out there. I have been thinking of ways to make running more fun...
1. Run trail on the weekends. I love the trail, and I felt so alive on Saturday when I was with Paul at Swatara.
2. Reconnect with running friends for long runs. The Last Man Standing reminded me how much fun it is to run with people.
3. Go to the gym and run on the treadmill. Okay, that sounds like the opposite of what someone in a running rut might do, but I seriously just need something DIFFERENT! I was at Planet Fitness on Sunday and Wednesday. Both runs were stuffy and smelly, but I felt strong. Hopping on the treadmill once or twice a week could motivate me to do tempo and speed stuff. Just maintenance- nothing crazy.
4. Run some races- FOR FUN- on the weekends. I have some ideas, but I'm not saying anything since I have commitment issues with races. But hopefully there will be some "Surprise! I ran a race!" posts in the near future.
How is your running going these days?
Girl, I can relate to this post. I am not at all loving winter running. Also bored w/ my hood. For the next few months, I am doing "just enough" running and just focusing on other things to keep it interesting. I am only running about 5K four times per week, then working on my swimming, weights and need to get back into a bit of yoga. Driving to new locations seems to help so might start doing that a bit more. Hang in there--we can get thru this!
ReplyDeleteIt's times like these when I know we're both VERY glad we enjoy other fitness activities besides running. :)
Delete...so true. My days away from running make me appreciate my next run and at the same time, I love my swimming (almost as much).
DeleteThis post was my life a little over a month ago. I tend to get this way when I don't have a big goal to train for - the motivation just isn't there. Yes, we all love running, but that doesn't mean we have to be enamored with it all the time. You have a lot of other fitness interests, maybe just focus more on those for a while and let your running love come back to you on its own. Everyone is different, but I've had my best success when I stop forcing it and just let it be. Eventually, during my own rut, I gave myself permission to just only run when I wanted to, even if that meant only running once a week. I felt guilty about it and like I was a "bad runner" for a while, until I realized that I was actually starting to enjoy my runs more and that craving to go for a run slowly started to replace the dread and boredom. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteAnd the treadmill DOES sometimes work for this! Because you're right, even if the treadmill alone is not exciting, it's still something DIFFERENT. I like to do some speed intervals on the treadmill, it helps me mix things up, it makes the treadmill less boring and I feel like I got such a great workout.
I know, I never thought I would think the treadmill would make me more interested in running, but my two stints on it this week were kind of interesting! And while I wouldn't always want to do my speed training on it (I like the confidence of knowing I can will myself to maintain a certain pace, not let the machine make me do it), I think it will be a good solution for me to just do some speed maintenance during these dark winter months when I am not training for anything.
DeleteI definitely think there is something there with just letting myself not love running right now. You're right, I am lucky there are other things I enjoy doing! I could lift 4 times a week if I really wanted to. In fact, I think I did that last winter! Ideally I would like to keep it at 3 times per week.
I have had a challenging time as of late with my runs too. Mostly, because it is SO COLD (and I am not used to all these hills). I have had to do a fair amount of treadmill runs. Yesterday I ran with a group at the indoor track at UNH, and running with other runners was great. I vowed to try and do it more often!
ReplyDeleteI often forget how fun it is to run with others! Damn, too be all us blogger friends couldn't run together!
DeleteMusic music music and more music. I can't tell you how many times a new song has changed up my run and motivated me like crazy. I'll write a post tomorrow or something and list all my favourite running songs, podcasts, and just general shit I listen to.
ReplyDeleteYou know I rarely every listen to music on a run. I think I could try that on the treadmill! I listen to weird stuff though. Musicals mostly. :)
DeleteYep, the wise words of Suzy say it all - pump up the jamz, my friend!!! That helps. A new route helps a LOT. Or even a new outfit. But I feel you, I am so over the cold and dark. I know tomorrow I have to do it in the morning in the cold and in the dark and I'm already like, "ughhhhhhhhhhh". Why can't summer break be allll year long!!! Running is so much more pleasant when its on that schedule :)
ReplyDeleteOh man I know, we are so spoiled in the summer! Get up whenever, relax, eat a good bfast, sip some coffee, and go running when we're FEELING it.
DeleteGreat list except for the dreadmill lol. I love the trails, always gets me connected with nature and with running. Community is huge too, race excitement always makes me remember why I love this sport. You will come out of this rut soon enough
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard. I know the treadmill sounds strange... I can't even believe I listed it myself!
DeleteSometimes simple stuff like reversing your route or changing up the playlist helps. Personally I can totally see how adding some mill runs would help. I don't mind the mill at all. Especially for speedwork. I find myself in a similar place, although it's intentional. My focus is on strength and swim right now. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
ReplyDeleteSing it sister! I wish it didn't cost a million dollars to join a gym with a pool. :) I make a lot of excuses about not swimming. :)
DeleteTreadmills can be good for breaking boredom especially if there's a good movie on. Sometimes we just go through this kind of MEH feeling. I bet getting motivated to run in winter is really hard up north; I'd want to sleep in all the time or immediately get in PJs after work. Just keep on slogging through - you'll enjoy it again soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali! I am sure I will. :)
DeleteOh Karen I know. :( I do think you will be running again. I would not take that one doctor's word as gold.
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the dark cold runs! It gets super annoying to bundle up and go run loops on partially cleared streets. :(
ReplyDeleteThe best way for me to get out of a rut is to run with someone. I've really got a mojo going this winter by finding a good long run buddy.
Too bad we couldn't be each other's buddies!!!
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