When running stops being fun, it's no longer worth it. I have been through this cycle of demotivation so many times. Yet, it's still a recurring struggle.
I've done seven races so far in 2015 and have enjoyed aspects of every one. However, out of those seven races:
- Two were plagued by bad weather
- Two of them I came thisclose to DNS-ing
- One had me quaking in fear of bad weather for weeks beforehand
- One had me seriously questioning my own sanity and wondering why I put myself through this. (To be clear - I almost always feel this way during the final stretch of any race, but I usually change my mind within a few hours. This time, however, that feeling lingered for quite some time afterwards.)
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| Grumpy |
Right now, RnR Chicago feels like another event that needs to be squeezed into the calendar. I am already dreading the horrifying wake-up time that I'll need to set on my alarm clock for the 6:30 AM start.
I know that this is a terrible way for me to be thinking about one of the most popular half marathons in Chicago. We should all be so lucky to have problems like this, right?
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| "Graveyard if first-world problems could kill." |
So what's my game plan to change things?
I am going to temporarily stop focusing on running goals. I will try not to get swept up in what the numbers say. No comparisons. No "what-if''s" and no "should-have's." I want to take a page from Amanda W's book on how to run happy.
I might try running without my Garmin. To be honest, this idea terrifies me since I'm so militant about logging my mileage and pace. I've heard some folks compromising on "blind" running by wearing their Garmin on, say, their ankle. That way they have the tracking data available, but are not fixated on it during the run. This strategy is probably my best bet.
I will focus on non-running workouts for awhile. I've long considered running as my primary focus, with everything else as cross-training. Maybe I'll flip that around for awhile. As timing would have it, the new Pure Barre studio near my home will be opening in a few weeks. I've already signed up for a 30-day new-client membership and I plan to use the heck out of it!
What other suggestions do you have for how to get out of a running funk?
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Linking up with April, Patty, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.
Your plan sounds perfect to me! It's basically exactly what I've been doing since last fall and I find my life feels much more balanced. Never mind that I have a triathlon in 5 days that I feel totally unprepared for :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, though, not worrying about the pace on my Garmin and focusing on other workouts has been such a nice change. Now I just go for a run when I feel like it, not because I "have to" or because I feel like I should.
It is fantastic to hear that this plan has worked so well for you! What I love most is that your running has still stayed so strong, despite it not being your primary focus. That sounds like a win-win-win to me!
DeleteGood luck at your triathlon this weekend! I can't wait to hear how you knock it out of the park! (Will miss you at the PAWS race, too.)
Oh the running funk...I think it happens to all of us! Running blind sounds like a good idea. And sometimes not signing up for all the races can be absolutely necessary for your sanity. I hope you do enjoy Chicago when the time comes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janelle! It's amazing how you get so swept up in the excitement of all the races out there, but then reality starts to hit once you actually have to go out and RUN them, LOL. Cheers to the experience of running Garminless (terrifying as it is)!!!
DeleteI hated my injury, and still resent the battle to get back to running, but over time, I realized I got caught up in having to train and having to race instead of seeing running as a fun hobby.
ReplyDeleteI hate my injuries, too. They are so stubborn. I've got them under control with my PT and stretching, but they are always there lurking in the corner. So I literally feel your pain with the frustrations of injury!
DeleteThanks Amanda - I know how much you can relate to this feeling! I was remembering all of your blog posts last year about running happy. So the first thing I did was go back through your blog to find your post about how you changed your mindset. I think you've got some amazing words of wisdom there and I intend to take your advice to the very core. Much appreciate all of your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI think you're on the right track. Pull back for a little while, do some cross training, and stop worrying about the ever persistent need to run better, faster, longer. Easier said than done, I know, but if you're not enjoying running and having injury issues, it's a must. Who knows, when you start doing more cross training, maybe you'll discover something new you'll love to do ... I'm imagining Jazzercise or Aerial Acrobatics or something equally showy and ridiculous. :-D
ReplyDeleteAfter all the issues I had last spring/summer in regards to running and personal health, it was kind of a relief to take running off my schedule for awhile. And amazingly, even though I haven't followed any kind of training program for a good 6-8 months, I can still pickup a fun 5K run every so often and still do ok (meaning, I can run the entire thing and still keep a sub 11 min/mile pace).
The hidden bonus in taking a break ... more free time to spend on myself. Though that did prove a bit of a problem in the shopping spree department. ;-)
Thanks for the thoughts, Natalie. Jazzercise!!! I'm remembering your experience at Jazzercise through Class Pass. ;-) I do love the idea of branching out and trying something showy and ridiculous, though. I'm actually going to be attending a Beginner Salsa dance class this afternoon. Baby steps, right?
DeleteI can certainly imagine that it would be a relief to take running off the schedule for awhile. The idea of having that kind of workout flexibility sounds awesome! It's also great to hear that you have been able to maintain your running fitness despite being focused on other things for awhile.
Oh yeah, I'm totally with you on the shopping spree department. I think I enjoy shopping for workout clothes and shoes more than I actually enjoy wearing them, haha!
I think the best way to get out of any kind of funk is to remember why you were doing it in the first place. Why do you like running? I totally got caught up with logging all the metrics (I love numbers) and working toward improvements too, so I get where you're at. Not to say either is bad, but running is a hobby and still needs to be something you enjoy and look forward to - not just another thing you HAVE to do, or need to stress about. I think your plan will help you regain your focus. Do it to get out of the house, to enjoy some fresh air, to see our beautiful city, etc.
ReplyDeleteReally, really great advice, Anne. I originally started running as a means to lose weight and get in shape. Early on, I didn't log my miles and I just wore a basic Timex watch that I barely looked at while running. And I would run just until I got tired - there was never any focus on hitting a certain distance. I love the idea of running now just to get fresh air and to sight-see, especially in the summertime. Thanks, Anne!
DeleteWell, I wrote a similar post a couple years ago - we've all been there!
Deletehttp://annereallyblogs.blogspot.com/2013/09/shouldnt-i-be-enjoying-this.html
I just went back to read that post and truer words have never been spoken. I especially relate to the fear of being left all alone during a fun run (which actually has happened to me, and I've never been back to that running club ever since). You're so right about how it's no big deal to slow down to run with others, too! But it's hard to think that way when I know others are slowing down to run with me, right?
DeleteI think it's totally acceptable to take a break from running when it stops being something fun. This past year, I ran I believe one time in all of January, and was really only running once a week for most of February as well. I had other priorities, and running had to fall by the wayside. I actually did the same thing after the marathon, too. I needed a break, so I took one, and it helped me want to run when the time came. Hopefully stepping away from it for a little while and finding other things to do instead will help you find your mojo again :)
ReplyDeleteBethany, I was reading your post today about the start of this year's marathon training cycle (haven't commented yet, but will shortly) and I relate so much to all of your thoughts. I think one of my biggest fears with taking a break from running is that I'll lose all the fitness that I built up. So it's great to hear that you took such a nice break from running in January and February, yet you were able to pick right back up where you left off. Thanks for the positive thoughts!
DeleteSorry to hear that your races have not been going as planned. Hopefully this next one will break the cycle. Goodluck in your training. Don't stress!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positivity! As good timing would have it, my very next race is one that benefits a local animal shelter. Lots of folks bring their pets out to cover the course with them! It's very heartwarming. I think this race is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to changing the focus!
DeleteYou are so right about short runs being so different from the long runs or races. Hal Higdon said in his training plan to do the long runs at a comfortable pace because "what matters is that you cover the prescribed distance. How quickly you do so doesn't matter." I try to remind myself of that, too. I am all about the high-fives and thanking the volunteers at races! It really does make a difference, you are right. Darn those bad days indeed!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's normal to get a little burned out. You are smart to realize it and take a step back. Doing something different helps. I plan to waterski this summer and let go of some of that running, even while training for a marathon. Mentally you've got to have a break too.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, waterskiing! Such a great way to change things up! There is no better summer activity than being out in the water and enjoying the scenery while on skis!
DeleteDo what you enjoy! It's summer and it's gonna be hot! Time to slow down, run less, and enjoy all the fun summer stuff in Chicago :)
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that your races feel like burdens. That is such a crummy feeling, and I have been there a few times.
I "run blind" with my Garmin quite a bit - I leave it on my wrist and just switch the view to overall time so I don't see all the stats :) Then I can just run and enjoy.
Here is hoping that after several weeks of very cold, rainy weather, that Chicago summertime is finally here to stay! Another trick that I've learned with running is to let go of any concerns over pace. When you run very slowly and comfortably, it's a lot more enjoyable and so much easier to get the miles in! It's great to run a race at a comfortable pace because you get the fun of the crowds without the pain of the exertion. Too bad race costs can add up so quickly, LOL.
DeleteInstead of completely ditching your running goals, I think you could change them. Maybe aim to cheer for fellow runners or high five x number of kids along the way. Fun stuff like that. I also loved your suggestion from before to run a regular route in a different way. That was bank for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions! I know that when I am spectating a race, I love it when the runners interact with me and feed off of my energy. It works in both directions! And I am so glad to hear that the suggestion of running the regular route in a different way has been good for you!!!
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