Confession time.
Since Princess, I’ve noticed a change – a change that began after the New Orleans Marathon. Rock ‘n’ Roll NOLA was such a tough race for me and I didn’t do as well as I hoped…I think that was really when I fell into a rut and had a lot of trouble getting back out.
For a while, running in the afternoons after work no longer seemed exciting to me. Here in the South, our days become hotter and more humid as we grow closer to Summer. With no long distance races to train for until the Fall, I completely lost all forms of motivation for running.
In general, I feel as if running is supposed to be a passion and something you enjoy – if you don’t feel that way, then you’re going to begin resenting it. So, I knew something had to change.
In it’s place, I began an at home workout that I really liked – it was one that kept my heart pumping and helped me work up a sweat. I really enjoyed the workout and loved the change.
Then…one afternoon, I realized something…..I missed it. I truly missed running. It was late one night last week and we just returned home from eating with my parents. I had a ton of energy I didn’t know what to do with and I couldn’t take it any longer. So, I laced up my shoes and I went for a run!
It was a short run – only 2 miles – but it felt invigorating and I felt alive, as if something had woken up inside of me and said, “Hello! I’m here and I’ve been here all along – remember me? You do truly love this!”
To say I had an “aha” moment recently, yes…even though small, it was there. I’m incredibly grateful for it because I finally feel as if I have my mojo back. Thank goodness, it was about time.
This Pinterest motivation sums up exactly how I feel.
Have you ever lost your excitement and motivation for running/working out? If so, how did you reclaim it?
I've felt like this a lot lately...I'm hoping that'll change here soon! Glad you got your mojo back :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen! Hope you find yours again, too! :0)
DeleteAfter this year's WDW Half, I took a self-imposd hiatus in order to heal an injury. By week 3, I thought I was going to implode. That first run back last week was slow, achy, and ugly. But it was RUNNING! Yippee!
ReplyDeleteYes! I know exactly what you mean! Glad your injury healed - those are the worst!
DeleteGood for you Karen! I think with training so hard that it's normal to lose your mojo for a while. But we always come back don't we? :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right! :0)
DeleteSometimes you just need a little break from running, but I do believe that we will always come back. Running is a part of us! I am so glad to hear you got your mojo back!! :0)
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! Thanks, Lauren!
DeleteVery cool! I had someone write in to me asking about how to get their running motivation back, and one of my pieces of advice was to quit running. If it's something you should be doing, you'l start to miss it ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://kylekranz.com/qa-love-your-run-again/
That's the truth!! I couldn't agree more!
DeleteThank you for posting this! It's good to know there are others who get into those times where we need a break from running. This year, I've run One 5K, One 10K, Three Half Marathons and One Full Marathon. Honestly, I'm so excited about a break from races until the Dumbo Double Dare! I'm looking forward to having less miles to run and knowing that I don't have to run 10 miles or more until the end of July! At the end of my half marathon this past Sunday, I could tell that I've lost that mojo and am hopeful that a break in the race calendar can help me find it again.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that a more experienced runner as yourself has gone through this and come out on the other side is very encouraging for this relative newbie. So, thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! I think we all fall into a rut sometimes. Hope you are able to find yours again, too!
DeleteI think sometimes a break is something we all need. I took two full weeks off from running after Dopey and never missed it at all. I only run 3 times a week and I think that might be the key to not getting burned out!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right! Breaks are nice, sometimes!
DeleteThat's why I'm trying barefoot.. Need something different and new..
ReplyDeleteThat's good, Sarah! I hope it works for you and gives you the change you need! :0)
DeleteThat's been happening to me a lot lately. It comes and goes despite having to train for a few long distance races. I've also been spending more time in the gym because of it and have taken up yoga again.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for taking a break. Sometimes that's all you need.
I agree, Jewell...sometimes that's all you need. Glad you've found other things to do as well!
DeleteI am working on getting my mojo back too. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHope you find yours as well! :0)
DeleteWhen I found out that I had to back out of the Big Sur Marathon I was kind of down in the dumps and didn't even care anymore about running. But I think all the recovery time I had to take off has got me excited to get back out there and try again. I think its all about balance and doing a mix of the stuff you like. You don't want to get burnt out. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThat's very true! Glad you are feeling better...I know how hard it is to back out of a race. :0(
DeleteI'm definitely in a funk this week and I'm hoping that'll change soon.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, hope you are able to overcome it soon!
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