Not doing the best in my training for Dopey Challenge in January. I am getting frustrated with myself and my lack of improving despite me never wanting to do something so bad in my life.
Please tell me I am not the only one!
Any words of wisdom or tips you can offer to help get me out of this blah state I am in today?
Thank you!!
First off, I'd say your motivation is pretty dang high considering what you signed up for- congratulations for that! But, to reply to your concern, I know what you are going through and experienced that feeling multiple times during my training last year and had an "off" week just last week in my training as well. Here are the tips I can offer:
1) if there is any way that you can change up your "normal" training route or workout, I would definitely recommend it. I've found that by running a new route, I'm often more interested in my surroundings and less concerned with how I feel. Running at a different time of day (if possible) can also help sometimes. Better yet, if there is a running group that meets near you- maybe try to meet up with them once a week or every other week, or even just a single buddy- knowing that they are out there waiting always motivates me toget out the door.
2) set your short term goals a bit lower than your long term goals. you already have an awesome goal that you're training for, but that doesn't mean you need to make HUGE strides in your speed or agility every week. If you're really concerned about seeing improvement, try adding a few strides or sprints into one of your weekday runs (not the long run). I've found that, even if I'm not running faster the whole time, those extra bursts of energy have increased my endurance and make me feel like I've had a more successful workout than if I had just gone out and chugged along.
3) try listening to some music, or if you already do that- try a radio broadcast. I personally don't listen to music on most of my runs, except on shorter race days, because I feel too dependent on it. But on days where I'm really lacking the motivation, music definitely helps lessen the pain. If you already listen to music, my DBF often downloads radio broadcasts or audio shows to his iPod (comedy and sports specifically) and listens to those while he runs. He says it helps take your mind off what you're doing.
4) as another poster replied, picture your goal. Imagine yourself running down main st in the dark morning hours, or crossing those finish lines. Chances are, you'll want to be able to enjoy every second of it (even if you're crying with joy like I was). Visualizing how important those moments are to you might help motivate you to train a bit harder.
5) try reading some motivational running books/stories. We've all read runners world and other magazines, but sometimes those can be more intimidating than motivating. I just finished reading both of Dean Karnazes' books and I absolutely loved them. Even though I could never fathom running the distances he does, it's really refreshing to read such an inspirational yet down-to-earth and realistic account. I also just read Chicken Soup for the Runners Soul and found many of the short essays to be motivational. Next up on my list is Born to Run. Maybe you'll find some of these motivational too!
6) treat yourself to a new running accessory. It could be a new pair of sneakers, new shorts, or even as simple as a new headband. It may sound silly but ive often found just a simple change in running attire can help.. Even my DBF just HAD to go out immediately for a run after buying himself a new watch
7) this sort of goes along with finding a local running group, but I've found that it really helps to surround yourself with people who are positive and active in their lives as well. At 23 and 24, my DBF and I often feel misunderstood by many of our friends since we always choose to run or go to bed early rather than hitting the bar- they think we are miserable and antisocial rather than happy and energetic. We've been trying to associate more with our friends with similar lifestyles and it has made everything a lot easier (not to say we have ostracized ourselves, just need to be surrounded by other passionate people)
8) even if you have a miserable long run, talk about it with other people as though it was exciting. There were several Sunday afternoons last year where I'd find myself at some football party after a long, agonizing run. Rather than harping on how horrible I felt at mile 14, I'd simply tell people how far I went with a big smile on my face. More often than not, I found that by modestly bragging about my accomplishment (which in all reality totally stunk), I felt a lot better.
9) reward yourself!! We give our pets treats when they behave admirably- sometimes you have to do the same for yourself. Plan something for yourself for AFTER your workout- in moderation of course. Treat yourself to a long bath, have a drink you haven't had in a while or do something that you love that isn't exercising (for me it's photography or reading a new book). I'm hesitating from saying eating something because I've found that doesn't my always make me feel better, but hey- one cupcake can't kill ya.
10) don't be too hard on yourself. Bad days, bad weeks- these happen. What you are doing is incredible and you will be changed once you accomplish it. Do the best you can to get as excited about your trip and your running as you can and remember, if you feel absolutely exhausted or your body is hurting more than normal- one day off won't kill your training and sometimes does more good than pushing yourself would. If you have the energy, try adding cross training into your schedule to mix things up. Life gets in the way sometimes- it's abnormal for it NOT to.
I hope these help!! Don't give up
The storyline is addictive and compelling, and you WANT to run more to hear the next part of the story. And 3-4 times during each run, you're chased by hoards of zombies (you can turn this off if you're just not in the mood) - which is awesome speed work for people who hate speed work. I could not break an 11 minute mile before starting using the app in April, but now i'm running 9 and 10 minute miles with no trouble. Also, you have the same characters that you run with during each "mission" and (and this sounds stupid, I know!) it makes it almost like having someone fun to run with every day..... even if they are talking about knocking the heads off of zombies and making bad zombie puns, most days. 
