A little help please :)

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Hey guys,

I have a problem! I am in a running funk I have been having a really tough training season this year, but I was managing to push through. But then I ran the W&D the other weekend, and like many others I had a pretty tough time . the problem is that now I can't seem to get myself out the door to run again - it's like I am mad at running I have ran a total of 3 miles since W&D and the were forced and torturous! I can't seem to get myself out the door, and when I do it's no fun whatsoever

I am in college full time, applying to transfer, the officer of 3 separate clubs, working, and volunteering 7 hours a week. So I would happily forgo running for a little while if I could, but I have signed up for Goofy and I am sure as heck not going to let my $310 go to waste I HAVE to get on with training, but I just don't know how to re-motivate myself - I have never had this problem!

HELP PLEASE! Will my running mojo come back? And how can I make running fun again?

Thanks as always

Kirsty

 

[FFigawi]

Best way I know of to get it back is to go out running just for fun. Don't even think about it as part of your training program, just go out for a jog to get away from everything else that's going on. Leave all headphones, watches, and GPS devices at home. Just run how you feel, enjoy the sights and sounds around you, and don't think about anything else other than what you can see and hear happening. Whether you go 2 miles or 20 miles doesn't matter. You just need to go be happy and have fun and not look at it or treat it as something have to do but something you want to do.

 

[bounceliketigger]

Wow, you have a packed schedule! I'm glad you posted this too. I'm having the same trouble, add on major knee issues. I think mainly now I'm mad & afraid to get into a 'competitive' situation.

That said, I agree w/ John wholeheartedly. While I'm not under the gun for another big race, it does seem that the only way to get it back is to take it back for fun, at least initially. Take the pressure off your runs so you remember what you liked about it tot begin with.
(and new gear always helps too!

good luck

 

[marathonmommy]

Wow, you have a packed schedule! I'm glad you posted this too. I'm having the same trouble, add on major knee issues. I think mainly now I'm mad & afraid to get into a 'competitive' situation.

That said, I agree w/ John wholeheartedly. While I'm not under the gun for another big race, it does seem that the only way to get it back is to take it back for fun, at least initially. Take the pressure off your runs so you remember what you liked about it tot begin with.
(and new gear always helps too!

good luck

I agree with the new gear!

 

[rubato]

I agree with everyone also. I'm sorry to hear you're struggling, but we've all been there before. Take a break from serious running. Get out there and relax. Then, when you're ready, get back to training. I don't know what your goals are for the half and full, but, depending on where you get with a revised training schedule, you may just have to rethink that goal. Just relax and take it easy.

 

[evhorizon]

It sounds like a typical case of the post-race blues. Everyone deals with it differently. After a couple of weeks down time, I will generally force myself to stick to a routine and run even if it's not fun. The exercise will keep your energy level up while you mentally recover from the race.

Maybe put a new CD on your iPod, try different running routes (go exploring), trail running vs road running, etc. Just something to make it "different". Sometimes that's enough for your brain to break the association of running with the grinding high mileage burnout you may be feeling.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Oh, Kirsty, I'm right there with you. I've been injured since Wine & Dine (my left heel) and I'm getting very nervous about Goofy training. I like the idea of just going for a casual jog every now and then and not looking at the training schedule until you feel ready. Good luck getting back into the swing of things.

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Thanks guys

It's good to know I am not in the running funk boat alone I like the idea of just running without any gadgets - I always get so focused on how I am doing speed wise that I make myself mad if I don't go fast enough. Maybe some garmin free time is on the charts!

I have been sick all weekend - which doesn't help because it's a wonderful excuse! But I am feeling a little better today, so I am thinking I might go for a swim - partly because it de-stresses me (which I really need right now) and partly because I am still a little sick and breathing while running might be hard (and then I will just beat myself up more)

Thanks everyone for your help

 

[FFigawi]

It's good to know I am not in the running funk boat alone I like the idea of just running without any gadgets - I always get so focused on how I am doing speed wise that I make myself mad if I don't go fast enough. Maybe some garmin free time is on the charts!

You might be surprised with how fast you run without your Garmin. I've been leaving mine on a mode where I can't see my pace or mileage while I run, and I've been 15-20 seconds faster per mile than I was when I was checking it every few minutes.

 

[cobbler]

You are not the only one. I have been out once for a 3 miler since W&D and I have another 1/2 coming up on Saturday... Thankfully this half doesn't have any timing requirements - whew. I saw that last year people were coming in just under 4 hours which I can do about 3:15:00 walking..

Anyway I feel your pain.

 

[bounceliketigger]

Kirsty--there's nothing more fun than a nice trail run in the Bikilas!