Confessions from a WISH member...

[timmac]

The winter season was a major bust for me. Between changing jobs, life circumstances, and various personal issues (that go beyond the scope of this message), I was largely very lazy. Didn't train hardly at all, and put on a good 20 pounds.

I've done a few 5k's to start out this spring season, and I definitely don't have what I used to. And honestly, though I'm doing better than I was in January, my motivation is still far from what it once was.

So, my question, how do you get yourselves out of a funk, when you find yourself in one?

 

[lisah0711]

Fake it 'till you make it, baby!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We hung out in the starting corral for the 2010 WDW marathon - we were both running the Goofy - and you said something that has stuck with me. "DNF = NFW" I've repeated that to myself so many times over the last 16 months... it's become a kind of personal mantra. I might just get it tattooed on my forehead.

That's just what you have to do; decide there is 'NFW' that this funk is going to beat you and go out and do it. Maybe a change in focus would help? I've been losing my running motivation so I switched to triathlon training... and suddenly it's all fun again! Find something that gets you motivated again and go out and do it!

 

[windwalker]

Been there done that to. Divorce, injury, illness, sometimes I want to ask God what it was I did so I can make amends. But my race walking is one of the positives that get me through.

Get out and do your training, make it a priority like food and air. Your training is your health and that makes everything better. Pick a race and start training for it, do it for you.

Dave

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Write the training plan in my planner and stick to it. I have done spreadsheets, maps, etc. because having something visual reminding me that I need to get my butt in gear helps. But, we have all been there - a break is so nice but a shiny medal is pretty nice too! The competitive side loves my Nike+ Sportband because when I plug it into my computer after doing my workout, the mileage starts to grow - and I am always wondering how many more miles until I am at the next level. There are times I don't want to stop running so that I get to the next level a lot faster!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I do just what is said. Put it on the planner and make the steps happen. Change up the routine, do something a bit different.
Also, just what you did. Come here, talk with friends and chatter about what was done, what's going to be done!

It is hard when the fun is missing.

Hope you find the fun.

 

[WVUFan]

I sign up for a longer race, because I know I will have to stick to a schedule in order to run it. I also run with someone 1-2 times a week which is a good balance for me of runnign alone yet being accountable to someone else.

 

[sue2]

Consider volunteering at a race or 2. Watching all the runners, from the speedsters at the front to the happy people at the back, normally puts things in perspective for me. And its always good for your race karma....

 

[jmasgat]

Tim,

All good advice so far, so let me add another thing. To quote Timon.....you gotta put the past behind you. Don't think about what you haven't done, or what you've done in the past and myabe can't do right now because that will just make you feel bad and keep you from getting out the door. Try to pretend you are new at this, and you are starting with a clean slate.

I also advocate "self-bribery".....anything that might motivate you, some little treat that you can reward yourself with if you get out there. Or a big treat....You could pick a place you want to go, count the miles to get there, and use your training to work off the miles. We used to do a cirtual version of this on the board--keeping track of our miles to DisneyWorld. It was a way to have a goal that we were reaching for.

Hope you find what works for you. I know for me, I need a plan. I stay better focused when I have a plan to follow.

Maura

 

[fashionista311]

Almost at this time last year, I got into a funk for like almost 2 months where I didn't run at all. I had just finished the princess half marathon - I knew I had another half coming up in the fall, but I was just totally unmotivated. Plus I was going through a rough time - I hated my job and knew I wanted to leave but had no idea what else I wanted to do with my life and my boyfriend had just lost his father. The longer I sat around, and ordered take out and drank wine instead of working out - the more daunting the idea of actually going for a run would be.

At some point i gave myself a good old kick-in-the-behind and said "*** are you doing this is RIDICULOUS" I signed up for a local 10k...and it was definitively more of a challenge than I expected...but I was able to keep my pace somewhat. I was more tired and sore than usual, but I was pleased to see all is not lost.

The good thing is your muscles have a memory, so when you do find yourself regularly training again, they will catch up pretty quick. I think the hardest part is to get started - when you are regularly running, the idea of not running for more than a day or 2 seems like the worst-thing-in-the-world. But the longer you stop for, the harder it is it to get started again.

Good luck! I'm sure you will be back in the swing of things in no time at all

 

[mla1977]

Hi Tim! Great to see you back on the boards! Don't worry about getting motivated. I'll just start texting you every day and ask you what you've done for your work out that day!

After the marathon and before the Princess I did nothing. Nothing. I still finished the Princess with the best half time that I had in over a year though. I also felt it for days after and was very angry with myself for not training properly. DL training for me started Tuesday and Dopey training starts in 6 weeks!

Here's your motivation:

I need as many people as possible to roll me across the finish line in January, and I full expect to see you there too! Get moving!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I was sort of in the same situation - sprained my ankle in January and gained some weight as a result of not being active enough and adjusting my eating. I only started running about a month ago and still can't run 5K continuously. It takes a bit of time to get your running back to the level that it use to be.

I think you've got a good plan of starting out with a few smaller races. Look into some bigger ones and think about registering. Maybe you can convince friends, neighbours or coworkers to register with you can help to motivate and encourage each other. Are there running groups near you? It might be a good way to meet some new people, learn about new races etc.

The races are the one thing that keep me motivated to train! I have a 5K coming up and am hoping to PR it. Maura has some great advice - start with a clean slate, look forward and think of the good things to come.

Good luck!