As runners, there are times when, well, we just don’t feel like running. If you feel like you’ve lost your mojo, here are 5 ways to get it back.
1. Variation: Like anything else, if you do the same thing over and over, running can become boring. The same route, the same workout, the same time of day, they can all become routine, and can lead to boredom and lack of motivation. If you tend to run the same route, try changing it up. Even reversing your loop can feel different. If you usually run on the flats, try some hills. If you run on asphalt, find some trails. Try running at a different time of day. Variation is the spice of life and of running.
2. Go Watch-less (and GPS-less): Runners, especially when training for an event, can get very hung up on the time/distance factor. You may feel pressured, especially if your run the same route, to hit the same targets every run. You are always timing, measuring, pushing, and frankly, that can start to wear on you. Try leaving the electronics at home and just go out and run. Don’t worry about your speed, your distance, or anything that usually presses you. Enjoy the feeling of the ground under your feet, the wind through your hair, sun on your face. It will help you remember why you love running in the first place.
3. Try the 5 Minute Rule: Say you are scheduled to run and you don’t feel like it. You really, really don’t feel like it. You are tired, stressed, too busy and you just don’t want to run. Try the 5 minute rule. Promise yourself that once you get out on the road, if, after 5 minutes you still feel the same way, you can stop. As simple as that. You can stop running after 5 minutes if you want to. Chances are, once you’re there, you will want to go on, but if you don’t, that’s okay, go on home knowing you gave it your best shot.
4. Crosstrain: We have limited training time in our days, so it’s possible that if you are training for an event, you may have put your time and focus on running, to the exclusion of every other kind of training. Cross training can be beneficial in many ways. Strength training can balance your muscle development and strengthen your core, which can help prevent injuries. Swimming is a great non-impact activity that complements running and works your upper body. Cycling is also non-impact, and can help you build your endurance while giving your body a break. There are many ways to stay fit and healthy, and give your training a change of pace.
5. Rest: If you are feeling tired and unmotivated, it may be your body trying to tell you something. Taking an extra day (or even two) off can re-energize you. When you push your limits day after day, you need the time to recover both mentally and physically from your efforts. Increases in strength and speed actually happen during your recovery time, as your body repairs itself from its efforts. That, along with the mental stress of working out day after day, getting up early, always having a training “agenda” can wear you down. Don’t be afraid to take a weekend, sleep in, don’t work out at all, or do something completely different like a hike with the family. You won’t lose your fitness. In fact, you may improve it by getting the rest that you need.
By taking the time to analyze your lack of motivation, you can make some changes and put the oomph back in your running.
Reposted with Permission from Coach Debbie Runs