I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t Motivation Monday posts supposed to be positive? Hear me out.
Several years ago I had just completed my second Chicago Marathon. I PR’d by a few minutes but I really overall would consider it a lackluster run. I was burnt out. I was done.
I came back from Chicago and while letting my body rest from the race, I did a lot of thinking. I remember texting my husband from work saying, “I think I am going to leave the marathon running to you from now on.” I’d had enough at the time and the fun had been taken away.
Of course, you’ve all heard the story before – I took 3 months off and focused on strength training with occasional cardio here and there. It was nice for a change of focus and pace, but eventually the itch to run came back.
I started running little bits, and I remember the turning point very vividly. I went out for a run one Sunday and ended up doing a total of 10 miles. I didn’t go out with the plan to run 10 miles, but I knew I wanted to run a “longer” run and so I just went with it.
I went slow, I didn’t even know what my body would be capable of, but I remember feeling rejuvenated.
I’d been so focused on training for a race for so long I forgot what it was to run for the pure enjoyment of running. I forgot what it was to just go run and not “have to get in a 6 mile run after work.” My mind had completely stopped looking at running as fun and had turned it into a job.
Running should never feel like a job.
I’m not saying that every day when you go out your run is going to feel amazing. Your still going to have the days where it takes an extra push to get out the door. I’m talking about when you are forcing yourself to run because you feel like you have to.
I lost the passion, the drive and the enjoyment of running. My body needed a break and I actually listened to it.
As I began getting back into running I always remembered this time. I made sure to never make running a chore but rather a privilege. If I was training for a race or not – it had to be something that I truly wanted to do.
So now to the point, what do you do when running isn’t fun anymore?
Try Something New
Get out there and try something you have never done before. It doesn’t matter what it is. We all will eventually find that thing that really “clicks.” For me, running clicked (even when I got burnt out), but for others sometimes running just isn’t their thing and that’s okay.
Try to Remember WHY You Run
We all start running for a reason. Whether it is just to try something new, lose weight, be competitive, because everyone else is doing it or just because we were bored.
The start is not the problem, the problem comes from our reason we continue running.
The reasons I continue running?
- The feeling I get when I am running
- The joy that no other form of exercise has ever been able to bring me
- To accomplish my goals and dreams
The bottom line is I knew that deep down the reason I run is for the joy of it. The racing, speed, and goals are all secondary to the pure joy that running brings me.
What if your reasons for running are:
- Because everyone else is doing it
- I don’t know what else to do
You can run even if you don’t love it, but to make it such a big part of your life is just going to eventually make you miserable. You should instead focus on finding something you love that you look forward to even on the hard days.
Remember, you run for YOU
One question I used to always debate with myself was: was I running for ME or to do something that I can relate to my husband about?
After the 2012 Chicago Marathon I really thought the reason I was running was to do something with him. After taking the time away for 3 months I realized I was wrong. Sure, I love being able to relate to him on some level (though I’ll never fully relate in the same way) but I realized that I truly loved running for ME. I loved what it made me, the confidence I got from it and the joy that it brought me day in and day out.
Ask yourself, who are you running for?
There is probably someone in your life or a circumstance in your life that triggered you to begin to run. At the end of the day make sure you are running for you and no one else.
Do what you love. Regardless of what that is.
Running can be a beautiful thing, but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. I found out that it was for me and it at the end of the day I would always come back to it.
For some, their thing is Cross Fit, walking, hiking, weight lifting or any of the other many options out there. The best thing you can do for YOU is to find what makes you happy and go do it! If it’s good for you, good for your body and good for your health – that’s all that matters!
Have you ever come to a point where you got burnt out from running?
What is another form of fitness you love?
Great Post! This is something I go through often. This is my second attempt at marathon training and I for me, somewhere after mile 10 it starts to feel like a job. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, its like you said, the pressure to HAVE to get a run in, to HAVE to stick to a schedule, it becomes that job instead of a hobby.
When I hit my running rut I change up my route, buy some new gear, or better…. run with a friend. Company on a run really turns it from a job to a hobby! Thankful for my running friends who help me through the long miles of marathon training!
Great tip Katie! Yes, running with others helps so much!
I think everyone has their “happy distance” and I think that is important to find as well. Whether it is 5k, 10k, 1/2 or full marathon everyone has their distance. I love marathons and halfs the best. They are just my happy distance.
I hope one day i can make a marathon my happy distance 😉 inspiring !
You can do anything you want to do Katie 🙂 As long as you love it!
I have to laugh – my post today is very similar in some ways, though mine is about dealing with the lingering cold and finding motivation when you are done slogging through winter …
But ultimately you need to use some of the same tactics – distract yourself to keep yourself going and find a place that lets you objectively evaluate exactly how you are doing and what you really want to be doing.
There is also the potential health / medical side – if you cannot get yourself energized to run for a while, it is worth seeing if there are causes related to your health or fueling. In my case it was my thyroid dying, and normalizing my medications after that.
Yes that is true. When I have longer or tougher runs I always have to make sure I am fueling properly to get through the run! There is a definitely a health/medical side to it as well.
Sometimes you just need a kick out the door, but I’ve seen too many people that try to force themselves to run because everyone else is doing it. It’s not a bad thing but at some point if you don’t enjoy it – it isn’t worth it. Everyone should find what type of exercise makes them happy! 🙂
P.S. I may have to use your tactics to get out there today 😉 It’s COLD!
The only time running hasn’t been fun for me was when I first started 🙂 and when i started pushing myself to achieve more ego driven goals. Otherwise I run for fun
That’s great Amanda! I only went through that one spell where I needed a break, and after that it reminded me that I need to begin running for fun again. Of course I can train when I want but first and foremost it has to be FUN! 🙂
Great post! I can completely relate to this. I ran NYC Marathon this past November, and it was a great run. My mom and I PRed by 33 minutes…and it was just an amazing race. But since then, I’ve barely been running. I have ran many 2-3 miles a handful of times. Like you said, I just needed a break. This whole winter I’ve been going to the gym and lifting instead, along with some classes. And now as it gets warmer I do have the running bug again! I think sometimes we just need a break mentally and physically. It’s easy to look at other runners or running bloggers and think “oh they run so much I need to keep running too.” But it’s important to do what you feel is right for you. Now I’m ready to start up again and go after that 5K PR!
Glad to hear I am not the only one who has gone through this. I think a big part of mine was I wasn’t training and eating properly which all play a big roll! I fixed some of those issues and now can focus both on the FUN of running and also training to meet new goals (which is also fun when done properly!)
Good luck in starting back up your training!! 🙂
Yes!! I actually just caught myself in this trap yesterday. After I “failed” to meet my marathon goal recently, I jumped right back into training and thought I would hop into another full just 4 weeks after my previous one. On my long run yesterday, I just didn’t WANT to do it … which is a problem in itself! So, I made the decision on the spot to cut the run short whenever I wanted to, and I’m going to go with the flow for the next 2 weeks and see how I feel. It’s far more important to me to enjoy the run and appreciate the fact that I’m running, than it is to squeeze in another marathon right now! Great post!
Good for you for listening to your body Megan! It is so easy for us to get trapped in our goals that we forget the fun of it. Hopefully the next 2 weeks will give you some clarity as to what your body can handle! Keep me posted 🙂
I would do almost anything to make running FUN! hahaha I do a slow, weird-looking jog on my treadmill, which is never fun, but it’s all I can seem to muster lately. This is some good motivation, makes me wonder if I did it more regularly, COULD it become fun? Hmmmm…..
🙂
Sometimes we just have to cut ourselves a break and be creative in coming up with new ideas! 🙂 Hope you are able to find some enjoyment! If not, there are always lots of other options too. Sometimes throwing other forms of exercise in helps as well.
I got a bit burned out after fall marathon training. I took a couple months off, only running a handful of times during the winter. I slowly got back into it, and found enjoyment in running again
Sounds a lot like what I went through! 🙂 sometimes we just need a break before getting back into it – and that’s OK!
Great tips. I think the releasing time goals/races, watches, etc. advice is the best. We sometimes sap the fun out of it by putting too much pressure on ourselves with time goals. Glad you found the love again!
This is so true! Sometimes the best runs are just leaving all technology at home and getting out there!
I totally know where you are coming from, you need to listen to your body. I just started running again last week (after taking 5 weeks off in the middle of Boston Marathon Training, due to a foot injury). Starting back up again has made me feel defeated, but I know I can do this. Sometimes your body is trying to tell you something and you need a break. Love your blog!
Thanks Kristin! I hope your 5 weeks off has helped and that you are staying strong! Injury comebacks are hard (in fact I have a post about this tomorrow) and I am going through this right now myself. I am slowly coming back and enjoying every minute even the hard ones!
I love these tips. I really think a lot of people (including myself) get caught up in running for time and what song is playing in your ears. Some of my best runs have happened when I couldn’t find my headphones or GPS watch and decide to head out with my dog. Love the post. Thanks for sharing. I definitely think I’ll be bookmarking this for the next time I catch myself in a slump!
This is so true! Sometimes we just need to head out and not think about it, leave the technology at home, and enjoy the run! 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one….I got burnt out last year after training for a half pr. It took me 2 1/2 months to even want to run again.. but then I remembered why I love running! I’m training for another spring half… but making sure to enjoy my runs, not feel burdened by them.
Also… I read a previous post that you and your hubby have matched!! That’s awesome and I’m jealous… match day is friday for us and I couldn’t be more ready. Best of luck with your move! 🙂
That is so awesome! Good luck to you!! What are you top choices? It’s such an exciting time but now I have to figure out all this moving stuff! haha
Sometimes we need a break and its good for our body. We come back better than we were before!
I’m hoping for somewhere warm… like Tucson, AZ or San Antonio, TX… but we’ll see. 🙂
Good luck! Keep me posted 🙂
Great post! Even if I had bad run I usually have a good one within the week that changes my crappy mood towards running 🙂
Yes with every bad run there is a good run just around the corner 🙂
I’m actually in somewhat of a running-rut right now. I think it’s what tends to happen around the winter months– since it’s so cold out, I use the treadmill, which i get so bored of after 45 minutes so i lose my endurance for longer distance. lately i’ve started doing speed intervals on the treadmill to help keep things interesting, but i haven’t run more than 5 miles in months and i’m signed up for a half in a month. i want do the philly full this year (would be my first full) but not sure how the training will go. i was planning to sign up for it after the half and then start seriously training in the summer months when it’ll be nicer out… but my calves/ankles have also been feeling weird lately. i guess i’ll see how i feel as i go, but i’m really hoping that when the weather gets better, i can explore some new routes that will make running fun again.
We all go through ruts I think. That is great that you are learning look tricks with the treadmill! We have awful winters here so I end up getting stuck on the treadmill a lot as well. Intervals are a great way to break them up – or try putting on a movie or TV show sometimes that helps me when I have a longer run.
Thankfully the weather will be getting better soon – hopefully that will help you! 🙂
I find that disconnecting (no watch or iPod) and going for a run just based on how I feel makes me remember why i love running so much!
Yes that really does help! I agree Hayley!
I love your suggestion to try something new. When running becomes a chore, I think it’s great to hop on a bike, go for a swim, or try pilates! Who knows, you might end up loving it, and then you’ll be writing a blog about your profound love of like….cycling or something!
Yep exactly! Sometimes we just need a break to really get back to appreciating it! You never know what other things you might love just as much if you give them a try!
OH yeah Very familiar with this feeling. I took a couple years off of racing. I still ran but on my terms. Then after a couple of years I was ready to go again. My mind and body needed the break. And during this “break” I fell in love with Strength Training. I met an amazing group of girls at the gym and we lift, take strength classes etc. It was such a win/win to take this break. So glad to hear others have these challenges too. Happy Monday!!!!!
Happy Monday to you too!! Glad to hear I am not the only one who has gone through this. Ever since that short 3 month period a few years ago I have been good to go with running, but I guess my body just needed a break PLUS I too fell in love with strength training during that time and learned SO much!
I have been struggling with this for about a year now. I keep signing up for races because I want the medals and my friends are running them, but my heart hasn’t been in it and it has really showed come race day. My last couple of races I have shown up and felt like I had zero interest in actually running the race.
Sometimes taking a break and focusing on other things for a while is a good thing. You will either eventually become rejuvenated for running or you will find something else you love!
You know what I think is awesome? That you always take time to reply to every comment.
Thank you Susan 🙂 I love reading every single comment!
I know it means a lot to me & I am sure it means a lot to your other readers! Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Hi I might be a bit late with my comment… but anyway here it is. It’s very comforting to read these comments. I’m in the middle of a ‘running low’ at the moment. I ran my first marathon last year and being on an incredible high, decided to travel half way around the world to run the Paris Marathon 6 months later. In the time between the first marathon in Melbourne and the Paris Marathon I tore my half muscle, had a hernia op and nursed bursitis in my feet. I still managed to complete the Paris Marathon….. however it’s really taken it’s toll. I am now training for the Melbourne Marathon and I’m struggling. The euphoria has worn off and its become a chore. I’ve decided to (gasp!) cut down on my training load, not stress if I can’t complete the kms scheduled for the day and to be a bit kinder to my body. Let’s hope I recapture the freedom of the run that inspired me at the start.
Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I am so glad to hear that you found some encouragement from the post! I have been there. I have been burnt out and I took 2-3 months completely off of running. It’s not always easy and sometimes it is our bodies way of telling us that we need a break. Don’t worry about it! Sometimes you just have to run for YOU. Sometimes I like to train for a race and sometimes I just like to relax and run. Breaking away always makes me come back rejuvenated and ready to go again!
I am late reading this, but I wanted to say thank you for this post. I really needed it! I signed up for a half to try to get my motivation back thinking if I was back on a training plan it would help, but it has only made me feel guilty when I miss my runs. My body doesn’t feel good anymore after my runs, but it feels worse when I don’t run! I like your advice to find what makes you happy – meaning maybe I can cut back on my running and mix it up with something else like dusting off my mountain bike and hitting the trails – and not feel guilty anymore! Thanks so much!! Sometimes the obvious just needs to be said by someone else for it to click. 🙂
Finally I’ve found someone who understands! I was a halfer and then decided to try a full. It was awesome… and then I got talked into a 50k trail run. That run killed me. It took my running spirit and just snuffed it out. Since then, I’ve watched my running partner outpace me and I feel so left behind. Our running group has become very ultra focused and felt that not only have I lost my mojo, I’ve lost my support. I hate ultras… I don’t want running to be a job. I’m working on getting my love of running back. It’s coming, but it’s been a lonely road. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not completely alone out here! – Colleen
Thank you for this post. I got into distance running and triathlons last year and have trained hard. I did my first half marathon in July as part of a series to get entry into a 10 mile race next month. This is my third or fourth year of running, and I’ve loved it since I started because I didn’t take it very seriously and I added miles slowly. I’ve lost that feeling of curiosity, though, in all the regimented training I’ve been following. I think this is something I need to be mindful of. I was already planning to take a break after my race next month and enjoy the achievement, and then take some serious time off of doing races when and if I do decide put on my running shoes again. What you said about finding joy in running again spoke deeply to me. I’ve done too many races sharing time with people who are burnt out on running and hate it, but feel they have to do it. I put too much work into conditioning my body for the run, and frankly running is too awesome to let overtraining get in the way of enjoying it. This was the motivation I needed to grab my shoes and get ready to train for this next month.
So glad you enjoyed the post Dylan! Sometimes we all have to go back to what originally made us love running. I think often people get too far away from it and forget the true purpose. Hope you have a GREAT run! 🙂
Thanks for this post! Training to much feels like a job right now despite best pr’s and such. Need to change it up! Fall in love w/ running again…