It may seem intimidating. On the outside running looks like it has EVERYTHING---The good hair, the coolest clothes, and seems "easy". Most people won't even talk about running because it seems intimidating, but then you fall in love, and before you know it you're hooked.
Some odd years later you still are in that running relationship but the spark starts to dull and you question if you've grown apart or just grown comfortable. It can be a very confusing time filled with doubts, worries, skipped runs, and even a lack of joy (all things we don't want)
You're left with the question: Should I stay or should I go?
We don't want to see you break up with running, we want to see you go the distance (5ks, 10ks, half/full marathons, ultras---the possibilities are ENDLESS!)
The answer is you should stay because running IS fun, even when it's not. The key is to interject FUN into the run and find the small joys the sport brings.
Here are some ideas and points to consider when your runs are lacking fun:
Sign up for a fun run: color runs, beer miles, and local 5k's are all great ways to get your miles in without taking it too seriously. Not sure what's around you? Check out https://race-find.com/us to find races sorted by distance, dates, and cities!
Take a page out of Coach Christine's book: and be a bit promiscuous with your running pals! Keep your mind out of the gutter---we are meaning to try new running groups! A great site to check out is the RRCA's registry for some of the groups in your town. If none of those speak to you put out a post to your social media groups/local running store for who THEY recommend.
Hire a running coach: While both of us LOVE working with our 1:1 athletes to help them progress, we also enjoy how we can write fresh workouts, test their strength, and maybe even throw in a dance cardio day into the mix! Even the best runners in the world need new input, ideas, and challenges--we get excited to be that sparkle! We both have a limited amount of spots on our rosters and are happy to chat to see if we'd be a good fit! You are always welcome to email us at info@timeforbrunch.com with any questions or to schedule a FREE intro call.
Reconnect with your body: This could mean taking a step back from running and trying a new activity: dancing, yoga, biking, swimming, etc. Moving your body the way that brings you joy vs chasing the lust can often reinvigorate the WHY we run and reel it back to the basics. I've been enjoying yoga SO much lately and in turn, enjoyed my runs more. My body feels better than it had, my breathing has improved, and it's made running happy vs feeling like a chore. Two faves are Yoga with Adriene and Eden Loves Life
Say NO to races: Maybe racing once brought you joy but now feels like a time suck. Being constantly on the grind not only wears down the body and is unsustainable but also will wreak havoc on your mental well-being as well. With everyone sharing medals and post-race selfies it can be hard to say NO to events but often taking that step back can leave you feeling refreshed and excited to run for the sake of running vs a goal/next race. This could be a great time to look at introducing different workouts/routes vs upping distances/being in a training cycle.
Above all else, we urge you to remember that at the end of the day, running is supposed to be fun, and while goals, PRs, and medals are enticing--NOTHING is better than the joy of miles and smiles ❤️
Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.” - Julie Isphording, former Olympic runner.
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