How to fall back in love with running

BigBigBertha

Hi, has anyone else lost their love of running and managed to find it again?

I completed C25K about a month ago and I couldn't wait to go out running three times a week. I was planning to get straight on a 10k training programme, but I seem to have lost all motivation. Running's become more like a chore, and I keep giving up and walking home after a couple of miles. It's really frustrating since it really used to make my day and I felt like I was improving all the time. Now I feel like I can barely run two miles and I really don't enjoy it.

So has anyone got any tips on how to shake off this feeling and start looking forward to running again?

rduhlir

Are you running at the same places all the time? Just like any activity, you need to mix it up or else you will become bored with it. For example, drive to a park you have never been to before. Bring in hills, intervals, speed sets, long runs, etc... Always mix it up. Mix up the times too. Hot weather climatize, go in the morning and watch the sun rise, or go at night and watch the sun set (make sure you wear reflective clothing to be seen).

likitisplit

It's so common that there are numerous articles about it:

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/falling-love-again?page=single

http://www.erunningguide.com/running/running-motivation-5-ways-get-back-your-running-mojo

Have you actually started your 10k program? For many (if not most) runners, being on a defined plan with a race to look forward to is what it takes for us to stay inspired.

I use the SmartCoach program on Runners World and write the workouts on my big calendar. Then I check them off in red when I've completed the workout (note: I do rearrange days according to what is happening that week. For instance, I usually do speed work, if I have it, on Thursdays. But, if it works out better to do my long run then, that's what I'll do.)

BigBigBertha

Thanks for the suggestions and links. I guess I should mix it up. I've mainly been running in the same area, I've been avoiding different times and places mainly because I feel a bit vulnerable running on my own in new places, but I guess it is time to investigate a new route.

I didn't start the 10k plan, I've been struggling to find the motivation to even do that. Plus, I've kind of lost a bit of confidence in my running ability that I'll be able to add a mile every week.

Looks like it might be time to change up the route, playlist, suck it up and start that 10k plan!

fitplease

Check out the running clubs in your area and find out which ones accept beginners. Having the accountability, or even just company, can help motivate. For myself, I know it would keep me running during the week if I knew I had to keep up with someone on the weekend. (I did c25k on my own during the week and ran with a running group on the weekend. It was my second time doing c25k also. I don't recommend this for everyone.)

Change up your routine: new location, new music or mp3 book, switch off shoes (if you have more than one pair), etc.

Bribe yourself: No hanging out on the weekend until you've run at least 2 days this week. Then, run three. :-)

Reward yourself: Think about how good stretching will feel. Think about how good a recovery drink (chocolate milk anyone?) will be when you run 3 miles today. Think about the banana you will eat to get you started. (If you save a certain fave fruit for run days, that can be a reward.)

Use Cash: Plunk money down on your next race. I am scheduling a 10K at the end of summer and at least one 5K before then. I don't like to waste money, nor do I want to do my worst when I race. If you don't like to see money wasted, this may work for you, too. You might find it motivating to pick a race with a minimal fundraising goal. You won't want to let your donors down.

Julie_Donahue

We graduated at the same time. And I'm having the same struggle. After a couple of weeks of wandering aimlessly, I was having trouble getting back into the run.

I decided to start the Zen Labs 10K program. (It includes the C25K program I did, but weeks 9-16 are 10K training). I did the first new day W9D1. Run 10, walk 1 and repeat 4 times. I made it through (barely) the first day. I've tried to do the second day (same thing) twice and failed. I had been running almost an hour without stopping, but now running 10 minutes was killing me.

I decided to start back at week 1. I think I am going to do days 1 and 2 (Tuesday and Thursday), and on Saturday I'll l do an unstructured run (outside). I'll ran as far as I can, then I'll walk for a minute or two and run again.

I'll see how that works......

Heading over to read the articles.....

likitisplit

Julie. Slow down.

timeasterday

So has anyone got any tips on how to shake off this feeling and start looking forward to running again?

Lots of good suggestions already posted. My wife & I started getting out to different places like local trails and greenway paths. Sure breaks up the monotony of the neighborhood. Last night we went out on our first group run with a local running store. It's not a club and free to anyone to show up and join them. I was so impressed with the people from the store and how well they had this run organized. I can't believe they put up this effort twice a week on weeknights! That really inspired us to do that at least once a week (I still need the neighborhood once a week for hills). Look up some running stores near you. I have found that pretty much every one has some sort of free group run during the week.

Besides that, have a goal and a plan to get there. Sign up for a few races in the future.

likitisplit

I just went out and ran four days a week for 30 minutes, but I was reading a lot at the same time, so I dropped in to a plan when I needed the extra structure.

My schedule is generally:

Tuesday - Long run - dirt trail or around the neighborhood (adding a running group at least once a month). I don't run with music during the trail runs.

Thursday - Speed work - track or a flat paved multi-use trail. If I'm doing speed intervals, I don't listen to music and I don't even carry my phone. I just use the stop watch.

Sunday - Easy run (around the neighborhood, possibly with a stroller)

Running can be so many different things. I'm targeting a race every four months. Possibly a 5k, two 10ks and a half marathon every year.

In terms of adding a mile a week: remember when you were running for a minute and you weren't sure how you would get to three? Same thing, except less so. Every new mile is less of a percentage of your total run. You stop feeling the additions after you get to about 10 miles.

And I'm learning that any changes you make as a runner put you back to zero. I just got more minimal shoes. It's like learning to run again. However, starting again contains such powerful lessons and I will be so much stronger when I've mastered them that I can't consider it a set back.