I can't stop running

Q2208
Q2208 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
I started running when I was 18. I am now 30.
I started running to give up smoking. I started smoking when I was 15/16. I really LOVED smoking and truly never wanted to give it up.
But as no one around me ( neither close friends nor families ) smoked, they all started bugging me to quit.
So am my 18th birthday, I made a pact to myself that if I kept on with a running routine for ten years then on the 10th anniversary of starting, I will give up the ciggies. Silly pact I know but back then I truly hated running and figured out that I would never keep the running so I will never have to give up the smoking :-)

However, within a year of starting, I was running around 50 miles a week. And I loved it. I am a loner by nature and I totally fell in love with my own company whilst running lol.

On the 10th anniversary of the pact, I stopped smoking cold turkey. It's been two years since I quit the habit. I don't miss it at all.
And I am still running 50 miles a week.

But now I have got to a stage where I find myself a wee bit lost without focus. I mean for those ten years I knew exactly why I was running. For the past two years, I haven't had a reason. I don't want to lose weight. I don't necessarily want to get to be the fittest I can be. I have never entered a race. I guess, am just losing sight of what's important.

Replies

  • ChloeRoseLejeune
    ChloeRoseLejeune Posts: 488
    If you need something to look forward to maybe you should enter and train for a race?
  • EdTheGinge
    EdTheGinge Posts: 1,616 Member
    I agree with Chloe, enter a race. I hit maintenance weight before Christmas and quickly signed up for my local half marathon (it'll be my first) which isn't until the end of March but I wanted to have something to keep me focused.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I third the idea of a race.
  • momofJandA
    momofJandA Posts: 1,035 Member
    I agree- sign up for a race- you will quickly become addicted to the atmosphere/competition/community of racing
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    Race race race! I started running again after I quit smoking...it's been a good substitute for me, too.
  • jennifermcornett
    jennifermcornett Posts: 159 Member
    I think you answered your own question up above. You love it, and you enjoy your own company. I feel the same way, though I am not running these days. When I DO run, my love of running is the only reason. I know people who feel like if they aren't entering races all the time, then it's pointless, but I believe exactly the opposite. You know why you do it, and there's no need for validation from anyone else. If you're falling out of love with it (and maybe you are, since you feel like you've lost focus), then entering a race might be a good idea, but if you still love it like you have for twelve years, then there probably doesn't really have to be a goal, does there? :) You just do it because it's part of you.
  • Quekasm
    Quekasm Posts: 3
    You can also try to make another pact with your self. There is always something we will like to change, so maybe you can tell "ok, if I can run for another 5 years I will do XXX. "
    You can also make a deal for a good thing like "if I keep running for another 5 years I will go to Timbuktu"
  • slowturtle1
    slowturtle1 Posts: 284 Member
    Races are good motivators, but it's okay to do it just because you love it. There doesn't really have to be a "reason" to keep going, beyond "I like it and I want to keep doing it." Sometimes I think we look for something external to justify doing something because it just doesn't seem to be enough to do it for the sake of fun or enjoyment or ... whatever. I started out running to lose weight, then as a way to challenge myself, and now I run for the feeling I get, that lift in my mood and that attitude adjustment that seems to happen for me when I run. I do races to motivate me to get better at running, but I would run anyway just because I like how it makes me feel. I'm not sure that helps you, but those are my thoughts. Congrats on giving up the cigs and I hope you continue to nurture your love of running!:drinker:
  • nornyb
    nornyb Posts: 224 Member
    Run just to run. One of my favorite things about exercising is that it is time for me with myself. I don't have to do anything for anybody else, just plug in my earphones and do what I want to do.
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    Soemtimes you just need to enjoy running for the sake of running. While training for a race definitely provides a sense of purpose, sometimes you can get so caught up in the "schedule", that you forget why you loved running in the first place. For me it provides a level of mental clarity that I can't get with anything else. All I have to do is take some time off from running and I am aching to get back out there. Maybe a little break from running will help put everything back into focus for you.
  • jennifermcornett
    jennifermcornett Posts: 159 Member
    You can also try to make another pact with your self. There is always something we will like to change, so maybe you can tell "ok, if I can run for another 5 years I will do XXX. "
    You can also make a deal for a good thing like "if I keep running for another 5 years I will go to Timbuktu"

    This also.
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    If you need something to look forward to maybe you should enter and train for a race?

    You could do this.

    Or you could take up snatching purses.

    It makes running far more exciting and is great if you're trying to increase speed over a long distance.
  • sigsby
    sigsby Posts: 220 Member
    I'm planning on starting running as soon as the weather breaks but... I have been roller blading long distances for years. I do it for the solitude, to get rid of stress and because I enjoy it. It also helps to keep me fit. In my opinion, any one of those reasons is enough. If I want to push myself I set some kind of goal. I am always racing against my best time. Last year I change from 12 miles to 24 miles. This year, with the addition of a GPS I am planning on changing up my route. There are really a lot of ways to keep it interesting. Use your imagination.
  • MorganLeighRN
    MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
    I agree with everyone that said race! There are ones out there that are a TON of fun; color run, run for your lives, warrior dash. Some are obstacle courses and others are just running. They are great to do with friends and family. My younger brother is my obstacle course partner. Do a search of 5ks in your area and start from there.
  • samantha1242
    samantha1242 Posts: 816 Member
    "Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was going somewhere, I was running!" - forest gump
  • pohlcm08
    pohlcm08 Posts: 61
    CONGRATS on giving up smoking and for your new love of running!!

    There's nothing wrong with keeping it up just for the simple enjoyment of running. But if you really are looking for a goal to work toward, the race idea is probably a really great one. Races are so much fun! I'm not a fast runner, but I enjoy 5k's because the atmosphere is just so exciting. The thought of everyone being there for the sole purpose of running is such an adrenaline rush and it gives me the push I need to keep up my running to improve on my next race.

    Good luck to you and congrats again!
  • mikeyrs
    mikeyrs Posts: 176 Member
    I use the striiv Smart Pedometer which rewards your walking, running, and stair climbing with allowing you to collect points, convert points into donations, and donate to one or more charities. I really love the striiv Smart Pedometer as its software motivates me to walk, run, and climb stairs through observing and analyzing personal behavior and relative fitness as one completes a variety of challenges. It's really a whole lot of fun to use and really lights me up everyday! Retail is $99. I bought mine at Best Buy for $80.

    Another idea: Pay yourself a stipend for every mile you successfully complete. Use that money for something you normally would never buy for yourself or otherwise treat yourself to a special weekend getaway for every 500 miles you run. I did something similar to reward my own weight loss and ended up buying myself a new Trek bicycle to encourage greater activity and continued weight loss. This worked out well for me as I otherwise never would have saved and subsequently spent money to buy a new bicycle for myself.

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