I need to run!

emmacriswell
emmacriswell Posts: 35
in Motivation and Support
My body loves running, I see my best results when I run, but since my last half marathon, I took some time off and now I don't WANT to run! The eating isn't really my issue, I'm good at making myself healthy foods and know how to move calories around when I go out to eat, but my chief weapon is running. I just can't get motivated to go out out and do it.

Does anyone have any tips to get me moving and out there? I know it's better for my body, I know I'll look better, I know I'll feel better, but something just wants to sleep that extra hour!
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Replies

  • aarar
    aarar Posts: 684 Member
    I follow a TON of running pages on Facebook and my newsfeed is constantly filled with motivational pics and quotes. I usually check Facebook before I get out of bed so it's enough to get me motivated to get out the door.
  • PepePants
    PepePants Posts: 47 Member
    I had a similar experience after running my last 1/2... I think I over-trained and I definitely needed a break. Well, I took a break and still found myself unmotivated. I tried doing some different exercise like power lifting and zumba classes at the gym. When I finally got back into running, the other classes made it much easier. I wasn't up to my previous endurance levels but I wasn't a total newbie either. I have two dogs and they are always excited to run. I tried to let their enthusiasm rub off on me... Good luck!
  • BetterMike
    BetterMike Posts: 131 Member
    Every day I wake up and feel like I won't be able to run today. I don't run in the morning because I never have energy then. By lunch though, I am motivated and regret if I don't run. Maybe you need to find a higher energy time that works for you.
  • SpleenThief
    SpleenThief Posts: 293 Member
    Ignore how you feel. Lace up and run, just a bit. Get out for a few miles. You might hate it. So what. You won't hate it when you're done.

    Or don't. It's pretty much that simple.
  • dwh77tx
    dwh77tx Posts: 513 Member
    I like to run with a good play list and very early in the AM when it's still kind of dark. I also look forward to my breakfast when I get home.
  • So_Much_Fab
    So_Much_Fab Posts: 1,146 Member
    You sound *just* like me. I did my first half on May 5. Two days after that I went for a run. Then...nothing. I finally got back to it this past Saturday and it felt good.
  • HeyGoRun
    HeyGoRun Posts: 550 Member
    Its about just doing it because you want to. So HEYGORUN!!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    if you dont WANT to run, dont... do something else! swimming, insanity, lifting, zumba, whatever!
  • emmacriswell
    emmacriswell Posts: 35
    You sound *just* like me. I did my first half on May 5. Two days after that I went for a run. Then...nothing. I finally got back to it this past Saturday and it felt good.

    That's great to hear! How are you doing now?
  • emmacriswell
    emmacriswell Posts: 35
    if you dont WANT to run, dont... do something else! swimming, insanity, lifting, zumba, whatever!

    The trouble is, my body only really responds to high physical activity like running. Slower exercises don't work as well.
  • __delete
    __delete Posts: 245 Member
    Lift weights, then run faster.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I went through something similar after my last half marathon too. I picked another race (10k) at the end of August to train for. It worked for me! Good luck!
  • timbrom
    timbrom Posts: 303 Member
    if you dont WANT to run, dont... do something else! swimming, insanity, lifting, zumba, whatever!

    The trouble is, my body only really responds to high physical activity like running. Slower exercises don't work as well.

    If you're lifting, and it's not high physical activity, then you're doing it wrong.

    Not sure if you're looking to completely change gears or not, but tons of people, and tons of women on here switched to lifting heavy and absolutely love the results. Check out Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe or Stronglifts 5x5

    These do require access to a gym with a power rack, not sure what your situation there is, but it's worth the results.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Sign up for a race. Having a goal race in sight helps to keep me motivated and focused.

    Nothing like a deadline to keep you honest.
  • HornedFrogPride
    HornedFrogPride Posts: 283 Member
    All runners are sometimes in what I call the "running groove" where things are going well but we fall out of "the groove", too. I blog about things like this on my running blog-www.RunningGrooveShark.com. Lots of running inspiration on Facebook, Twitter, & Google +. Try getting out there with shorter runs, then try lengthening them while you are out there. Or try hard/easy rotation with runs (rotate in long runs with hill workouts, fartlek, tempo runs). If you vary your runs, you will have a lot more fun:) Try running with a local running group (or a virtual running group) or a friend or friends near you. Sometimes that helps, too.There's no better exercise imho.
  • So_Much_Fab
    So_Much_Fab Posts: 1,146 Member
    You sound *just* like me. I did my first half on May 5. Two days after that I went for a run. Then...nothing. I finally got back to it this past Saturday and it felt good.

    That's great to hear! How are you doing now?

    Not as well as I would like to report because as it turns out, that run on Saturday was the only one I've done since then! Happily, that'll change tonight though, because I WILL BE out for another run!
  • nellyett
    nellyett Posts: 436 Member
    Maybe change it up and do some short interval / tempo runs.....There are all kinds of different apps that keep it fun. What about the zombie run app? I haven't tried it myself, but I've heard it's a riot!

    Also, like someone else mentioned....I'm a lunch hour or late afternoon runner. No chance I could ever get out of bed early to fit in a run!! lol

    I had a crap run the other day and it was very disappointing and a bit of a downer, but when I was out today it felt incredible!! Nothing can top the feeling of an awesome strong run! I try to remember that when I'm not really motivated to get out there....

    Congrats on your half!
  • sw0301
    sw0301 Posts: 46 Member
    if you dont WANT to run, dont... do something else! swimming, insanity, lifting, zumba, whatever!

    The trouble is, my body only really responds to high physical activity like running. Slower exercises don't work as well.

    If you're lifting, and it's not high physical activity, then you're doing it wrong.

    Not sure if you're looking to completely change gears or not, but tons of people, and tons of women on here switched to lifting heavy and absolutely love the results. Check out Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe or Stronglifts 5x5

    These do require access to a gym with a power rack, not sure what your situation there is, but it's worth the results.

    The "slower" exercises comment made me laugh.

    I completely agree with the two others above. It would probably do your body good to build some real muscle! I attend a bootcamp every day (similar to insanity style) and it's anything but "slow". I've actually seen improvement in my running abilities because of it and I only run once a week. Try the videos mentioned, or finding a bootcamp of sorts, or a cross fit gym.
  • lisajsund
    lisajsund Posts: 366 Member
    Even when I don't want to run, I think about all the people who can't, but would love to. I started running when I joined Team in Training, while raising money for blood cancer research and those with blood cancers. I get lazy too - we all do, we are human after all. I find that no matter if I want to run or not, after I run, I am ALWAYS glad I did. Training for my third 1/2 marathon now. Have done a 1/2 and two full marathons with Team in Training. I'm not fast, but at least I'm doing it when there are those out there who can't because of cancer.
  • FrankieB127
    FrankieB127 Posts: 31 Member
    One way that I motivate myself to go running is to download some new songs onto my running playlist and the rule is, I CANT listen to them unless I'm running!
  • KathleenMurry
    KathleenMurry Posts: 448 Member
    1. Join a running group or get a running buddy
    2. Do a running clinic to get you back into it
    3. Make running playlists for your iPod (or whatever you use)
    4. Buy new running gear (this works for me every time I get into a slum)
    5. Follow running pages on Facebook so it always reminds/motivates you
    6. If you always ran in the same area, chance the scenery.
  • DanOhh
    DanOhh Posts: 1,806 Member
    Try "Zombies, Run!"

    http://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    It gives you an interactive story and your music to your runs.
  • StefPayne
    StefPayne Posts: 126 Member
    I too did like you and ended up taking a couple of months off from my running. I tried to get started back after about 3 weeks but it only lasted about 4 days. After another month the scales started climbing and that was my motivation. I had been at my goal weight for 6 months and seeing the scale going up was like a light coming on for me. Somedays is harder than others but I have been back at it for about 2 months now and I run/walk for about an hour every morning and i feel better than when I was runnning the first time to lose weight. I just needed that break and then the scales going up to get started back.
    Since you know that running works for you and you enjoy it, you will be back at it before you know it. Best of luck to you.
  • mjpTennis
    mjpTennis Posts: 6,165 Member
    Been there before. I need running too. Most efficient exercise for me.

    Post something on MFP to keep you thinking about it.....Get out there!
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    1) Sign up for anouther race
    2) Set a new running goal
    3) Start running with a friend
    4) Try trail running
    5) Try a event race like a mud run or warrior dash

    I have ran 5 marathons and 3 half marathons in the last 4 years and was getting tired of the long miles. Now I try to only run 20 miles a week, (down from 40 to 50) and when I run its mostly speed work. It has help me get faster and makes me not hate the amount of time I spend running. Plus it gives me time to get stronger so I can be a better runner.
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    sign up for a race - quickest way to get me running is knowing i have a race coming up
  • MrsTorresisBACK
    MrsTorresisBACK Posts: 98 Member
    Get inspired by reading running pages and buy yourself a new running outfit and sneakers......go to a running store like track shack and just get inspired!!

    You'll find the love again...one foot infront of the other....MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

    All the BEST!!
  • AnitaBlake0
    AnitaBlake0 Posts: 11
    I've never been a runner...like EVER. Recently, I've picked up jogging and walking and all that jazz. For me, the only thing that keeps me on the habit is this. I always tell myself that I'm going to run in the morning. Let's just be real. it's possible, but that bed is just too damn comfy in the dark hours.
    So I go for my jog directly after work. I don't even bother going home to change, I bring everything I need with me. So I can just get it out of the way. I was doing it without music, which was fine. But once I introduced music...holy ****, it's a whole different ball game now. Dancing, singing, getting jiggy, yeah buddy
    Also, I go to a place where the scenery is just phenomenal. If I'm not running right next to the water and downtown, I've made it over the bridge into the snooty part of town. and the real estate is just UNREAL there.
    We all set different goals while we run. I usually pick a spot. "I'll run to that fire hydrant over there" and it'll be a super short distance.....like half a block, and because the goal was so easy I usually don't stop there, I keep going.
    I've also been inviting people to go with me. You can't lie about how far you went, and they keep you going. Most of my friends who come with me have longer legs and have done track and cross country and are just not fat like me. So they push me.
    Sorry this has been just a ramble after a ramble. but maybe something in there will help.
    It also doesn't hurt to see it on your calorie count as a reminder of what you pushed yourself to do.
    ...and what you will push your self to do again, even longer.
  • jaxCarrie
    jaxCarrie Posts: 214 Member
    Sign up for a race....that's a great motivator - either another half or at least a 10K....(where training is actually involved!). And I live in Florida...so if I don't get it done in the AM, I have to do it either in the blazing sun or the dreadmill. Either option is worse than rolling out of bed, lacing up my shoes and when I 'wake' up, I'm usually about 2 miles in.


    Good luck getting your mojo back!!!
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Get a lot of running friends here to clog up your newsfeed with their stats :)

    Running every day gets boring for me, so I alternate with my road bike, swimming, and lifting. All have made my running improve as well.

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