It's happened to me...

[jchokie79]

I've lost my running mojo.  

Sorry to be so dramatic, I know a lot of us have gone through this at one point or another.  It kind of started for me a few weeks ago when I was in VA for almost a week visiting family.  I only ran twice while I was there.  Last week I got back on track during the week but missed my long run on the weekend because I was literally so busy all weekend.  I just got back in town tonight from a work trip, even though I brought workout clothes, I never made it to the hotel gym.  

I'm just a little mentally defeated, part of me is looking for an easy way out but I know deep down that I've committed to running my first Half in Sept. and there's no way I'd back out now.  

I started running on and off since last summer but I've really been running on a consistent basis since the beginning of this year.  I've been training for 5 & 10ks and now the Half.   This is the best running shape I've ever been in my whole life (considering I HATED running up until last year) so I know I have to capitalize on it and go through with the Half.  I'm just a bag of lazy bones at the moment and have lost my motivation.

Going to try to get in a run tomorrow morning before work and make up my long run this weekend.  

Please tell me how you get yourself out of a slump!

[grk2012]

Don't "try" to get a run tomorrow--GO RUNNING TOMORROW before work. Stop making excuses--travel? work? tons of people have the same obligations--and just get it done. Motivation is overrated. Commitment means more.

[libbygrl109]

I know how you're feeling. I definitely lost it when I hurt my calf last month. Even when I was given the OK to run, I gave myself every excuse in the book to not do it.

Hitting the 12-week mark for my first half gave me a little slap in the face to get moving. At this point, I am just going to take each day as it comes, and don't slack from my training plan. I want to finish my half, and finish strong. I don't want to consider myself a quitter.

[blndsnbrdr]

This happens to everyone! The hardest part is getting back on track because right now running is looming over you rather than giving you a positive reason to get up.

But you had the mojo and you'll get it back. When you do get out to run (TOMORROW! don't focus on distance or pace. Just run. Maybe run for X minutes instead of X miles - refocus for a bit so running doesn't feel like such a chore.

[Deleted]

You're committed now to a half so you commit yourself to getting it done. If it helps to get it out of the way so you don't stress all day, then you just get up and get it out of the way. Then after the half, take some time and try other things, and then if you WANT to run, don't take your Garmin.

You can also look for a running group to join so you have friends to keep you entertained.

[shauni27]

Jul 24, 2013 22:03:17 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

You're committed now to a half so you commit yourself to getting it done. If it helps to get it out of the way so you don't stress all day, then you just get up and get it out of the way. Then after the half, take some time and try other things, and then if you WANT to run, don't take your Garmin.

You can also look for a running group to join so you have friends to keep you entertained.

THIS.  While I never lost my running mojo while training for my first half, I did while training for all other halves.  Try to remember your excitement about the half, and why you signed up, and use that to help motivate you.  You NEED to get in your runs, and work up your mileage.  It IS hard, but you can do it, don't stop now!  Then after your half, take some time, take a break, and if you want to run, go at your own pace, as slow and as short as you want.  That is what I am doing now, essentially for the first time since starting running in Jan of 2011 and it is GLORIOUS.

[Deleted]

I dunno, I think its perfectly acceptable to take a week or so off running, even during training, if you aren't feeling it. I find that if my head isn't in it, I am not going to have a quality run anyway. Maybe try some cross training? Hit up the elliptical, ride a bike, play tennis, life, something? I am kind of in a slump this week, partially due to being super busy, so I know how you feel.

[msturtle143]

Jul 24, 2013 21:11:48 GMT -5 grk2012 said:

Don't "try" to get a run tomorrow--GO RUNNING TOMORROW before work. Stop making excuses--travel? work? tons of people have the same obligations--and just get it done. Motivation is overrated. Commitment means more.

This works for me. Tough love. Thanks!
I missed my run this morning and I did make the same "excuses."

It happens to all of us, J
I do know the feeling though. Hopefully you feel better tomorrow!

[foundmylazybum]

Quite frankly I think (Um and the sport psych research supports me) that tapping back INTO your motivation is what would be helpful here.


Ask yourself why exactly are you running? 


Why did you sign up for the half marathon in the first place?

What is your goal for the half marathon?

Why does your goal matter to you?

Write those questions down--along with the answers and put them where you can see them. 


When you feel like you don't  want to run...tell yourself "I'm running because xyz, and doing even 20-30 min helps me get there."


Remind yourself "In order to get to my goal, I have to get out the door."


People who have obligations of work, travel, time, exhaustion etc don't "just get it done..."  Edmund Hilary didn't just wake up at the top of Everest and say "Don't know how it happened! Just woke up one day and here I was!"

They  anticipate obstacles and find ways to overcome them in the pursuit of their goals.

Consider what has held you back--and be creative in ways to overcome the obstacles:

Here's an example: If you had trouble running while traveling--and getting to the gym, think about (1) either running outside, (2) walking outside, (3) finding a local running group BEFORE hand and attending that, (4) doing something different for a few days--yoga in your room, swimming...SOMETHING. And take pride in that...Get where I'm going with this?

LOTS of people go through phases where they lose motivation, or just don't feel that into what they are doing...knowing why you are doing the task, understanding your purpose, tying back to your goals and having a plan of attack can give you a jolt to get back into that game.