2 Ways to get your Running Back on Track

I ran into a big rut and didn’t know how to get out of it.  I was doing less miles than normal and feeling unmotivated to do anything.  This carried on for a miserable month long struggle between being a dedicated runner and calling a timeout and taking a break.

Instead of dwelling and sulking, I decided to put myself out there and really challenge myself – both physically and mentally – by going to group runs, finding running partners, and lifting weights while I waited on my puppy.  (I know! It’s crazy, but putting dumbbells outside and lifting weights while my dog took care of business got me doing what I wasn’t doing!)  And slowly, but surely I came around.  But it wasn’t without a tiny bit of luck…

Carly and I went to the Haddonfield Running Company for a group run and I won an entry to a Winery Cross Country/Road Race.  It was exactly what I needed for motivation!  How can I not be excited to lace up cross country spikes when I didn’t have to do anything to register?!  So what did I do when I got home? Naturally, signed up for 2 more 5k road races!  Duh.

Here’s what you can do when you’re lacking motivation: 

• Get training partners.  Even a few days a week running with someone, anyone will get you out the door and your mileage in.  Nothing says accountability like meeting a friend for a run.  Find faster partners for your long runs and workouts and a slower partner for your easy days.  That way you’re challenged when you need to be and in control when you have to be.

• Sign up for races.  You’re committing to at least 1 morning of getting up before the sun does to run fast.  That deadline will help you set mini-benchmarks for you to hit.  I’d suggest a race 5-7 weeks in advance (depending on your current fitness) as your “jump start race” and then get going with some training.

Need more articles to get you back?  We all need some motivation at some point! be a better runner, finding motivation to run, 6 ways to know if a marathon is in your future.
What do you do when you’re really lacking motivation and energy to go for a run?