I’ve been reading through some of your blogs (remember – just because I’m not commenting doesn’t mean I’m not reading – just think about me as your bloggy mother) and I’m picking up on some words that have my skin crawling. “My mojo is missing.” “I’m burning out.” “I’m tired.” All these are like knives being thrown at me. Why? Because all those feelings are still fresh in my mind.
Any of my long time followers know what I’m talking about. The last time I seriously trained was for the L.A. Marathon. 2010. Yes. Like over a year ago. During that training cycle something broke. Not just physically. I got the car started several times in the past year, but I never did much more than admire the paint job before pulling it back in the garage.
Now, before we take the “Blog Mom” role too far, I’m not going to lecture you on what to do to combat burnout. I will tell you what has worked for me though. Honesty. That’s right. Realizing that running is not something that I love. I no longer stress at missing a day. Or of not being able to run three miles right now without walking.
So – here are my words of wisdom – be honest with yourself. We all “love” running. But do we really? Or do we do it because it’s easy? Because we have a training plan that takes all the thought out of it? Think about it. Be honest with yourself. Don’t be part of the “Mindlessness is our normal state of mind” camp.
Anne and Irene – I think I finally understand what you two were telling me many many moons ago…..
Glenn, I think you're absolutely right. Not much is exciting enough to keep at it almost all the time, for years and years on end, especially when whatever it is is just counter to what you're naturally drawn to do. (Gosh, I hope I feel differently about marriage!)
ReplyDeleteYes, some people are naturally drawn to running. Me? Not so much. I'm usually happier, more social, stronger, and thinner when I am not running a lot. I have a bunch of races lined up for next year, and sometimes I really wonder why.
I LOVE this post. I am a big believer that you have to enjoy the journey of running, not just the end result. There are plenty of folks out there who don't recognize this. Glad you have it figured out for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorta going through that malaise myself right now. I love the idea of running. I even like it when I'm running. It's not always enough to get me out the door.
ReplyDeleteI suspect this too shall pass...at least I hope it does.
Great post Mom...er..um..Glenn!!;)
ReplyDeleteThere are MANY reasons why I like running. One of which is that it is easy. Some of my favorite runs have been head clearing, mindless runs. And as much as I like running, I have also felt the burnout that sets in like a heavy weight. It is my love for the run that always pulls me out of that.
:)
I may be the exception but I love running. I love how it makes me clean and whole...complete. I've been so lost and unfocused with many aspects in my life when running was forced out of the equation. Though to be honest, I love pushing myself beyond just the everyday "run" - I like taking myself past it's comfort zone and doing things I am afraid of. Probably why I was/am injured for so long!! :p
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you comment on my blog, though...I like seeing you out there!! Thanks!
right there with you glenn :) although, i do still love running. i am just (finally) admitting i needed a serious break! i'm hoping that had i rested better before i would never have ended up in this situation...
ReplyDeleteHey! You aren't talking about me are you??? LOL. I got back out on the trail today. And you are absolutely right. I think if you don't love it, don't do it, find something else you do love. And definately don't stress like I was.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back out there.
I knew you'd eventually come around :-). (And I saw your career update on LinkedIn - great news to hear you're back out there with us working stiffs again.)
ReplyDeleteHAHA, I AM SUPPOSE TO BE TRAINING FOR A HALF HERE SOON, AND SO FAR THIS WEEK, I HAVE LOGGED 0 MILES. AND TO BE HONEST, I AM LOVING IT. BAD TIME TO TAKE A BRREAK I KNOW, BUT I LOVE NOT RUNNING AS MUCH AS I DO RUNNING. I WILL STILL ATTEMPT A LONG RUN TOMORROW. MAYBE A WEEK OFF IS WHAT I NEEDED?
ReplyDeleteI think once you get back into the groove the running comes much more easily - like any other positive thing, right?
ReplyDeleteJust as a negative vicious cycle, the cycle of running, feeling better, pushing yourself, etc...
I wouldn't call running "easy" in the sense that it was natural. Running was something that evolved for me, and I liked the challenge of becoming stronger and faster, and now it has evolved into just being able to remain running, albeit slow. Running is still my release. Yes, it is the journey. I think we all go through those ups and downs. I'm glad to see you back on the upswing. :)
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