Yes, that would be running motivation I’m referring to.
For the past…I don’t even know, maybe month? I’ve had very little consistent desire to run. This is my pattern lately: running is extremely unappealing for 3-4 days in a row, so I do something else at the gym (or nothing at all), then suddenly I have a strong desire to run and I’ll have a great 6-9 mile run. So despite some very casual, not long or enjoyable jogs, I’ve only really been running 2 days per week.
This may not seem that strange, but for me it is. When it hit me today, this pattern I have somehow fallen into, my initial reaction was fear. I am going to start training for Boston next month. What if my running motivation hasn’t come back by then? What will I do? Will my training suck? Will each day’s run feel forced?
Let me back up a little. I have yet to figure out whether this is a physical thing or a mental thing, or a combination. Or, even worse, whether I’m just being a big baby about the colder weather and increased darkness. If I’m not following a specific training plan or have a specific goal I’m working toward, I wimp out a lot easier. Or should I say, I allow myself to make excuses. When I am in training and taking it seriously and feel motivated, I’m a totally different person in that regard. I go out in unreal temperatures, pouring rain, snow, and pretty much any undesirable condition that is not going to compromise my safety (too much).
As for my current situation, part of me says that I need to give myself this time to do “whatever” and not worry about fitting in miles, because I need a break before the intensity of training starts. Another part of my feels anxiety about why running, which has always played such a key role in my life and exercise routine, is of little interest for me right now. The usual urge I get to run just hasn’t been very strong.
What do you think? Do I force more running, or keep going with the flow (doing whatever I feel like doing) and see what happens when I start my training?
In other news, I’ve made some very tasty oatmeal the past few rainy mornings. Anne’s Cranberry Pumpkin Bread made for a delicious topping on Monday.
Today’s bowl was especially incredible: Creamy Pumpkin Oats. Let me share.
The secret ingredient: fat free half & half
- 1/2 c. rolled oats
- 1/2 c. water
- 1/4 c. skim milk
- 1/4 c. half & half (fat free)
- 1 small banana
- pumpkin pie spice
- splash vanilla extra
- pinch salt
- sprinkle stevia
- 1/3 c. pumpkin (stirred in during last minute of cooking)
- topped with almond butter
I was shocked how big of a difference the h&h made!
Maybe the creamiest, thickest oatmeal I’ve ever made!! Yes, these things excite me.
And make me temporarily forget about my lack of running motivation.
Day 10 The November Gratitude Project
Today I am grateful for being able to sleep 7-8 hours per night lately. As a person with perpetual sleep issues, being in this rhythm of sleeping enough and not waking up every hour is blissful!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Breakfast, Gratitude Project, Motivation, Oatmeal, Pumpkin, Running-Mental Aspects
I think cross training is what keeps me motivated to run! I like alternating running and teaching group fitness classes. Yoga is also a great relief to my muscles when I’ve been doing a lot of running. I am grateful for wonderful and supportive friends & family. You should also be grateful for winning our giveaway
see itzy’s kitchen 
Don’t force it… I’m a huge believer in cross training and not running two days in a row. Also prevents injury!!!
[...] mentioned that running has been less interesting to me lately, but thanks to the support from you guys and my family, I’m going with it, and doing more [...]
[...] been working on accepting my lack of desire to run, yet I know I need to do at least a little running each week to maintain a base. This is [...]