January 31, 2024 - Demotivation and A Way Forward

My Miami Marathon pacing experience has put me in a place I have rarely encountered since beginning running in 2016. I am completely and totally devoid of motivation to run. I'm so bummed by the entire experience that I just don't feel like heading out the door right now. This is not an uncommon experience for runners as I understand it, but it has been uncommon for me. In fact, I can't remember a single time in at least the past 5 years when I've felt this way. Sure, a day here or there where I didn't want to run crept in. Or a series of days where I wasn't super excited about it, but still mostly wanted to go. But this time is different. This time I really don't want to go run.

So I'm going to just go with that for a little while...sort of. I have a dog that needs his exercise and loves running, so I'll run with him daily. But I'm not going to do any specific training, at least for a few days, perhaps even a few weeks. I'll let the funk be a thing and not try to fight it too much. This can't go on too long. I do have to get focused on Bighorn 100 sooner than later. But it will be a while for a little bit. And I can focus on some other things instead. Like really forming the strength and balance training habit I intend on doing. Like being a bit more focused on recovery exercises. I'll make those the focus for a bit, and running just a sideshow.

My hope is my next visit to some more exciting terrain into the Black Hills of South Dakota in a few weeks will be the impetus to get me going again. I'll bring all the trail gear on that trip and will plan to just get lost on trails for several hours once or twice. No specific goals or target paces, but lots of time on feet in nature with some climbing and descending enjoying my surroundings. I expect that to go a long way to getting me back on track both in terms of a joy of running and in terms of the High Five By 55 project.

And, hey, I get to test out a couple new trail shoes on that trip! I always enjoy that!

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