Taking my own Advice

On By RunStretchGoIn Goals, Running, Workouts

This week has been tough. Work was nuts, I had zero energy, wasn’t feeling great, and have reached my last nerve living in temporary housing.

I have not run all week. And doing 9 miles today is literally the last thing I want to do today. I’d prefer to have blood taken, have dental work done, even be forced to eat dairy and suffer the consequences. The last month I’ve been struggling with training, and after giving this advice to Justin from Always Running Forward after he had a tough run this morning, I’ve decided I need to follow it myself, even with a half in 2 weeks.

I’ve been training for a race since February of 2013. I may have taken a few weeks off after each race, but then jumped right back into a training cycle. I’m burned out.

I’ve decided for the rest of my training, I’m running just to run. I’m tired of watching my watch, or pounding out miles for the sake of miles. I dread lacing up because I know I have to run based on my training schedule. I’m tired of making sure I eat exactly the right thing at exactly the right time, or not eating, or just everything.

I want to be able to do a crazy workout that makes my legs sore for days without worrying how it will impact my running. I want to just have fun again. I’m not having fun, and it makes me sad.

So, Zooma Napa may not be my next PR, but I don’t care. I’m going to have fun working out, and running just because.

Have you ever gotten tired of training?
What is your workout of choice right now?
What’s on your workout playlist right now?

15 thoughts on “Taking my own Advice”

  1. Having a race for a goal is great, but yes I totally know what you mean.
    It’s why I decided this year to back off on races, and it’s just as well, cause I’ve gotten sick with tonsillitis twice with a cold thrown in the mix.
    I have a race at the end of the month, and then I’m taking it easy, getting sick really put things into a new perspective.

    Reply

  2. This spring was a great break for me to not be on a training plan but I’ve had a really hard time getting back in the swing of things. Each time I seem to hit my stride (pun intended), I have a few really crappy, slow runs that make me feel like I’m in some sort of slump again. And lately the summer heat and humidity haven’t been helping. I vote for Napa fun run! 😀 CANNOT WAIT!!!

    Reply
  3. katie

    I did the same thing back in 2012 – always feeling like I had to be training for a race, I did my last half that year, I was over it. It’s satisfying just to work out because if makes your body feel good, and do what workout you want on any given day. Too much structure isn’t healthy long term, but it’s a hard habit to break for type-A people. It’s summer, mix it up, run when you want, rent a bike on a Saturday, hit a random yoga class….its being healthy & active that matters deep down.

    Reply

  4. This same thing happened to me. I was very disciplined on my training plan and peaked way to early. When it was actually half marathon time I was over it! I ended up just enjoying the race and planning to finish instead of shooting for a PR.

    Reply
  6. Jenereesa @ ScootaDoot

    I’ve sort of been in a running slump lately. Not because of any particular reason, other than lack of time. 😦 I’m hoping that this past weekend’s 4 miler will help bring me back to the routine of running. Miss you, lady!

    Reply
      1. Jenereesa @ ScootaDoot

        We totally do. Or I need to come out there at some point and visit the Windy City. The foot has actually been behaving! I’m almost scared to say that out loud.

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