Another question for the runners.....running MOJO.

banslug

banslug

Cathlete
OK, lots of running threads going around these days. Here's another one, and I'm not meaning to be a downer.

Do any of you ever just LOSE the mojo? Just lose the motivation to keep on running?

Here's why I ask. I've been training for the past 14 weeks, for my Half Marathon this Sunday. Before that, from October thru December, I was doing a strictly Body-For-Life 12 week program.

TODAY.....I'm feeling completely lost and burnt out. I mean ALL OUT. I LOVE to run. I love how it makes me feel. I love what it does to my MIND! But I love to run WHEN I WANT TO RUN...not when a schedule TELLS me to run. Does that make sense?

This weekend, I ran my last long run of 8 miles. And for the first time EVER, I've gotten big, ugly, bloody blisters on the outsides of my big toes. And MAN do they hurt?!?!?!?!?! This just adds to the feeling of I-just-wanna-do-whatever-workout-I-feel-like mood I've got going on.

I know the Mojo comes back. It always does. But for me, I think that during this training, I've realized that perhaps I'm best off sticking with the shorter distances (5K, 10K, & 10 milers) that I don't necessarily need to TRAIN for. Again, does that make any sense to anybody???

Gayle
 
Makes total sense to me, Gayle. I was training for a half a while back, and I got back from a long run (I think it was 11 or 12 miles or something) and I looked at my SO and said "I don't wanna....". I had no feeling of accomplishment, though that was the longest I'd ever run. I want to run for the joy I get from running, not, as you say, because I'm scheduled to run. I decided that day not to do the half and though I've thought about doing one again, I know I won't because I just can't get into that mindset.

I also decided not to race (except the Run for the Cure every year) because I get way too stressed out. See... I like to win. And I'm slow, so there's no possible way for me to win. It's frustrating and I don't feel good after.

You'll get your mojo back, I promise. The beautiful outside running weather is here! Good luck in your half, and I say after that, run for the love of it:) Do those shorter races if they make you happy.
 
Shelley.....you said it PERFECTLY about wanting to run for the JOY of it. That joy just isn't there, for me, when I'm following these long training schedules.

Gayle
 
gayle- I lost my MOJO too. I started teaching bootcamp class over a yr ago and I just wasnt into training for a half. I also love to run and dont want to have to run. I then took a break from any races and just ran when I wanted and enjoyed every run I did. I was relaxed and man was it a stress reducer just to go run for no other reason but because I wanted to. I laid off of races for almost 2 yrs now with the exception of our local city run I did last june but that was the only race I have done except for 2 weeks ago. I finally just felt like doing another 5k and I have one this weekend also. I am sticking withjust 5k's for now and know that I will eventually do another half but for now I am starting to get back into wanting to do the 5k's. But again with 5ks you dont have to necessarily have to follow a training program either, which I dont. sometimes I think people get too caught up in the races and their times and lose focus on why they run in the first place. for me it is freeing my mind from everyday stresses. I feel so free when I run and absolutely just love the way I feel when I run. Hope that doesnt sound too corny. So that is why I took a step back and gave myself a break from races. I rediscovered that I run because I love to run not for time or a race. so to get so winded. anyway, you will get your MOJO back!
 
Gayle...you hit it right on the head IMO. Don't do the longer distances. Not all runners want to do half marathons or even full marathons and that is completely fine! Was this to be your first Half?
 
I love to run! The only reason I've *had* to take time off is because of injuries. But.... I did start to lose it when I was marathon training. Which is why I said I'll never run another marathon.

Last year I only did one 5K.... I was sick of racing. I did a half marathon, a couple 5K's, 5 miler, 10 miler, 12K, etc the year before and just got burnt out (plus race fees get expensive!). So last year was my *rest* from racing. I enjoyed it, ran when I wanted for how long I wanted, etc. This year I'm looking forward to training for races again! So take a break from the racing and just enjoy the running! :)
 
Carole-this is not my first half marathon. In fact, this HM this Sunday....this is/was to be the 3rd time I've done this specific one. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. I HATE TO SAY THAT! I really do. I ran this morning to test out my toes/blisters and they still really hurt. The one bled again, in fact. I'm so up in the air on what to do for this weekend. I've never quit anything. But I'm just not feeling "IT".

MAN! Frustrated!

Gaylex(
 
Gayle...I will tell you that I have backed out of some runs because of being sick or injuries. I am not sure you want to push your body (along with those blisters) through a half mary. It is not quitting at all!!!...you can sure infect those blisters more with running. I think you just might need a running break...and let those blisters heal...
 
Oh, Carole. I'm in tears right now just at the thought of NOT doing the HM. THANKS so much for all the input, you guys! I really appreciate it. I'll keep you posted at the weekend draws near.

Gayle
 
Ahhh Gayle, I am sorry about the tears...I have been there...See how you feel by the end of the week, and try to keep some neosporin and bandages on those blisters. Sending {{{HUGS}}}
 
You know I was feeling the same way. I don't run marathons. I stick to the 5 and 10k's. However, I have been using the iTreads and it has been making me faster and faster so I always train with them. I realized a couple weeks ago that running wasn't so much fun for me and I'm not even training for anything! So one day I got on the TM ,dreading my w/out, did 5 minutes and said hey I am gonna put some music on my iPod and just go run outside. I didn't even wear my HRM! It was so nice to not try to beat my time. I've been running outside since. I got my running mojo back and I am sure you will too.
LD
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Gayle - I just want to send some support and {{{HUGS}}}. And good grief, woman, take care of those blisters! Carole is right - you sure don't need to make them worse and then be sidelined for even longer.

I used to run - just for the fun of it, because I enjoyed it, but I never entered any competitions. Then I had to quit because of a recurring knee problem. I decided I'd better stop before it became serious. I really do miss running. And I want you to make sure you always keep the joy of it!

Hang in there!!!
 
Gayle -

First off, you have more MOJO than anyone I know!!

Next, do what YOU enjoy for YOU -- not what anyone else expects you to do. (Could that possibly be what is pushing you?) No one else needs you to run a marathon -- so if you aren't doing it for YOU than who?

I have my own HIGHS in my life. But I also enjoy everyone elses. I LOVE reading all the posts here when someone finishes a race - like I've said before, we have some really good writers here and they can make me feel like I am actually there! I'm ususally in tears and can almost see them crossing the finish line.

I can rejoice for them -- and still in no way, feel like I NEED to do that too.

I work with some people who constantly compete in races. Some of them enjoy it -- and some of them don't. I have always wondered why those that don't keep doing it?

You are one of the happiest most upbeat ladies on these threads. If your not enjoying something (and your bleeding, for goodness sakes), I say stop. :) It really is that easy. Go run for YOU -- at whatever pace YOU want, listening to whatever music you want (how about Proud) and who cares what anyone else thinks. :)

Hang in there!
Michelle
 
Gayle,
Oh wow, I’m so sorry! I say the same thing…..go with your heart. If it’s giving you no joy right now (and I’m sure those blisters are painful), then ease back and take it easy on yourself until this weekend.

If you get up Sunday morning dreading that race, or still in pain from the blisters….don’t do it. Remember the stupid thing I did this fall (not pre-registering for the Philly marathon and doing all the training and finding out that the race was sold out?) LOL, I felt like an idiot but it taught me that things happen and plans change.

Run for the joy of running….not because you feel that there are expectations on you. You’re amazing…..pure and simple. And don’t you forget it. ;)

Kathy
 
{{{{{Gayle}}}}}

You are my CCPP hero with logging 7 miles during the workout!! You have accomplished so much already that even if you decide to forgo the run, you are still a winner.

I was following Jeff Galloway's HM training program 2yrs ago and worked up to 12 miles when I suffered a small tear to my achilles tendon. So I understand how training can sometimes take the "joy" or "fun" out of running and lead to injuries that can't be ignored.

Give your poor toes and your mind a break. Remember this Saturday is CCPP day so you can always join us with that :)

JJ
 
AHHHHHHHHHHH! Now I've got GOOD TEARS, guys, thanks to YOU all! Thank you for all the support. Sometimes we are just so hard on ourselves, aren't we?

Michelle, you asked a great question. At a great time. Listen to this. There are 2 teachers in our school who are running this HM this year. The one guy just came up to me today and said, "only a few more days"....and immediately I felt like, "now I HAVE to run this HM"! WHAT? WHY? Just because HE is??? Just because I don't want to admit that my toes are killing me and that I've (temporarily) lost my MOJO? What's with that?

So I've decided that I will do whatever feels good for the rest of this week. Saturday I will pick up my packet. When Sunday morning comes, I'll wake up and see what happens. No pressure this week. My poor piggies can't handle any more pressure! :)

Thanks, again everybody! YOU ALL ROCK!

Gayle:7
 
Hey Gail,
This happened to me too when I trained for and ran the Queeche Vermont 1/2 marathon...think hillsx(
It abslolutely turned me off of running for a while. The long training sessions did me in. Like you, I want to run when I want to run.
Now I just run to free my mind and tone my body. I throw in a fun, fast 5k once in a while and I'm loving running once again!
 
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