The common thought is that if you find your motivation lacking you should commit to something! Sign up for a race, make a goal, put it in writing, tell others and get to work! And often that works like a charm. It’s been a solid tactic for me on many occasions.
But lately? Not so much.
My training has been so scattered lately. One week I’m hot, the next I’m cold. One week the miles come easy, the next I’m lucky to get half the miles I had planned.
On the off weeks, I just feel tired.
Exhausted.
Unable and unwilling to go out for a run.
And that’s a frustrating feeling.
Frustration brings on more feelings of negativity, which makes me more tired.
I admit, it’s AWESOME that I am so much more in tune with my body now. I can pay attention to the cues that my body is drained and in need of rest. But it’s also extremely frustrating that I seem to need so much more rest lately.
Mentally I’m stressing over a lot of things in life. Work, family, friends, health… and stress wears your body down like a hard workout without any of the positive effects like exercise. I know it’s bad for me and I try to keep it in check, but I am a “yes woman” and commit to doing things for others before I take care of myself.
Last week was an off week. I’m hoping this week I’ll “switch on”. I have two Team Challenge information meetings to attend this week (we had two last week) and I will lead our first pre-season run on Saturday. We’ll have one more info meeting and the team kick-off next week. The regular 16-week season will start the following Saturday.
I need to switch on. I have a team to lead. I have a race on May 1.
Got any motivation tips, words of encouragement or stress-relief tactics for me?
Jill Will Run 
I can totally relate. I find that if I think about how I will feel AFTER my workout, it at least gets me moving and once I’m dressed it would be stupid to back out at that point. I never regret a workout! 🙂
If your body is feeling that unmotivated and tired you may just need some time off. Try some rest days, get extra sleep, eat really well… maybe do some light cross training. And then see if that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to go. I had a post on my blog yesterday with motivation from lots of great runners. Maybe it will help. 🙂 Good luck!
http://seemomrunfar.blogspot.com/
100% agreed.
I totally agree! I’ve never had a regret after my work out was done! If I ever don’t do my work out for the day, it has everything to do with my mindset!
We really can be our own worst enemies!
Jason Stieler
http://www.gitfitnowblog.blogspot.com/
A cute running outfit (for me: pink plaid running skirt, high socks, and hair in pigtails), a great music playlist, and a new running route help bring me out of my running doldrums.
As for stress-relief tactics, yoga and sleep make me feel MUCH better. I notice that my anxiety increases tremendously when I skimp on sleep.
Take care, Jill.
Totally agree with Katie’s suggestions. Also, if there are any local races that you have time to volunteer for and/or spectate at . . . that never fails to get me excited! It is just so motivating to see people out there, giving it their all; makes me want to do the same! I actually credit spectating at the Austin Marathon with giving me own running mojo back.
Oh, and I’ve been watching a number of running movies lately, which I think has really helped in the motivation department:
-Spirit of the Marathon
-Running on the Sun
-Without Limits
-Run For Your Life
-St. Ralph
Most importantly, though, make sure you continue to take care of yourself. Running just won’t be any fun if you are worn down and stressed. Make sure to listen to your body and take some time off if it’s what you need!
These are some great suggestions. I think I’m going to watch Without Limits again, that one feels like it will be inspiring to me right now!
Oh, Jill…we are so alike. Two weeks ago I had an awesome week – stellar even. I was up every morning at 4:17 and running by 5…granted slow and on a treadmill…but getting it done. The next week I ran two days. This week has been a bit better with the better weather options, but there have been a couple days that it took all I could to get out and go…bribing myself with treats (books) if I had to. I’m not sure how to get out of the mental mind meld. As my friend Karla told me – just keep breathing – breathe in and breathe out and keep the legs a moving, even if it’s just something short or even a walk. Focus on the breathing and it will come. *hugs*
I’ve been trying to get back into doing my yoga lately, so that should help with the “focus on the breathing”. I think I struggle when I get out of my practice.