Yesterday, on of my runner girls asked me if I had any mental mojo tips...she was in a funk and just couldn't get motivated.
Dude. Does this girl even KNOW who she is talking to?? I? I am the LAST person to ask about motivation. Let's take a look at my workouts from December through...well...March. :) I had ZERO motivation until a few weeks ago.
But I'm a big fan of doling out preachy advice, so I responded anyway. :)
So this is how I answered her question. She said it should be published...and that's when I remembered, that, HEY! I HAVE A BLOG. A blog where I talk about running and this type of thing. A blog that has been abandoned the past few weeks. So...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Motivation is such a tricky thing. If I knew how to lasso some up and put it my back pocket, I would.
Sometimes the promise of a reward motivates me. Sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes the thrill of a workout motivates me. Sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes, no matter what I try, I cannot get motivated.
Sometimes I want to skip workouts because I am physically exhausted.
Sometimes I want to skip workouts because I am emotionally exhausted.
Sometimes I skip workouts.
In my opinion, it's early enough in the season that you shouldn't fret. I have skipped more workouts that I care to admit, yet I have crossed that finish line Every Time. Sometimes you just need a break, and skipping a workout will give you the rest that your body is craving.
But think about how good you feel after a run. The endorphins. The runner's high. The feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes the best way to beat a case of the 'blahs' is with a run.
So I cannot summon your motivation...but I can tell you this. Listen to your body. What is it telling you? Do you need a rest? Do you need to be talked into or out of today's workout?? Training plans are by no means "one size fits all." What works for someone else may not work for you. That's the beauty of training...learning what your body likes and learning what your brain likes.
Dude. Does this girl even KNOW who she is talking to?? I? I am the LAST person to ask about motivation. Let's take a look at my workouts from December through...well...March. :) I had ZERO motivation until a few weeks ago.
But I'm a big fan of doling out preachy advice, so I responded anyway. :)
So this is how I answered her question. She said it should be published...and that's when I remembered, that, HEY! I HAVE A BLOG. A blog where I talk about running and this type of thing. A blog that has been abandoned the past few weeks. So...
Motivation is such a tricky thing. If I knew how to lasso some up and put it my back pocket, I would.
Sometimes the promise of a reward motivates me. Sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes the thrill of a workout motivates me. Sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes, no matter what I try, I cannot get motivated.
Sometimes I want to skip workouts because I am physically exhausted.
Sometimes I want to skip workouts because I am emotionally exhausted.
Sometimes I skip workouts.
In my opinion, it's early enough in the season that you shouldn't fret. I have skipped more workouts that I care to admit, yet I have crossed that finish line Every Time. Sometimes you just need a break, and skipping a workout will give you the rest that your body is craving.
But think about how good you feel after a run. The endorphins. The runner's high. The feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes the best way to beat a case of the 'blahs' is with a run.
So I cannot summon your motivation...but I can tell you this. Listen to your body. What is it telling you? Do you need a rest? Do you need to be talked into or out of today's workout?? Training plans are by no means "one size fits all." What works for someone else may not work for you. That's the beauty of training...learning what your body likes and learning what your brain likes.
Labels: Ramblings
14 Comments:
I love this post because I agree...sometimes you just skip workouts. No reason no excuse. It happens. We are always our own worst critics!
So glad you are blogging again- you write with a wit and I enjoy reading! :)
Excellent advice and so true!
You are wise for someone so young. :) Seriously, good stuff here.
Great post! And I love that other runners take breaks that are *months* long - woohoo for the unmotivated :D
OF COURSE i knew who i was talking to. the goddess of all things...esp running. way to post it girl :) xo, ~jd (who did make it through 7 yesterday, even 1 mile at the front of that workout on my own and speedy...)
great post girl :) very nicely said!
Awesome post. I love it
The only piece of motivation advice is this. And it also works for food, not only working out.
Focus on how you will feel AFTER the workout. More often than not, once you are done sweating it out, you will feel a lot better than when you started. Love the endorphins. Let them own you.
And for food/diets, ice cream makes you feel good WHILE you are eating it, but crappy after. Most healthy things make you feel good WHILE eating it, and even better after. Focus on those feelings that sustain and aren't fleeting.
Ah, this is exactly what I needed to read at exactly this moment. Thanks dude!
How did you get so smart???? Genetics?? I don't think so... Well maybe a little.
perfectly put! there are days when i need to be talked into a run and others when i need someone to smack me upside the head and tell me to rest....listening to your body is the only way to train!
I LOVE THIS POST!
Someone give this girl a book deal.
You are so wise! This is some of the best running advice I've ever read--and I needed it right about now. Thank you ;)
Boy, you hit the nail on the head! Sometimes motivation comes so easy and other times its as precious and scarce as water in a desert. Thanks!
Great post. I always remind myself that I have never regretted a run...
Post a Comment
<< Home