Getting Back to Running
Hey guys! Happy Wednesday- halfway to the weekend!
Last week I talked about running burnout, and today is sort of a follow-up on that. Now that I know what my problem with running is and what went wrong, I want to start talking about things I can change. I'm hoping that some of these tips can help anyone else who sometimes doesn't love running all the time!
For some people this might be the opposite, but I need to run outside to enjoy it. I'm not a fan of the treadmill, and unless I'm doing speed work I won't have a good workout if I stay inside. Just by getting myself to run outside (even if I just run a mile), I know that I'll enjoy it, get some fresh air, and have a good workout.
Running (and pretty much everything) is more fun with friends! Even if you're not all the same pace, running together can be a great way to get out of a running funk. Sign up for a race with a friend, or just call one to go for a jog to catch up. I especially like making plans for after a run (Sunday brunch after a 5 mile run, anyone?)
Even though I'm not following a set training plan right now, I'm giving myself one rule: Never miss a Monday. I always mentally start off the week with a fresh slate, and getting in a workout on Monday gets me off to the right start! I'm much more likely to make better choices and get in a workout later in the week once I get that one run in, and even if I can only run one day that's better than nothing.
I'm not training for any races right now, so it really doesn't matter how far or how fast I'm running. So, I just go out for runs and take as long as I want and keep running as far I feel like that day. This has been especially great when I go for runs with Selma now, because I don't feel the need to sprint with her the entire time.
I love listening to podcasts, but listening to the same ones over and over can get redundant and boring. Luckily, new podcasts are popping out every day, so finding new ones is always exciting! I recently added Heavyweight to my subscription list (thanks Suz) and I'm really excited to start listening to Homecoming (it premiers today, but the preview sounds amazing!)
How do you combat burnout?
Favorite podcast?
Who wants to run with me? I'll bring coffee!
Last week I talked about running burnout, and today is sort of a follow-up on that. Now that I know what my problem with running is and what went wrong, I want to start talking about things I can change. I'm hoping that some of these tips can help anyone else who sometimes doesn't love running all the time!
Run outside
Recruit friends
Never Miss a Monday
Ditch the Watch
Find a New Podcast
How do you combat burnout?
Favorite podcast?
Who wants to run with me? I'll bring coffee!
ISN'T HEAVYWEIGHT AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteTry Surprisingly Awesome (speaking of) next :D
You are the BEST
DeleteDo you still run outside when the snow comes?!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love snow running :)
DeleteI told myself I would take the rest of the month of since my half last Sunday but the weather is still nice here and I hate to miss out on some good weather runs!
ReplyDeleteIt's so frustrating! When it gets cold out it's much easier to skip, but that's when I have to start training for spring races.
DeleteThat first cartoon is me running regardless of location, except that I would also have a speech bubble thinking about how much I'm killing my knees. Running is just not my jam. Podcasts are totally my jam though! I love Stuff You Missed In History Class, Grown Ups Read Stuff They Wrote As Kids, The Vinyl Cafe and The Alton Brown Cast.
ReplyDeleteHahaha so true! Thanks for all the recommendations. Haven't listened to any of those!
DeleteThe Monday rule is actually a really great one. I use that principle when I eat my veggies; I eat them earlier on in the day and it sets me up for a good healthy day!
ReplyDeleteYes! That's absolutely true
Deleterunning outside is crucial for me to enjoy it. unfortunately, i always feel blah about running this time of year and i start to be a big ol baby and don't want to run in the cold or the dark.. plus when there is snow or ice on the ground, i fall over a lot (i wish i was kidding). so i try and make the treadmill fun. and yes, mondays are essential for me. if i miss a monday - not just with running, but with exercise/eating well - i feel crap for the rest of the week. that's on me, i know, i should just get over it, or i can just be good on monday and it's all good. lol
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way. But, once I get out there and warm up it's not that bad. Plus, it gives me an excuse to get cute winter running stuff :)
DeleteI have trained for all of my races with Monday as my rest day, so I'm actually finding it really hard to get in the habit of running on Mondays, even after a long hiatus.
ReplyDeleteTaking a break is the most helpful thing you can do for running burnout. Sometimes you just need time to reset all the bad habits/mindsets you've developed. As I return to running after a break, what's been helpful for me is only doing short runs. It's a lot easier to get myself out the door if I only have to run for 20-30 minutes as opposed to 45+. I can sleep in a little later if it's in the AM, it doesn't feel like such a huge time suck if it's in the PM, and it gives me just enough of a workout to get an endorphin boost without making me feel tired.
I'm actually the same way and usually rest on Mondays, but I'm liking it this way! I might also change my long run day to Saturday...
DeleteI will definitely be taking some time off after my marathon this weekend! When I move back (hopefully this spring) to the burgh we will def have to set up running brunch dates!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!! and good luck at your race :)
DeleteI love the "Never miss a Monday"rule! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's good and simple!
DeleteI have heard that--that being outside makes all the difference
ReplyDeleteIt does for me!
Delete