I’ve lost my running mojo.
I’m pretty sure I lost it around mile 19 of the Berlin Marathon, and I haven’t seen it since.
I haven’t run since the Berlin Marathon nearly four weeks ago. It may well be the longest I’ve not run since I first started running over four years ago. I gave myself a week off from running after the marathon, then planned a few gym sessions in St Lucia which didn’t happen. I’ve now been back from hols for two weeks and have worked out a measly three times.
I’ve been busy. I’ve been ill. I’ve been recovering. The excuses don’t really fly anymore. The truth is I just haven’t been feeling it, but I’m hoping that will change soon.
Here’s my advice for getting your mojo back (advice that I’m trying to follow myself!)
Start out short– even though the last run I did was 26 plus miles, doesn’t mean the next one has to be on the same scale. It doesn’t have to be a long run, or even double digits. Start short, with a 2-4 mile run. Every little helps as they say.
Sign up for races- I love races, whether I’m running for fun, aiming for a new PB or using a race as a training run. There’s just something about running around an organised course and guaranteed medal that makes it more fun. It also gives me something to train for, even if it’s just to make it round the course.
I’m signed up for a couple of races between November and February to keep me ticking along.
Reach for another goal- It can be hard to keep motivated when you don’t have a goal you’re working towards. Having a reason to go for a run or complete a training session is great incentive to make it happen. With a marathon off the cards for next year, I’ve got my eyes on a brand new half marathon PB in the new year. I’m looking up flat half courses to enter in March- perhaps the Reading half as my goal race.
Run with friends- Running with friends can take the pressure off pace and ensures that the miles fly by. It doesn’t matter if you run 2 miles then stop for coffee and cake, or run 12 miles whilst nattering away. Having someone to meet and chat with helps get me out of the door when I’m struggling. I’m excited to see of my blogger running buds this evening at the Osterley Night Run. Tom’s running too!
Try a different run-If you always run half marathons, why not try a 5K or an obstacle course? I’ve signed up for Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest in November to try out something new, and to run with Tom and my step-brother. I was supposed to be running Tough Mudder today, but a full day of lectures means that I had to postpone until May. Bring it on.
Don’t stress about it- It doesn’t matter if you’re not running as long as you’re moving. Take the time to try out some classes or new exercises until you get your fitness and running mojo back!
What are your tips for getting my mojo back?
This! 100% this! After Brighton, I didn’t run for a couple of months. Not even kidding. In the end, I decided to focus on other sports – cycling to work mostly, and I also took the opportunity to get back into swimming after yeeears of not doing it, which made me SO happy (I think that’s the key!). Eventually, I felt like running again, but I haven’t done more than 10k up to now. I decided to run for the fun of it – slow runs, parkruns, runs with friends – which took the pressure off, and helped me enjoy it again. You’ll be back into it in no time – sounds like you’re on the right track! 🙂
Thank you, great idea to focus on other workouts like cycling and swimming- maybe time to sign up for a triathlon?
Great post Charlie! This really struck a chord with me. After my first half marathon earlier this year I didn’t run for about two months – I just felt no motivation! I’m back on the horse now but for a while I felt so sad that I’d lost any passion I had, especially considering how pleased I was to complete my first ever half. Sounds like you’ve got a solid plan for getting your mojo back though 🙂 hang on in there!
Thank you for your lovely comment!
I’ve had this a few times before. I usually take a break and not run unless I really want to. Then when I do get back to it, I go totally tech free, and just enjoy the simple pleasure of running.
Good plan, I threw my watch away after Berlin so am running tech free anyway!
Brilliant post Charlie. I feel like the weather doesn’t help either with it getting colder! I’m going to buy some new running leggings and try a few little races too! After lots of training in the summer for the Cardiff half, beating my half marathon time by 16 minutes hopefully it’s good to have a break!
I agree about the weather, it’s so hard to get up and run in the dark!
It really stinks when that happens. Self-motivation is one of the toughest parts to a great fitness regimen – something I battle all the time.
It truly is, and it does show me why so many people don’t exercise if they don’t have a goal/reason!
These photos are gorgeous! I think I remember Leah blogging something very similar after her last marathon. You need to give yourself a really good rest after marathon running, and let yourself be excited about hitting the road again!
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Thank you, I agree about getting excited to run again!
Thanks, they were taken by the lovely Abi at afloralcrown.blogspot.co.uk
Great post and i agree with all your advice, but none more so than giving yourself a goal. After any race i really struggle to motivate myself. There is a constant battle between my running shoes and the big warm comfy sofa in front of the log fire (the sofa normally wins). But if i have a goal, if i have something to aim for, i’ve always found it to light a fire in me and give me reason to crawl my sorry backside out of bed every morning at 6am for that 10k run. There’s no greater motivational tool than knowing you have a marathon in 6wks lol.
Thanks for sharing your advice with us!
I think it’s so common to lose mojo after a big race – it happened to me in the early summer. Things that I found worked well were:
– switching to trails. There’s something so therapeutic about trails so maybe hit up some of the parks and run on dirt.
– listen to a GREAT e-book that makes you WANT to go out and run again just so you can listen to it
– ditch the watch for at least two or three weeks and run as slowly as you want just enjoying the experience!
It’ll come back 😉