Lost Your Motivation to Run? Here’s How To Get It Back

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If you follow my blog, fueledbylolz, you’ll know over the past few months I haven’t been motivated to run. I trained hard for the April Fools Half Marathon in Atlantic City, but I missed my goal time by about seven minutes.

After that, my motivation diminished. Since April, I went from running 60- to 70-mile weeks to struggling to even want to run. That same athlete that raced almost every weekend is not running at all.

Don’t get me wrong, I work in a running store and love talking about running, but my personal motivation to get out the door has been low.

Since April I’ve run when I wanted, but for the most part, I’ve rested, crossed trained and done other things: Yes, it’s possible to stay active and healthy without running. Despite taking about three months, over the last two weeks, my motivation has slowly crept back.

So what do you do when you’ve lost the motivation to run?

Step 1: Take a break

There is no shame in that. I’m not embarrassed that I didn’t run. In fact, I openly blogged about it for 3 months.

Step 2: Figure out why you are aren’t motivated

  • Did you recently have a bad race?
  • Are you busy with other things in your life?
  • Have your priorities changed such as a new job, new baby, or new spouse?
  • Are you injured or having nagging minor issues?
  • Are you tired or stressed?
  • Are you just not enjoying running?

Maybe none of these apply, and you have no idea. In that case, taking some time is the best thing you can do. Taking the time to figure out why you don’t enjoy running is the first step to getting back out there in a healthy mental state. It might take a week, month, or maybe even a decade.

Step 3: Regain your motivation

This is different for everyone. It could take a day, or it could take years. It doesn’t matter, your fitness is lifelong, and there isn’t a timeline for it. Here are a few ways to help boost your motivation.

Wait until you want to run

If you don’t feel like you want to run, then don’t push it. The more you push it, the more you dig yourself into a hole. If you are like me, running when you aren’t motivated leads to an injury and extra stress.

Change where you run

Don’t run the same loops you ran previously. Try something new such as trails, a different neighborhood or a different area. Heck, run inside and watch TV if you want to catch up on your latest TV shows. Change it up!

Run with friends

For the most part, if you run with friends the run goes by much quicker. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of running with my husband again, and those few runs have always gone by much faster and more enjoyably. When I run with close friends, it’s a fun way to catch up!

Lastly, don’t forget that you don’t have to run to stay active. There are many other methods and way to be fit rather than running, and it is okay. Be honest with yourself and don’t be embarrassed.

Running is supposed to be fun and there shouldn’t a thought of doubt, shame, or sadness associated with it! If you are passionate about running, find a way to enjoy it life-long!

Hollie Sick is an avid runner who’s completed more than 30 half marathons. Read her blog, or follow her on Facebook.

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