One of the reasons I enjoy your newsletter so much is conversations like this one. I experience *so* many ups and downs with my running motivation, but I don’t often see that experience reflected in mass running media.
It’s so refreshing to read something I can see myself in, rather than the typical “go out and crush it!!!” narrative. Agreed with Clark that I’d love to see you write a book!
Thank you so much for saying that, Maddie -- that’s my experience too! I feel like so much of the energy/conversation/etc. when it comes to running in most media outlets is exactly as you describe (“crush it!”) and I know that’s not realistic for me. Sometimes, sure! I’ll catch a moment or two when I feel that way. But most of the time, I’m not helped by that, and I imagine most other runners aren’t either. And even worse, it can make you feel inadequate when you can’t live up to that standard -- which is really only possible for people who can devote most (all?) of their free time to it, a category that I certainly don’t fall into. (Even professional run runners get burned out also!) I hope readers come away from here with a feeling that “you can do it too,” rather than “here’s some impossible standard you’ll never be able to meet.”
I run 3 miles 3 days a week. And on Saturday I do like a 5 mile. And then Sunday is my long run 8 miles.. This is all the time I have because of all the crazy jobs I have. I normally walk with both chops about four miles a day. No matter what you do Long as you go out there every day Or period of the day. It makes you feel good. It's a great way to relax and distress.
Terrell, your take on all things running is refreshing. You speak to “Everyman” and “Everywomen” in a voice with which they can resonate. Perhaps there is room for yet one more running book authored by you?
You are always so kind, my friend! Actually, as luck would have it, I spoke with someone from a publisher recently, who reached out to me about a potential book project based on our newsletter. That discussion later fizzled, but it’s gotten me thinking about the possibility of doing one more and more. We shall see! How are things in your world?
Well, I hope you pursue it. You definitely have an uncanny ability to connect the dots and add a few of your own. Unsolicited title suggestion: “Running...all things considered.”
My life has not been my own as I relocated my 100 year old Mom in August from FLORIDA to Cleveland and have been spending much time with her to insure a successful transition. No training hours left for your Half Marathon which I regret. But I hope you have a successful event and perhaps next year for me!
My goodness, this is the second newsletter inn a row that seems to be speaking straight to me and my current situation!
After a lot of thoughtful consideration, I'm relocating 500 miles away with a four-year-old in tow (husband's relocation time table TBD) to start a job in a community I really want to be in, and that long term will allow me to balance work and family. (Short term it's going to be a circus of starting a new job, single parenting, and temporary housing!)
It's also 500 miles further away from the Marine Corps Marathon I signed up to run! And with so much to do and I've been putting running on the back burner. I looked at the weather forecast to day (95F) and decided it was more important to organize my son's stuff for the move that run 10 miles. My motivation has fundamentally changed.
Like Andrew, I'm just recalibrating my plans. I'm going to try to do the last 8 weeks of a lower mileage "beginner" plan three days a week, and if the next few weeks don't go well cut my losses and give up the marathon. Priorities change! If I do run the marathon, it will be "to finish" with no time in mind ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Maggie, I'm so happy for you that you'll be in a place you really, truly want to live in, and will work better for your family long-term. That's really exciting! And, I feel your pain on making adjustments to the training plan -- finishing MCM is a fantastic goal!
I guess I am considered an “older” runner (65yo) and that I have a hard time accepting! I’ve got in my head they if I don’t maintain 6mph, or better, that I am only a “jogger”. I’ve got to let that go and just enjoy being outside and doing what I love, running (or jogging as it may be). Having a race in the future is definitely a motivator for me. I’ve got the Eugene Or. 1/2 marathon coming up next spring, which will be awesome. Need some shorter races until then. Thanks for the great subject Terrell!
Ha, Ha! 65 is not old! I live in Eugene. If the run is along the Willamette, it is not hard! It is scenic!
I live in Eugene. . . up in the rocks and hills. . . trying to get down to the Flats by the river is a chore. . . :) Enjoy training, no need for speed!
I started running in high school, stopped for a couple years and started again to run a marathon with a friend. Stopped again, gained too much weight and started again and decieded never to quit again. A lung infection put me down for six months. Hell, I was happy to breathe without coughing my lungs out. Now at 75% I've started again, Why? Because anyone who has run a race of any distance knows the feeling when you cross the finish line. The uforia of actually finishing no matter the time. I can still remember finishing my first marathon with little or no training. A little old lady passed me when I could finally see the finish line. I vowed that would never happen again. So I train and give it my all each time I compete....not for any medal but to see how far my body has come and at 73, it's come a long ways...
Agreed. Great post. I do the same thing. Just 2 or 3 miles. A couple other things that have worked for me:
A) I've found that creating a short new playlist or bookmarking a TED talk or sermon or audiobook to listen to helps my motivation.
B) This is stupid and vain, but I go into the run knowing that I'll switch my Strava setting to "viewable only by me" so that I won't think about pace or distance or location.
I don’t think B is stupid or vain at all! I think these apps can work on us in ways we’re not fully aware of; I’m the same when it comes to speed. (“is this run too slow?!”) Like, why should I care? It’s nuts when you think about it, but we do this, don’t we?
What I've experienced being around runners for about 2 decades now is that those who push through and force themselves are miserable and make everyone around them relatively miserable as well. Then they often end up injured, which compounds everyone's misery!
When my mojo wanes, I review all the basics - how is my sleep, my diet, my training plan? Are there external factors like weather or stress which may be compounding my malaise? Is there any low hanging fruit I can address to increase my motivation and performance? This is what I go to first. I control what I can and mitigate what I cannot (running before sunrise with an ice block in a fanny pack during hot summer days). Often I allow myself to miss a run or two because I've found this doesn't make or break the training, but pushing through can.
I've overtrained myself into a long-term break from running and the only symptom I had was lack of enjoyment and motivation. No weight loss, lowered immune system, cycle disruption, or injuries. Running was just a chore. And then one day i couldn't summon myself out of bed and that was the end of it for 3 months. I laid in bed and did nothing that wasn't essential for 3 months. I did not feel like running again for nearly 3 years. This happened the year I did Boston and 2 half marathons in 4 months while teaching spin classes 4 hours a week. I won't make this mistake again!
I love all of these thoughts... you're so right, pushing too hard can make yourself and potentially everyone around you miserable. It's so interesting that you experience it the year you did Boston and the two half marathons -- all while teaching spin classes too! Wow!
Because I've been so cautious and had no injuries or menstrual cycle changes I did not recognize what was happening. It did not look 'textbook' ... and there was only one way we were taught in school to be alert for female athlete triad. Stacy Sims has done a lot for female athletes and now I recognize it for what it was, but it really wasn't until 5 years ago I realized it was legitimate biological overtraining (and this all happened in 2010)!
I know where you are and my way I would not recommend. I have have walked away for years at a time. This time I am fortunate in that we had a discussion about this month’s ago and completion times and the forever upward no longer matter. The joy and the peace does. And when that happens the body performs
I am a day late but decided to chime in.....I can relate to so many of the comments on motivation! I’m going to be 58 in December and I am pondering my running in the future every dang time I Go out for a run! I definitely put in more walk breaks and it’s hard because I want to maintain that steady pace as my ego gets in the way. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not in my 20s anymore(haven’t been for a long time). I’ve been trying to add in a trail run every couple of weeks and that really is a reality check on speed! It is not possible to maintain the same pace as I would on the road so I just spend more focus looking around me and enjoying the view. I honestly don’t know if there is another race in my future but either way, I want to keep moving forward albeit at a turtle pace!
This is what I needed, I lost my motivation when I got rear-ended by a car last October. I had been training for a half marathon I was so excited when that happened. I had horrible neck, shoulder, and back pain. I couldn't run for months. It's almost a year later and I just couldn't find the motivation until now. I wanted to be the runner I was before, but really what I need is to love running again with my mind-body, and spirit. Thank you!
Oh, wow! I'm so, so sorry to hear about your accident, and hoping you're okay and recovering well. Really glad to hear you've found your motivation again!
My husband is my motivator! This summer has been the worst to train for any race. But I’ll come in and he’ll say you got this. He even tells friends that I could do a marathon tomorrow! This make me think ...yes I can do this!!
Outstanding topic and the personal responses are incredibly powerful and beneficial. Each one comes at me in a different angle but every response hits home. Like “yeah, that’s me”. My style has been to put my head down and just run harder, faster. And I have learned, as well, that the bottom line is the inner peace running gives me. I love the completion of the race and the feeling of being around so many others experiencing and hurting in a similar way as me. The runner’s spirit is very infectious in such a wonderful way.
I appreciate your genuine approach to the topic of running Terrell; it helps me to stay grounded in the sport! If anyone follows Molly Seidel on Strava, you’ll notice that she keeps it real too although she is an elite runner.; I appreciate her candid comments on Strava! Every runner experiences ups/downs during their running journey! Thank you Terrell for keeping it real, I appreciate it so much! Yes, you should really consider doing the book!!! For me, I simply take a break on a day that I don’t necessarily feel motivated and start fresh the next day. I’ve noticed that the lack of motivation hits me about every 4 weeks and coincidentally during month end close (a stressful time for finance folks). I’m not sure how some runners stay motivated for so long and endure the stress of balancing life and work, but they do it - God Bless them! Once I take a break for a day or two, then my desire to lace up and hit the road is much stronger. I have to remind myself that taking a break is ok and then I can start over again.
One of the reasons I enjoy your newsletter so much is conversations like this one. I experience *so* many ups and downs with my running motivation, but I don’t often see that experience reflected in mass running media.
It’s so refreshing to read something I can see myself in, rather than the typical “go out and crush it!!!” narrative. Agreed with Clark that I’d love to see you write a book!
Thank you so much for saying that, Maddie -- that’s my experience too! I feel like so much of the energy/conversation/etc. when it comes to running in most media outlets is exactly as you describe (“crush it!”) and I know that’s not realistic for me. Sometimes, sure! I’ll catch a moment or two when I feel that way. But most of the time, I’m not helped by that, and I imagine most other runners aren’t either. And even worse, it can make you feel inadequate when you can’t live up to that standard -- which is really only possible for people who can devote most (all?) of their free time to it, a category that I certainly don’t fall into. (Even professional run runners get burned out also!) I hope readers come away from here with a feeling that “you can do it too,” rather than “here’s some impossible standard you’ll never be able to meet.”
I run 3 miles 3 days a week. And on Saturday I do like a 5 mile. And then Sunday is my long run 8 miles.. This is all the time I have because of all the crazy jobs I have. I normally walk with both chops about four miles a day. No matter what you do Long as you go out there every day Or period of the day. It makes you feel good. It's a great way to relax and distress.
Terrell, your take on all things running is refreshing. You speak to “Everyman” and “Everywomen” in a voice with which they can resonate. Perhaps there is room for yet one more running book authored by you?
You are always so kind, my friend! Actually, as luck would have it, I spoke with someone from a publisher recently, who reached out to me about a potential book project based on our newsletter. That discussion later fizzled, but it’s gotten me thinking about the possibility of doing one more and more. We shall see! How are things in your world?
Well, I hope you pursue it. You definitely have an uncanny ability to connect the dots and add a few of your own. Unsolicited title suggestion: “Running...all things considered.”
My life has not been my own as I relocated my 100 year old Mom in August from FLORIDA to Cleveland and have been spending much time with her to insure a successful transition. No training hours left for your Half Marathon which I regret. But I hope you have a successful event and perhaps next year for me!
My goodness, this is the second newsletter inn a row that seems to be speaking straight to me and my current situation!
After a lot of thoughtful consideration, I'm relocating 500 miles away with a four-year-old in tow (husband's relocation time table TBD) to start a job in a community I really want to be in, and that long term will allow me to balance work and family. (Short term it's going to be a circus of starting a new job, single parenting, and temporary housing!)
It's also 500 miles further away from the Marine Corps Marathon I signed up to run! And with so much to do and I've been putting running on the back burner. I looked at the weather forecast to day (95F) and decided it was more important to organize my son's stuff for the move that run 10 miles. My motivation has fundamentally changed.
Like Andrew, I'm just recalibrating my plans. I'm going to try to do the last 8 weeks of a lower mileage "beginner" plan three days a week, and if the next few weeks don't go well cut my losses and give up the marathon. Priorities change! If I do run the marathon, it will be "to finish" with no time in mind ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Maggie, I'm so happy for you that you'll be in a place you really, truly want to live in, and will work better for your family long-term. That's really exciting! And, I feel your pain on making adjustments to the training plan -- finishing MCM is a fantastic goal!
I guess I am considered an “older” runner (65yo) and that I have a hard time accepting! I’ve got in my head they if I don’t maintain 6mph, or better, that I am only a “jogger”. I’ve got to let that go and just enjoy being outside and doing what I love, running (or jogging as it may be). Having a race in the future is definitely a motivator for me. I’ve got the Eugene Or. 1/2 marathon coming up next spring, which will be awesome. Need some shorter races until then. Thanks for the great subject Terrell!
Ha, Ha! 65 is not old! I live in Eugene. If the run is along the Willamette, it is not hard! It is scenic!
I live in Eugene. . . up in the rocks and hills. . . trying to get down to the Flats by the river is a chore. . . :) Enjoy training, no need for speed!
Oh I have the same 6mph hangup and I'm only 33!
I started running in high school, stopped for a couple years and started again to run a marathon with a friend. Stopped again, gained too much weight and started again and decieded never to quit again. A lung infection put me down for six months. Hell, I was happy to breathe without coughing my lungs out. Now at 75% I've started again, Why? Because anyone who has run a race of any distance knows the feeling when you cross the finish line. The uforia of actually finishing no matter the time. I can still remember finishing my first marathon with little or no training. A little old lady passed me when I could finally see the finish line. I vowed that would never happen again. So I train and give it my all each time I compete....not for any medal but to see how far my body has come and at 73, it's come a long ways...
I love, love, love that you're back, Steve!
Agreed. Great post. I do the same thing. Just 2 or 3 miles. A couple other things that have worked for me:
A) I've found that creating a short new playlist or bookmarking a TED talk or sermon or audiobook to listen to helps my motivation.
B) This is stupid and vain, but I go into the run knowing that I'll switch my Strava setting to "viewable only by me" so that I won't think about pace or distance or location.
I don’t think B is stupid or vain at all! I think these apps can work on us in ways we’re not fully aware of; I’m the same when it comes to speed. (“is this run too slow?!”) Like, why should I care? It’s nuts when you think about it, but we do this, don’t we?
What I've experienced being around runners for about 2 decades now is that those who push through and force themselves are miserable and make everyone around them relatively miserable as well. Then they often end up injured, which compounds everyone's misery!
When my mojo wanes, I review all the basics - how is my sleep, my diet, my training plan? Are there external factors like weather or stress which may be compounding my malaise? Is there any low hanging fruit I can address to increase my motivation and performance? This is what I go to first. I control what I can and mitigate what I cannot (running before sunrise with an ice block in a fanny pack during hot summer days). Often I allow myself to miss a run or two because I've found this doesn't make or break the training, but pushing through can.
I've overtrained myself into a long-term break from running and the only symptom I had was lack of enjoyment and motivation. No weight loss, lowered immune system, cycle disruption, or injuries. Running was just a chore. And then one day i couldn't summon myself out of bed and that was the end of it for 3 months. I laid in bed and did nothing that wasn't essential for 3 months. I did not feel like running again for nearly 3 years. This happened the year I did Boston and 2 half marathons in 4 months while teaching spin classes 4 hours a week. I won't make this mistake again!
I love all of these thoughts... you're so right, pushing too hard can make yourself and potentially everyone around you miserable. It's so interesting that you experience it the year you did Boston and the two half marathons -- all while teaching spin classes too! Wow!
Because I've been so cautious and had no injuries or menstrual cycle changes I did not recognize what was happening. It did not look 'textbook' ... and there was only one way we were taught in school to be alert for female athlete triad. Stacy Sims has done a lot for female athletes and now I recognize it for what it was, but it really wasn't until 5 years ago I realized it was legitimate biological overtraining (and this all happened in 2010)!
I know where you are and my way I would not recommend. I have have walked away for years at a time. This time I am fortunate in that we had a discussion about this month’s ago and completion times and the forever upward no longer matter. The joy and the peace does. And when that happens the body performs
I am a day late but decided to chime in.....I can relate to so many of the comments on motivation! I’m going to be 58 in December and I am pondering my running in the future every dang time I Go out for a run! I definitely put in more walk breaks and it’s hard because I want to maintain that steady pace as my ego gets in the way. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not in my 20s anymore(haven’t been for a long time). I’ve been trying to add in a trail run every couple of weeks and that really is a reality check on speed! It is not possible to maintain the same pace as I would on the road so I just spend more focus looking around me and enjoying the view. I honestly don’t know if there is another race in my future but either way, I want to keep moving forward albeit at a turtle pace!
This is what I needed, I lost my motivation when I got rear-ended by a car last October. I had been training for a half marathon I was so excited when that happened. I had horrible neck, shoulder, and back pain. I couldn't run for months. It's almost a year later and I just couldn't find the motivation until now. I wanted to be the runner I was before, but really what I need is to love running again with my mind-body, and spirit. Thank you!
Oh, wow! I'm so, so sorry to hear about your accident, and hoping you're okay and recovering well. Really glad to hear you've found your motivation again!
And I wish I could be in the half that everyone on this thread is training for but I’m doing Chicago marathon with grandsons and then New York!
Wow! You’ve got a big fall ahead of you, Gail!
My husband is my motivator! This summer has been the worst to train for any race. But I’ll come in and he’ll say you got this. He even tells friends that I could do a marathon tomorrow! This make me think ...yes I can do this!!
Outstanding topic and the personal responses are incredibly powerful and beneficial. Each one comes at me in a different angle but every response hits home. Like “yeah, that’s me”. My style has been to put my head down and just run harder, faster. And I have learned, as well, that the bottom line is the inner peace running gives me. I love the completion of the race and the feeling of being around so many others experiencing and hurting in a similar way as me. The runner’s spirit is very infectious in such a wonderful way.
I appreciate your genuine approach to the topic of running Terrell; it helps me to stay grounded in the sport! If anyone follows Molly Seidel on Strava, you’ll notice that she keeps it real too although she is an elite runner.; I appreciate her candid comments on Strava! Every runner experiences ups/downs during their running journey! Thank you Terrell for keeping it real, I appreciate it so much! Yes, you should really consider doing the book!!! For me, I simply take a break on a day that I don’t necessarily feel motivated and start fresh the next day. I’ve noticed that the lack of motivation hits me about every 4 weeks and coincidentally during month end close (a stressful time for finance folks). I’m not sure how some runners stay motivated for so long and endure the stress of balancing life and work, but they do it - God Bless them! Once I take a break for a day or two, then my desire to lace up and hit the road is much stronger. I have to remind myself that taking a break is ok and then I can start over again.