Fact: I’ve been in a funk pretty much since the end of 2010. I haven’t been running as much as I should be. I’ve been subjecting myself to long runs on the weekend without the build-up milage to support such distances.
I know that I need to incorporate more 3-8 mile runs during the week, cross train more consistently and simply put, just recommit to the sport.
Over the weekend, I was going through some photos and found a picture of me and 2 very close friends (also running) at the start line of the 2010 SF Marathon. I sent it to each of them with a simple line: “Miss you guys.” (Context: I train with a group of friends in San Francisco and haven’t been making it out to our Saturday runs consistently).
I received a response from each of them:
- “Awhhh — look at us at 6 a.m. in the morning. No reason to miss us, you know. Just get up and run.”
- “Thanks for sending that, that’s really sweet. You went through a burn out phase. Bring it back in slowly, maybe 3 miles, then 5 miles, set your sights on a half marathon max maybe in the late spring? BREAKS ARE HEALTHY! We’ll support you and be standing by when you’re ready to come back.”
Two completely different responses, from two people I care very much about. But in essence they are saying what I need to hear:
It is as simple as getting up, putting on your shoes and running. 1 mile, 2 miles, doesn’t matter. “Just get up and run.”
I did burn out last year and it resulted in an injury from overuse. I was racing every month and not allowing proper recovery time. Setting a goal like a half marathon in a couple months will allow me to focus and get back on my feet, literally.
Sometimes reaching out to those you know, especially fellow runners, results in solid advice. I plan on listening to BOTH of my friends and getting back out there. I’m ready. Re-focused and re-energized thanks to two amazing friends and an event photographer.
You're very lucky to have such good friends and so supportive of you. Follow their advise and soon you will back to running and out of your funk! Just do it!
Life is full of ups and downs…but you must live to the fullest and enjoy life…love what you do but do it safely.
I have kept you on my friends list all the while thinking that you were just another link/page to like. Lol… Now I see that you're just an ordinary person that I have wanted to get back into the swing of being like. Six kids later and finally getting the hang of face book and technology in general… I'm up and running again. Thanks for being some of that much needed inspiration without even knowing it! I'm actually signed up for two events this year and am fighting to stay afloat in the training. But 'just getting out there' is definitely key!!! :)
Maybe we all go through this? Like a little roller coaster? I find my running goes up and down. I'll have a month that is just awesome. I feel great, I run many miles (for me) then suddenly even going out for 3 miles feels like a chore and I just don't want to do it. I hate being in a slump. Feels so much better when I come out of it.
I hope the help from your friends helps!