Let's start with a quote, a particularly inspiring one I think:
"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." - Henry Ford
Keeping this quote in mind when trying to get back into running isn't a bad idea.
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| The Long Slow Road Ahead |
For many people reneging on their regular commitment to run or simply no longer finding enjoyment in running happens at some point during their running lifetime. Whether due to an out of kilter work- life balance, a pregnancy perhaps, maybe the cold winter months drove you back indoors or perhaps you suffered an injury - whatever the reason it absolutely is possible to get back into the running saddle if you want to.
For me, two things occurred that made me fall slightly out of love with running:-
1) I achieved my ten year ambition of running a marathon, and
2) I underachieved in a race I loved
There certainly is an argument to say that people can lose their direction, in any situation in life, once a significant goal or milestone is achieved.
"Where do I go from here?"
"I've spent years preparing for this and now I've gone and done it, well done me, now what?"
In this circumstance, the only sensible thing to do it to set yourself another goal - a realistic one. Many people find it hard to get back into running after the rigorous training regime that a marathon demands and all that the actual race takes out of you. After all, what else can match the euphoria felt when you cross that first ever marathon finishing line? I know I struggled to find another goal. But the key here is to think laterally and logically. Set yourself a different kind of goal - perhaps try more new sports, try shorter faster races or aim to improve on your time for your next marathon.
Suffering a set-back in a race is also another common reason for your mojo to go walkabout. No-one likes to do badly and in my case I hit a rather nasty wall in my favourite annual race that really dented my confidence. So much so that I convinced myself that I would almost certainly have to walk in the next race, despite before my setback never having walked in any race, not even the marathon.
Again, the best thing to do here is simply to get back on it. Start small - this way you will be able to achieve and build your confidence back up again. Enter little races or just aim to run around the block twice before work for example. Set that alarm, step into your trainers and off you go - don't think about it, just do it. This way as soon as you reach a goal, no matter how small, you will feel positive about yourself rather than negative. And that's all it takes. Once you're back in the regular running routine and achieving goals, even little ones, your mojo, inspiration and drive will return. The negative feeling that comes with not running and not even trying far outweighs the feeling of perhaps falling a little short of a particular target, at least by taking part you've given it a go.
My top ten tips for getting back into running:-
- Visualise success, your mojo is glass half full kind of thing
- Do whatever it takes to motivate you, this might be buying some new running gear, getting new trainers, rewarding yourself with a treat (a healthy one of course) when you reach a goal
- Set small achievable goals that will boost your confidence. e.g., run 2 miles before work
- Erase any previous personal bests from your memory (and your running watch) - this is really important as you are now a different you and you may well supercede previous goals
- Chuck out the rubbish food in your house - healthy eating makes you feel better, fact. You need to be nourished to run well, wrong fuel in your body is not going to inspire your mojo
- Get a running partner or join a local club, this way your will be less likely to talk yourself out of a run
- Post on your Facebook and Twitter pages that you are off for a run (bearing safety and security in mind of course), making a public commitment means you are more likely to stick to your plan
- Choose a running location that inspires and motivates you - you're much less likely to go out and run if you don't like where you are running
- Don't dwell on it - just know that you are going running and get out there
- ENJOY IT!
Take a look at these other resources for getting back into running:-
