When your running stalls, things can seem pretty rough. After all, we runners spend a lot of time training, and laying out miles, so when you hit a low spot, it can rock your world. Whether you’re dealing with injury or lack of motivation, you’ll need to find some ways to cope.
Honor Your Reasons For The Stall
When things stall out, chances are there is a good reason. It might be injury, burn out, boredom, or something else. And whatever it is, sit with it. Let yourself reflect on and honor those reasons. Chances are it will help you find at least a little peace in the downtime.
Explore Another Option
If the running isn’t going well, maybe it’s worth trying something different. There are so many fitness options out there, and it may not be a bad idea to incorporate something new into your training. We all know that nothing will ever replace running, but it can’t hurt to try something new.
Shift Gears Entirely
Without running, you may have some time to fill. This could be the perfect opportunity to try a new hobby or explore a new interest. Maybe it’s something active, or maybe it’s something crafty. If you’re not able to challenge your legs, challenging your brain or your creative side may be just as fulfilling, at least for a little while.
Solve The Problem
At the end of all else, your stall may need to be solved. If you’re injured, get the diagnosis and/or put in the work to rehab. If you’re just burned out, give yourself time to fall in love with running all over again. When you’re just low on motivation, take a break and find your “why” again.
How do you cope when your running stalls?
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Excellent points, Jenn!
I find that having a race to train for adds a lot of excitement and positive energy to my running.
Or I join a happy and passionate running group – their joy for running can be so contagious!
I love having a race on the calendar, but now I’m scared to register for anything! Ugh!
I definitely think its important to try to figure out the “why”. I like to look back on my training and see if its been a while since I took a break, or if I’ve been running more than usual, or if something else is going on. Usually taking a break to focus on something else for a bit can really help!
It’s hard to take those breaks. However, I’m trying. It’s all we can do.
Great post. It happens to all runners.
Call a friend.
Join a running group.
Sign up for a race.
Find a new hobby.
These are all the things that help me.
As Lisa said. Your WHY is important.
Hope your mojo returns soon.
I’m working through it. It’s frustrating, though.
I think this is normal for most long time runners to experience a downtown. Sometimes, we just need to take a mental or physical break for a while. Doing some other sort of exercise for a while helps!
It’s never quite the same, but yes.
I also think figuring out the WHY is important, for self-reflection and assessment. Having other fitness options to focus on, instead of running, may be just the reprieve that one experiencing burnout/frustration needs.
It’s so important.
I think it’s important to remember that a little running break can actually be beneficial, and part of a normal cycle. Even professional runners take a step back sometimes, and often come back to win a big race or set a PR afterwards. Of course if it’s a break due to injury, that’s another story- but you can still come back stronger than ever.
i get the feeling this post was inspired by your personal situation. Remember it’s normal to want/need a break after a big race. I hope you’re feeling better this week!
I’ve been lucky to never have to take a long break, so far, knock on wood. Although obviously my running is quite reduced the last couple of years. I’m also lucky that I have many interests & it’s usually more of a question of how to do everything I want to do — many runners rely so heavily on running that they’re devastated when they can’t run.
So the advice to explore new stuff is great! You never know when you’ll ignite a new passion!
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…What can happen in a decade? Part II
Sometimes, you just need to pivot.
I think it’s so important to take weeks off after races and low-intensity phases in the year for this exact reason. Interest and motivation will have low points for everyone at some point.