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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / how to cope when your running stalls

how to cope when your running stalls

February 23, 2022      14 Comments

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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Comments

  1. Catrina says

    February 23, 2022 at 7:44 am

    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!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      I love having a race on the calendar, but now I’m scared to register for anything! Ugh!

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    February 23, 2022 at 9:45 am

    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!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      It’s hard to take those breaks. However, I’m trying. It’s all we can do.

      Reply
  3. Darlene says

    February 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      I’m working through it. It’s frustrating, though.

      Reply
  4. Deborah Brooks says

    February 23, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      It’s never quite the same, but yes.

      Reply
  5. Kimberly Hatting says

    February 23, 2022 at 7:23 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      It’s so important.

      Reply
  6. Jenny says

    February 23, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    February 23, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    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 IIMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 25, 2022 at 12:53 am

      Sometimes, you just need to pivot.

      Reply
  8. Laura says

    March 1, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    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.

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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