The power of enthusiasm in your running is irreplaceable. The many rewards of running are on borrowed time without it. What is the point of running if it does not bring you joy? Enthusiasm is so important I encourage my runners to base training and racing decisions on it. The questions might be about types of training or race distances or specific events. My answer is often to do what excites them the most. Doubtless, some hard things will need to be done on the way to accomplishing worthwhile goals, but if the goal itself and the majority of the process does not foster joy and enthusiasm, you might well be able to find a better use of your time and energy.
I would like to offer some thoughts on possible ways to protect or rekindle your running enthusiasm. Because three primary enthusiasm “buzz kills” are performance plateaus, injury, and monotony, it makes sense to address them in the following ideas.
Get off the grid. Get off the road and go find a trail. In the GPS generation every run is so measured you know the split of every mile and how you rank in the Strava segment. It’s nice to get off the road and just run for time or distance with concern for pace. I know it is crazy and heretical but just go out and run. As a coach I love to measure things I need things measured so I can give feedback to my runners. However, the measurement can kill enthusiasm. Try to find some balance by running based on feel and for the enjoyment of it.
Run Longer. Stuck in a half marathon rut? Try a marathon. It doesn’t need to bring time pressure with it, but by running a marathon you will develop new endurance and possibly stamina that will bump your half marathon (and below) improvement curve in the right direction. If you’ve already run a few marathons a 50K or 50 miler might do the trick. It’s a new challenge and they will put 26.2 in a different context. You will be able to see that you can go longer allowing you to then redirect your energy towards faster because you know the distance is no longer an issue.
Run Faster. Many adult onset athletes have never experienced a track or cross country season and don’t know the benefits of regular short and fast racing. Many performance plateaus occur because the improvements in economy and speed have stopped. If you can raise those ceilings you can also run faster for longer distances. It’s self evident at the shorter distances and in the longer races it allows you to run competitively at a lower energy cost for deeper into the race.
Fun Loves Company. While some are attracted to running to find a slice of their day without outside human or electronic interruption, most people thrive best on a balance between running with others and running on their own. I remember in college what a treat it was to go out run a few miles by myself. Then after several years of doing it mostly on my own it was a newfound joy to have training partners again. Find the right mix to keep you excited about your next run.
Become a better athlete. One of the things I tell a runner when I begin coaching them is that I see my job as making them a better runner. My belief is that a better runner will be better at whatever specific race distance they choose. That also keeps them from needing a great deal of time to shift directions to another distance throughout the season or at some future point. I will also say that a better athlete will make a better runner. By that I mean if your body is strong, flexible, and in balance, it will better withstand and thrive on the specific demands of running. Spend some time and energy becoming a better athlete through strength training, cross training, circuit training, or whatever training you like. Pros: Stronger, more flexible, and more balanced runners don’t break easily. Cons: You can get hurt doing other activities (sometimes easier than running) and they can hurt your running without the proper stress and rest balance. Remember these other activities are to enhance your running not take precedence.
Find something new. Change your perspective. Get back in balance. Find the fun. Whatever your solution, value and protect your enthusiasm!
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Fun Loves Company/Join the Personal Best Running Club