- Monday - Rest
- Tuesday - Speed workout
- Wednesday - Yoga
- Thursday - Tempo run
- Friday - Rest
- Saturday - Long run
- Sunday - Rest
Here is what actually went down:
- Monday - Rest (per the schedule)
- Tuesday - Rest
- Wednesday - Rest
- Thursday - Ran about aimlessly for a half hour
- Friday - Rest
- Saturday / Sunday - In the future
Of course I have the excuses that I came up with... I missed yoga because "my throat hurt and I felt like I needed to rest to avoid getting sick." Sounds like a pretty good one, eh? Too bad it turned out to be canker sores on the back of my tongue.
Then there was, "I must need the rest if I'm this unmotivated. I did run a half marathon on Sunday after all." Convincing, isn't it? I was pretty proud of that one. But do not be deceived. I'm a conniving little devil. My only body part that ever got noticeably sore was the top of my right ankle, and I'm pretty sure that was from the driving. My body would have been just fine with one (or even two) rest days.
By Thursday I was so disappointed in myself I vowed to get all of my running workouts in. That meant three days of running in a row - Thursday, Friday, Saturday. I managed to get my running clothes on, into my car and over to the high school for some speed drills on the track. Guess what? The lights were off. Sound familiar? I drove home and ran out the door in a fury, forgetting my IPOD. When I realized I was without tunes I lost any remaining focus. I ended up running amok for a little while angry and without a plan.
Today it's raining in addition to being dark.
Here's where I could use some help. I'm about five months into my "Healthy Living Plan" and I can feel myself starting to lose motivation. I'm not surprised. In fact, I kind of figured I would get here eventually and have been quietly hoping that I would make it through. I think part of the problem is my running honeymoon is coming to an end and part of the problem is the winter (dark and rainy = yucky running). So I held a brainstorming session with myself and here is a list of ideas I'm toying with to help me get over the hump:
- Buy a headlamp
- Run at lunch - This is the only way I can feasibility run in daylight. The only problem is I don't like taking 2 hour lunches and I don't like getting sweaty in the middle of the day.
- Join a gym - This is expensive, and I don't really want to run on a treadmill.
- Join my work gym - This is cheaper but it's at work. How do I say what I want to say here without saying something I shouldn't say? Hmm...I don't think there's a way.
- Run less - I'm at least going to focus on shorter distances (5K or 10K) for a little while after the Las Vegas Half Marathon. I could go so far as to revert back to my 1 mile a day plan if necessary.
- Find an indoor track
- Find a running club or something similiar to hold me accountable.
Any suggestions? 
oh that's a good idea to join the work gym - I bet it's be much more convenient!
ReplyDeleteI like the last one. Nothin' like a group of other peeps with the same goals to keep you motivated =)
ReplyDelete*Please read my blog post for today. I am shamelessly plugging it coz I REALLY don't want YOU to miss it. Check it out and you'll understand why =)
The last one is probably your best bet, plus it could be lots of fun. Sometimes when I'm feeling unmotivated, I go and buy myself new running gear or an outfit. It gives me something to look forward to on my next run!
ReplyDeleteJoining a run club is great, if you like running and chatting along the way. I, personally, TRY to run with groups but always opt to run alone. I definitely prefer that time solo. It's incredibly peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :) Yes, unfortunately I missed Malibu. I came down with yet another injury but it looks like I am on the med (crossing fingers). Doing a 16 miler this weekend. That will be the test. :) Can't wait to read your Malibu race report. I heard it was HOT.
As much as I hate to say it because it's boring as hell, I'd say join a gym. That way there's never an excuse and maybe you can join some classes. blerg.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree the last one is probably your best bet and I've been thinking of trying the same (having the same problem). I've done the lunch time thing - it always feels too rushed for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a combo of some of the above? I personally have success with AM or midday workouts. After 5pm, in the dark and in the rain you will not find me doing anything besides cooking. I also think you could ease up on yourself a bit and enjoy the rest days without allowing 3 in a row to surface. That's always my goals. After three days my mood turns dark.
ReplyDelete