Guest Post! Beating the Running Funk!

Today's guest post is one of my favorite bloggers, Melissa, from Hungry Healthy Happy. Melissa is ALWAYS posting the most delicious meals on her blog and has an enthusiasm for life that I adore. She's starting a new job soon that I am SO jealous of (hello, dream job!) and she has some GREAT tips about breaking out of that running funk that we all go through from time to time...

Hi Happy Healthy Runner readers! I’m Melissa, and I blog over at Hungry Healthy Happy about eating, running, and being generally neurotic about pretty much every aspect of my life. Given the similarity in the name of our blogs, you can guess that Rachael and I have quite a bit in common, and I’m so flattered that she asked me to guest post!

A few weeks ago, Rachael wrote about being in a running funk of sorts. I, too, have recently battled the same thing, so I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts on breaking that funk and getting your running mojo back!

Try Something New

Last fall after I ran my first half marathon, I was in a serious running funk. For whatever reason, I couldn’t get excited for my runs. Since running is one of my favorite hobbies, this really bummed me out. I didn’t want to give up running altogether, but I needed to find my passion for it again. Instead of quitting, I scoured blogland for new ideas and found a zillion great treadmill workouts to try. The first time I discovered HIIT, I was smitten and finally excited to run again. Even though it was tough, it was also challenging and fun. Just the kick I needed to get back into running.

Some other ideas:

·       Any interval workout on the treadmill.

o      It makes the time fly by and always makes me push myself. What’s not to love about that?!

·       Running with someone (or alone).

o      I am typically a loner when I run, opting to rock out to my iPod rather than chat my way through the miles. Flip-flopping my routine makes it more fun and adds some variety.

·       Run your usual route—backwards.

o      Sometimes it’s enough of a change that you don’t feel so bored.

·       A New Playlist

o      I have a very hard time running without music, but sometimes I get tired of the same old tunes. Mixing it up with a new playlist reenergizes me. I actually look forward to running when I have a fun new playlist

Sign up for a Race

Having something to train for really motivates me and gets me going. For my last half marathon in the beginning of June, I used Runner’s World’s Smart Coach tool to come up with a training plan for me. I didn’t follow it exactly, but it really helped me stay accountable during my training. I also liked not having to decide what to do for each run. I just looked at the plan and did it. This is a great plan for anyone else who’s indecisive like me! 

Give It Some Time

If trying new things doesn’t work for me when I’m trying to break a running funk, I generally tend to just keep up with my regular runs. After a week or two, I usually snap back to my usual happy running self.

Rest

Rest?!?! Are you kidding me??? Most of us runners don’t even know what this means. We are not “rest-ers.” But if you’re not enjoying your runs, your body may be trying to tell you something. Like slowtheheckdownyoucrazyperson!!! Take a day, two days, a week . . . I know. The horror! But it might be just what you need to get your groove back.

Try some cross training instead. I used to like strength training, too. Now, I only strength train for muffins. But I don’t hate the elliptical. So find something else you like to do and give the running a little breathing room. It’ll be there when you get back.

Get New Stuff

When all else fails? Buy yourself a new outfit or shoes. It might not help, but it can’t hurt! 

What’s your best tip for getting your running mojo back?