So, it’s time.
I realized today (derp) that my next half marathon:
is less than 2 months away. I think it’s technically 9 weeks away, so I have 8 weeks to train.
No big deal, right? I can still run 13 miles, right? Ummm. Maybe?
I ran 7 miles a few weeks ago and didn’t die and I probably could have done 6.1 more, but I didn’t really WANT to. And there lies my problem.
Truthfully, I haven’t really felt the urge to start training like I thought I would. After running for almost 3 years straight (which, I realize is like a blip in time for most of you) I thought I would find my running mojo soon. Well, that’s what I kept telling myself – and surprise It hasn’t arrived. Some runs are good. Some feel great. Some are horrible.
Now, I’m not making excuses. I’m still running. I’m still going to run the race (it’s one of my favorites!) and I’m still going to schedule out some long runs over the next 6 weeks. What I’m not doing is stressing about time or pace. I’m aiming to have fun and feel good and remember why I love running long distances in the first place. I’m hoping this race can give me a pep talk.
The plan? Keep my schedule similar to what it is now (where I average about 10-12 miles a week – I know, so hardcore), but add a long run on Saturday. Yes, that means sucking it up and getting out of bed early again on Sundays (and by early I mean 6am). It means no more sleeping in and mostly early nights on Saturday. Considering I did this for 22 weeks, I think I can strap on a sack, man up, and do it for 6 weeks.
For the long run, I’m thinking 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 10, 10, 8. Sound reasonable?
Yes, it’s time to suck it up people and get those crazy legs running again.
Alright Ryan, if you say so.
Have you ever lost your mojo? How did you get it back?
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I’m in the same boat you are, in that I’m finding it hard to find the sizzle in my longer runs. Maybe I’ve topped out for awhile, but with a half on Saturday, and one in November, I think I may take a nice long break for awhile…stick to 10-15 miles a week and focus on what makes me sizzle.
Amanda recently posted..You May Have Noticed…
I’ve been trying to think about how sad I was when I couldn’t run and appreciate the fact that I’m healthy now. One weird thing I’ve been doing is running without music. Just time alone with my thoughts–trying to reconnect with the road. It’s sort of working? I’ve no idea. Damn mojo.
Melissa recently posted..What’s Right for *This* Race
I know how it feels to lose The Mojo. It seems like I’ve been in training mode for one race or another for the last 10 months, and it just wears thin. My only suggestion for you is to keep at it, but try some new things. If you’re normally a solo runner, run with a group, this has been my biggest change, and now all but my long runs are group runs. I also love to find new running trails, so the excitement of searching for a new route online and then exploring it later that day helps.
I joined a new running group and found some new running friends… mojo back!!
Tara @ texasrunnergirl.com recently posted..I miss TV…
We still running this weekend?
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Race Review: Disney’s Tower of Terror 10 Miler
I don’t think I can do Saturday
I’ll email and explain. If not, next weekend???
Sometimes you need a few days/a week or whatever to get it back. No forcing workouts (especially running) and just taking care of your body. If that doesn’t work…maybe after this next marathon you switch it up and take a break from running to try something different for a bit. You’ll probably get the urge to get back to it after that.
Either way, how is December 2 months away. EEK. And you’ll totally rock this even w/ a lost mojo because you won’t be stressed (and bc you’re awesome).
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength recently posted..Friendship: Old Friends
I haven’t raced since April and I was finally at a place where I was so excited to get back into training and running 5-6x per week. I think holding out and waiting for the really intense desire to do it again made it better. When I finally took the plunge and signed up for my next half (Oct. 20), I was so ready and excited to jump back into training and working towards a goal. I think once you start your training and see your mileage increase, you will begin to love it. Friends are also a good way to find your mojo….and rewards!