This past Spring, I started frequenting the StoneCat website again. I thought I might give the 50 mile trail race another try. As challenging as my first ultra was, I think I’ve known there would be a 2nd. Then I applied, interviewed for, and was extended an offer for my new role at my company. For me, that changed everything.
Knowing my personality, I know I need to be careful with overloading my plate right now. I want to do well. No, I want to better than well. And as hungry as I may have been to launch into a training calendar filled with back-to-back weekend long runs, I need to back off. That decision didn’t come easy. When StoneCat registration opened, I had second thoughts. Then StoneCat registration closed and I felt immediate regret. That wore off quickly though because I know, deep down, that my decision is the right one for me. This doesn’t mean I will stop running and only focus on my new job, but it means I’m being real about my need for balance.
Before I made the decision to not rev up my training, I had already registered for two marathons as part of my ultra training plan: Mad Marathon (back in July) and Quebec City Marathon in August. Here’s where the burnout comes into play. In May, I ran my best marathon to date at the Maine Coast Marathon and talked here about how I managed my race for the first time. That race resulted in a new PR, a Boston qualifying time, and legs & mind that reflected that hard work. Tired.
Enter Mad Marathon. By race day, I had already made my non-ultra decision. I found it difficult to get my head in place for that race, since initially it was to be run as a training run for StoneCat. Now as I prepare for yet another “training marathon” in Quebec, I’m feeling mentally and physically burned out. I still plan to be there and still hope to have a good day, but without the goal I originally set, I’m struggling with my motivation.
This lack of motivation has been creeping in ever since Mad Marathon. Although I got my 18 miler in on Sunday, that’s actually the last time I ran (as I write this on Thursday). I just haven’t been diggin’ running lately. My hope is that, by giving into that feeling for a few days, I'll realize I miss it and WANT to get back out there.
What do YOU do when lacking motivation/energy/drive?
Maybe you should consider switching to the half (if they have one)? Less pressure and more running for fun and the distance would be super manageable.
ReplyDeleteI have to keep races on the schedule to keep my motivation up. Hope the new job is going well though!
Thanks Michael. I do the same (keeping races on the schedule)...I guess in this case, I didn't plan on a new job. Just by writing and then reading responses, I feel better already :)
DeleteI've been lacking motivation for many, many months so I understand. Other stuff has just taken priority and running was feeling like a chore. I thought I was ready for another marathon training cycle and started strong but then get sidetracked and my realization is I'm just not into making the 3 hours to get in long runs each weekend. I'm just kind of going with it and trying not to be so hard on myself. We do this for fun so when it's not fun, then really, what's the point?
ReplyDeleteExactly! This is supposed to be fun, stress-relieving, etc. And that's why my "flag" went up. Couldn't agree more - and I wish us both a new wave of motivation whenever that's supposed to be :)
DeleteI think the break will do you good and it's perfectly timed with the new job. It's challenging to start a new position. maybe some minimal training of some sort to keep the stress down, and with time, and cooler temps this fall, I'm sure you will be anxious to get back to it. in the mean time, no pressure, enjoy "the flow" of life.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!! My husband's invited me to run some of his run w/ him this morning (trails), so that's a great start to enjoying "the flow". :)
DeleteWe've all been there - both at burnout, and that feeling of regret as registration closes. Sounds like you made the right call and a few rest days are definitely not going to hurt you.
ReplyDeleteI've also been told about marathon blues many times. They don't always get me - but given how successful that marathon was (the BQ and managing it right) - maybe you have a touch of the marathon blues?
Whichever - get some rest and don't be too hard on yourself!
Thanks Mandy! Even just writing about it is making me feel better :)
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