I am reading this while in my running clothes--which I have been wearing since the morning when I thought I'd do the one work thing I had scheduled first thing and then go run before resuming. So I know very well those days you're describing here, where you get that antsy, uncomfortable, near-judgmental feeling about whether or not you're going to run. Thankfully, I have time right now--if I stop typing in thirty seconds!--to get out there!
Salud sister. Again slowly catching up on emails it’s been a busy few several months in the ED. I appreciate your nutrition talk as someone with life long eating disorder issues that sees running as healthy and good but a slippery slope as well.still trying to find my first ultra and you help me stay motivated for that for sure. I hear you on the hard to get it done days most of my runs have been in the evening lately as life gets in the way but they get later and later and most races have early starts so hope is to get back to doing it at the start of the day verses the end. Did you catch Jasmin results at Barkley ? Anyway thanks for being there Yoda I appreciate you
great list of ways to get the workout done! meeting some one always works for me, but that isn't always an option. Lately (especially with the negative temps and no access to a treadmill) I have just kept reminding myself that I ALWAYS feel better after I move my body. #neverregretarun. And now I will start to remind myself that I have not just one 100 mile race this race, but two!!!!!! I got into Vermont 100 so it's gonna be a busy but fun year!!!!
Also, as someone who has struggled with eating disorders in the past, I need to make sure to lift all the food rules! I now have food (and drink) guidelines that I know make me feel better. So if I want a cookie I have the cookie. I have also been doing dry-ish January. I usually like to have a glass of wine while making dinner, so I decided to try and not drink during the week and allow myself a drink on the weekend if I felt like it. And so far I have not felt like it, and have noticed my running and just overall mood has been better. Especially mornings! And I have found some really interesting and tasty non alcohol options. My latest fave is tart cherry juice and tonic water!
This post resonates with me! I appreciate the strategies shared to get the run done, particularly setting rules that will pave the path to years of consistent running and practicing grace/flexibility when approaching tough workouts. The nutrition/healthy eating practices for moving into training season are invaluable. Great links to podcasts and articles of interest. 👌🏿
Wow, I so identify with that occasional deep disinterest to get out there and run!
I particularly appreciated the tip not to look at your watch midway, I'm gonna try that.
Finally, I can't help but share an article I wrote about the same thing over a year ago, based on a tough but super-helpful tip I learned from a retired IDF paratrooper that has rewired countless runs for me. (Retired meaning he served in Lebanon decades ago - so this has nothing to do with the current Gaza crisis!)
Between running and writing, I'm much more likely to slack on the writing. So if I'm in running clothes AND at my desk writing...that is a total win :)
My biggest motivator is putting all my runs for the next three months on sticky notes and then posting them to a "to do" section on my white board. I get to move each sticky note to the "done" section once I've completed it. (Like a Kanban board). That is very satisfying.
One that I'd add is really an addition or variation on "Tweak the workout midway" that makes it easier for you to do that in a positive way... choose a start point or a trail network that makes it easy for you to expand your run. That way, when you get out there and realize you feel better than you thought you might, it's easy to keep going. For example, if the 4-mile route I choose as my absolute minimum happens to have an optional turn at the 3-mile point that would add an extra couple miles, at least half the time I'll end up making the turn, regardless of how demoralized I was at the start.
I am reading this while in my running clothes--which I have been wearing since the morning when I thought I'd do the one work thing I had scheduled first thing and then go run before resuming. So I know very well those days you're describing here, where you get that antsy, uncomfortable, near-judgmental feeling about whether or not you're going to run. Thankfully, I have time right now--if I stop typing in thirty seconds!--to get out there!
Salud sister. Again slowly catching up on emails it’s been a busy few several months in the ED. I appreciate your nutrition talk as someone with life long eating disorder issues that sees running as healthy and good but a slippery slope as well.still trying to find my first ultra and you help me stay motivated for that for sure. I hear you on the hard to get it done days most of my runs have been in the evening lately as life gets in the way but they get later and later and most races have early starts so hope is to get back to doing it at the start of the day verses the end. Did you catch Jasmin results at Barkley ? Anyway thanks for being there Yoda I appreciate you
great list of ways to get the workout done! meeting some one always works for me, but that isn't always an option. Lately (especially with the negative temps and no access to a treadmill) I have just kept reminding myself that I ALWAYS feel better after I move my body. #neverregretarun. And now I will start to remind myself that I have not just one 100 mile race this race, but two!!!!!! I got into Vermont 100 so it's gonna be a busy but fun year!!!!
Also, as someone who has struggled with eating disorders in the past, I need to make sure to lift all the food rules! I now have food (and drink) guidelines that I know make me feel better. So if I want a cookie I have the cookie. I have also been doing dry-ish January. I usually like to have a glass of wine while making dinner, so I decided to try and not drink during the week and allow myself a drink on the weekend if I felt like it. And so far I have not felt like it, and have noticed my running and just overall mood has been better. Especially mornings! And I have found some really interesting and tasty non alcohol options. My latest fave is tart cherry juice and tonic water!
This post resonates with me! I appreciate the strategies shared to get the run done, particularly setting rules that will pave the path to years of consistent running and practicing grace/flexibility when approaching tough workouts. The nutrition/healthy eating practices for moving into training season are invaluable. Great links to podcasts and articles of interest. 👌🏿
Oooooo Sarah....This!...."Imagine how you’d feel if you were injured."
That is a strategy I've never tried. Just need to summon up those depressive emotions that tag along with a broken body. That will work!
I have to go into work everyday. The strategy there when I don't feel like running after is to break down the process to "coax" my mind into it.
1. Change into running clothes in work bathroom.
2. Put on trail runners in the parking lot before getting into car.
3. Start the inner negotiations: "Just do 3 miles"..."Start with a hike up to Hancock Hill"...." Just Run to
the library to return book."
4. Start Self Shaming: Mentally picture just going home instead and taking off clothes without a drop
of sweat, spec of dirt, or achy joint achieved.
5. Resolved: Say out loud "Just Start" abandoning all notions of any requirements for the run.
This employs your thought..."Some is better than none."
Thanks for this post. Much needed with the current obstacles of cold + snow conspiring to keep us all warm and lazy.
Steve
Wow, I so identify with that occasional deep disinterest to get out there and run!
I particularly appreciated the tip not to look at your watch midway, I'm gonna try that.
Finally, I can't help but share an article I wrote about the same thing over a year ago, based on a tough but super-helpful tip I learned from a retired IDF paratrooper that has rewired countless runs for me. (Retired meaning he served in Lebanon decades ago - so this has nothing to do with the current Gaza crisis!)
https://thehealthyjew.substack.com/p/you-talk-too-much
Between running and writing, I'm much more likely to slack on the writing. So if I'm in running clothes AND at my desk writing...that is a total win :)
My biggest motivator is putting all my runs for the next three months on sticky notes and then posting them to a "to do" section on my white board. I get to move each sticky note to the "done" section once I've completed it. (Like a Kanban board). That is very satisfying.
That's a great list of motivation hacks.
One that I'd add is really an addition or variation on "Tweak the workout midway" that makes it easier for you to do that in a positive way... choose a start point or a trail network that makes it easy for you to expand your run. That way, when you get out there and realize you feel better than you thought you might, it's easy to keep going. For example, if the 4-mile route I choose as my absolute minimum happens to have an optional turn at the 3-mile point that would add an extra couple miles, at least half the time I'll end up making the turn, regardless of how demoralized I was at the start.