After a few months off with injury, it’s great to be running again. But with no events lined up in the next few months, getting out has been tough.
Put simply, I’m lacking motivation.
What to do…
How do I get back into the habit of running regularly? This has been on my mind for weeks.
I’ve decided I need a mini-challenge. Something that forces me to get my running clobber on, head out and pound the trails, whatever the weather.
During a run in late November, an idea popped into my head: why not run every day in December ’till Christmas Day? Kinda like an advent calendar, but instead of scoffing chocolate for 25 consecutive days, I run. Perfect!
The only rule: minimum 3 miles a day.
Why?
Two reasons.
The first is ‘Primate Change’, a book written by Vybarr Cregan-Reid (@vybarr).
Reading it reminded me, possibly more than any other book, that we’re built to move, not sit on our arse. When we’re active, we’re rewarded. When we’re inactive, we struggle.
The book makes me want to channel my inner hunter-gatherer and be more active. And that can only be a good thing.
The second reason is that challenges like this are my best way of keeping motivated.
Last year, I set myself the goal of running 10km a day for the month of May. It cost nothing and rather than get more tired as the month went on – which is what I expected – I got stronger. I loved every second of it.
Running 25 consecutive days in winter will be a similar challenge. Achievable but by no means easy, especially with a few festive hangovers sprinkled through the month.
So far, so good
Two days in is not the best time to assess how I’m getting on. But, the weather’s been atrocious and I’ve been out both days.
I guess it’s working then. That’s the beauty of a challenge 🙂
Just came across your blogs and website after signing up to my first ultra.
So much of what you say echoes my thoughts/feelings/running history.
After completing my 4th marathon earlier on the year and meeting my personal goal of a sub 4 hr, I completely lost my motivation to get out more than a couple of times a week. My solution? – enjoy the time off and not beat myself up about being a slob again for a few months. I had achieved what a lot of people can’t or won’t do. And then to find a new challenge – an ultra.
Training has just started but it’s great to get a view of a ‘real’ runner written in a honest way. Thanks for your advice
Good luck with your next challenge.
I’m already counting down the days till mine!
Chris
Thanks Chris, appreciate your comments. What ultra are you doing?
Dragon seeker 60. A nice ‘begginner’ ultra. (Apparently). And a run across the Severn bridge which will be a nice bonus. Will be reading your blog on your ultras with more interest now.