Two Things Every Runner Needs
By: Garry Lee
Tags: Self Improvement, Fitness, Running Tips, Motivation, Running

Two Things Every Runner Needs

Which I discovered after my latest trail marathon

Photo by Massimo Sartirana on Unsplash

Earlier this year, I was running 40–50 miles a week whilst training for a trail marathon. Then for a couple of months, I had weeks when I logged zero miles, and averaged less than 10. The difference was not training for a race, but a total lack of motivation combined with no enjoyment. But why?

I’ve always had quiet periods after my races. Some of this is recovery time but it is also because training takes up a lot of time, meaning less spent with the family. But even during those times, I can be relied upon to get out two or three times a week for shorter runs, simply because I love running.

Post the trail marathon around Lake Coniston (for non-UK residents, this is in the Lake District region of England), that enjoyment wasn’t there. Running for me is about being outside, the freedom of running and the chance to clear your head. But I just didn’t want to go out. I did not enjoy running when I did get out. It was then I realised two things drive a runner, or at least this runner: motivation and enjoyment.

Having a Race to Motivate You

With the current state of the world, planned races are not a priority. I think that’s fair. It means I don’t actually have anything in the diary, which is really unusual for me. Even when I’m not in the mood for running I can usually be relied upon to have a date in the distance to aim at. This motivates me over the winter months to get out when it’s cold, wet and dark.

For the last three winters, I have had a summer run planned, each something I’d never done before. My first ever marathon, followed by my first ever trail run and finally my first trail marathon. All of them were fresh and new, things that excited me.

This was key for me, taking motivation from a fresh challenge and not automatically knowing how to do it, meaning I had to train properly because I couldn’t make it on memory muscle alone.

Photo by Sue Zeng on Unsplash

The Love and Enjoyment of Running

Without the motivation of a new challenge, to keep going out, I needed to enjoy my running. I simply wasn’t. When I reflect upon things, I think it has been some time since I last loved running. It was purely the motivation of the races that got me through the last four months.

So I did the sensible thing, rather than these fighting feelings, I took a break. By deliberately saying I would not run, I stopped the guilt I felt when I would normally run. This really helped me mentally step away.

How I Got the Love Back

I’m back to running three to four times a week and very much motivated and enjoying my running again. So I thought I would share what have been the main changes.

Share the Joy

Running with friends has been a big plus for me. Having a date for a race is a motivation to get out, so I’ve replaced that with agreed days to go out with others. It has meant I always make the effort. It’s replacing one form of motivation with another.

Also, I find running with other people more fun. The time goes faster, and you end up running further. At the end of the run, my enjoyment level is much higher.

Changing Things Up

The other big difference for me has been changing things up. I realised I’d fallen into the trap of running the same routes, with the same sort of goals.

I was focused on running a specific distance for so long, I decided to focus on my running times for a change. I was running less distance but pushing myself far harder. For example, I found a local 2.5-mile loop that’s a segment on Strava. I ran it, looked at where I ranked, and then tried to improve it. I got myself into the top three and felt really good about my running.

I’ve also looked at running my fastest ever two miles, five miles and 10KM runs. Again, it’s just about freshening up what you are doing.

I also picked different locations and terrains. I started running in the local woods. I found a new hill to struggle up. Just looking at different views, not knowing how hard they would be — they all gave me a lift. Even planning the routes on Google Maps built anticipation for the run itself.

So if you are struggling with your running, maybe your motivation is low or you’ve simply lost the love. Chances are it’s not permanent, you just need a break, and a way to get going again.

Running with others and trying new things is what helped me, but everyone will have their own motivations. Always try and remember why you got into running at the start. That can be lost over time and people forget what made them passionate. No one takes up running and sustains it for a long period of time without good reason, so when you inevitably hit that ‘wall’, remember what first motivated you and most of all, have patience.