Well I tell you what it has been a while since I’ve written a post on a Wednesday! Mostly lately I’ve been keeping my posts to 2 days a week while I try to survive being an essential worker. It is hard at times but I have some pretty dang fashionable masks as a result. And buffs that double as masks.
So since all of this pandemic mess has occurred, how has it affected your running? Do you feel a little bit lost with the fact that you have nothing to train for? OR…are you one of those people who ‘train for life’? I mean it is good to keep your fitness up even if you are not in a constant state of competition. You versus you – I am all about that.
How do you stay motivated in the midst of all of the crazy? How do you avoid ‘runner burnout’ when you can’t even go to the germ infested gym to cross train? I have some tricks of the trade to keep you running strong and happy.
–Understand that it is okay to ‘not be okay’ during these uncertain times. We are all going through some sort of emotional roller coaster right now. For some, the ‘Rona has hit close to home, or perhaps you just watch the news far too much than you should. GIVE YOURSELF a effing break. For God sakes. If this means that you need more time for self care and less time to beat your friends on the Strava leaderboards, then so be it. Take the time you need. Your sanity depends on it.
–Take advantage of the ‘at home’ workouts. One of my favorite apps to cross train with is Nike Training Club. I’ve been using the app for YEARS. There’s quite the impressive library on there with workouts galore. And you can do them all in your living room while getting stronger.
–Decide if virtual races are your thing. Or maybe not. I’m one of those people that doesn’t need a looming race on the horizon to be a consistent runner. Part of this is because I’ve been training for marathons/ultras and running on my own for years and years. Running is my bread and butter, my staple for life. Once you develop that habit you’re just damn good at it. Like breathing. I’m thankful for that. But if you need a race to stay consistent then do the damn thing. It can be fun to have something to look forward to.
–Buy yourself some runner swag. Whether it’s a new Garmin, fresh new pair of kicks, or that hat you’ve been eyeing in the window at your favorite running store. It may just what you need to keep it moving.
What are some other things you’ve been doing to stay running happy ?!
thedancingrunner 
I needed to hear this! I signed up for a bunch of virtual races thinking it would keep me on track, but it hasn’t – it’s just added to my list of things that are looming over my head. I have been doing more online workouts than running though. This pandemic is really affecting my running mojo more than I thought it would.
Well hope you get the mojo back soon!! Awesome job killing the other workouts.
Thanks! Gotta keep moving somehow!
I’m a coach for a marathon training team, and we have several first timers this year. This season has been super weird, but we are adapting. Running has been challenging for me personally, but I’m excited to help the newbies achieve their goal this year, even if our race ends up being virtual. I’m running MCM virtually this year.
Love it! I used to be a volunteer coach for a marathon group as well. It’s so rewarding. 🙂 Best of luck to you and be well!
You, too!
I wanna do a virtual race called the Pizza Run in the UK. If allowed, maybe go to Paris and do the Disney Princess 5k run next year. Really, I am just trying to enjoy my training. I recently got a coach so my motivation is through the roof right now.
haha ‘through the roof’! That’s great. Sometimes another person pushing us is just what we need. Happy training!
Nike training app is awesome.
It’s incredible!