Last week, I sat in my car staring at little kids in the park, mom’s pushing strollers, and random runners and walkers making their way around the trail. Fifteen minutes elapsed, and I continued sitting there, people watching and checking my email on my phone. Finally, I took one last swig of water and got out of the car to run.
How did I get to this place of not wanting to run? Running is something I love, right? Well, just like a relationship, you can find yourself in a workout rut. So how do you know if you are getting to that point?
Warning Signs: 1. Boredom. I’ve been running the same trail since November; I know it like the back of my hand. Although I’ve increased my miles and done interval training, I am bored out of my mind.
2. Things are too routine. I want my workout my way and when I want it. This lack of flexibility has contributed to my rut, because I only want to run, outside on nice days and after work. I definitely need a change of pace. Plus, by being so rigid, I’ve closed myself off to great workout opportunities.
3. The thrill is gone. I have an ex-boyfriend with whom I’ve broken up with 6 or more times. Each time, the excuse was “We’ve grown apart or the passion is no longer there.” Your workout should make your heart race (literally) and you should be energized and exhausted after completing it. Lately, I am the complete opposite.
So, where do I go from here? Stay tuned as I reinvent my workout and put the passion back in to my love affair with running.