All my thoughts, limited censorship. That’s what Thinking Out Loud is all about, right? Thanks for hosting a fabulous link-up, Amanda! I will be using it as therapy today, hope you don’t mind…
What’s on my mind this week is something that feels weird for me to talk about. It’s that I haven’t been wanting to get out of bed in the morning at my usual 5am. I mean what is this? I’m starting to relate to the people who think I’m nuts for getting up early to run. Because every morning I have been not wanting to get up to run. Like there hasn’t been even one day I just got out of bed without hesitating, it’s a struggle every day.
This really sucks! It’s amazing how I will complain either way. Which is it? Do you like getting up early or do you wish you could sleep later? Meh, I think it’s both. But right now I’m wishing I was happier with early. It makes for a much less rushed and stressful morning.
I actually think the reasons behind this odd new feeling make sense. I finished a marathon that I was waking up at 4:45 to train for every day. Of course I want to sleep a little bit later now. But, I still want to run in the morning! It’s what I do! So now that I’m dragging myself out of bed at 5:40 most days and trying to race out the door by 6, I don’t have a lot of time to run (I need to be home 6:45ish, 7 at the LATEST) which would be sort of okay. Except.
Except, I’m not even feeling into the runs lately, to be honest. Me, not loving my runs. Weird. It started with the whole “recovery” thing and now it’s past that, and I’m just in a running slump. Which is really fine I guess, now that I’m writing it down. Even the most dedicated runners get into slumps, don’t they??
Another reason I’m having trouble getting out of bed is that we started keeping my cat downstairs, so he’s not waking me up at 4:30 anymore. An interesting connection to my running, if there is one. So now that he’s not annoying the crap out of me, I am happily sleeping later and not wanting to get out ASAP to run.
And the third reason I believe this is happening is that I have “been there and done that” with winter running. The headlamp and gear is not even remotely badass anymore, it’s just an extra thing to remember to do. I know I have gone on and on about my love for winter running, and in many ways I prefer it over summer. But. The dark, the blast of cold when you first get out there, the annoyance of not being dressed quite right, and, right now for me, the lack of any real plan.
In fact, I think I might have touched on the real issue right there.
None of my personal goals right now really involve running, at least not in the way they have for the past 2 years. I’m experiencing a shift in priorities and finding I’d rather do yoga in the morning than go out for an easy run. I don’t want to lose too much of my running fitness, which is why I’m keeping up with a basic schedule, but my heart is not set on logging miles right now.
I’m enjoying blogging, jump starting my coaching business, and experimenting with new types of workouts (yoga and barre) to challenge myself in different ways. Running is feeling sort of, repetitive, which is funny to say because it’s that repetitive feeling that I actually have loved in the past. Familiar, simple, free. I do still love it, but I need a break. And I know there is no need to feel guilty over this need for a break, however, I still do just a little bit.
Flying off a tangent right here for a second, I have just discovered cleaning my frying pans with vinegar (ran out of dish soap) and it has officially changed my life. I am probably way late to this game, I know, but still, great awesomeness 🙂
Where are your fitness priorities right now? Do you power on when you’re in a slump or switch things up? Is there a new workout you’ve tried lately that you really love and want to devote time to? Anyone else find it tough to get out of bed in the winter?
I think this is normal. Everyone goes through the phases. I am thinking that the serious marathon training burned you out a bit so now it’s natural to take a break and really, with the super dark mornings and it being a little colder, it definitely can make you want to stay in bed without even realizing that’s why. You will get passed it and get the feeling again. I love barre!
Yeah, the marathon burnout is a huge part of it. I didn’t experience it last year but I was also injured, so doing other activities anyway and dying to get back out to run. Some days I’m pushing myself to run and others it doesn’t seem worth it.
I was not feeling the run for weeks after my last half. I still got up at my same time, but not to run. It certainly felt unsettling. I think it’s a normal part of the training process and, honestly, time is the only thing that helps.
Your running mojo will come back!
Right, I remember reading your post and relating to that feeling! It definitely is all part of the process and to be expected 🙂
Very normal:) Of course your groove will come back, but sometimes you just have to wait a little bit. I live in PA and winter running has been hard for me. I especially don’t like the cold and how early it gets dark:(
I think the cold and dark combo can be tough mentally to push through, especially when trying to motivated to get out. I think I need to just go with this for now, and see what happens.
I agree I like you am an avid runner and right now I’m totally not feeling it. I’m still login go some miles to maintain running fitness but nothing serious right now. Like you said I devoted lots of time to training for my Philly marathon and owners nice to just take a break and be able to done army what I feel like doing everyday instead of having tondi heartbreaks says. This is a needed break and def the perfect time. I don’t like running in the cold the gear is such a hassle. So I’ll start training for a half marathon in febraryvand until then I’m enjoying December and January just how I see fitting for me. And your suggestions on yoga and barre are awesome and I’m following right in your footsteps. I enjoy your blog! It’s honestvan steal just like me and just what I need! Xoxo
Pretty much same exact experience here (I ran Philly too!) so I’m glad I’m not alone! I think the timing of that race lent itself to this feeling coming on now. So glad to hear you’re enjoying my blog! We seem to be right on the same page with a half coming up and the yoga/barre. We’ll see where it goes!
Advice that I have given loads of people about many different areas is … ebb and flow is perfectly natural. Fighting it can get you back to where you ‘think’ you should be … or you can burn out. So I tend to think that if you have other interests now – follow them. It is only when you are still getting up before 5AM but just sitting on the couch watching reality TV re-runs and eating pop-tarts that we’ll start to worry 😉
And I think it is natural to ‘slump’ a bit at this point of the year … I mean, it has happened to me for pretty much every year since I started running. You still have the memories of good weather running, and getting hit with a blast of cold is just … well, it sucks. This morning it was mid-20s here, and with 25MPH winds … so I dress for 20F. When the wind is hitting me I am cold, when it isn’t I get too hot. Either way it sucks, and gets old fast.
But I am turning the corning into ‘winter routine’, which will last (albeit with some occasional whining) until March … then I will be getting really anxious for spring 🙂
Imagine me eating poptarts at 5am? Craziness! I agree that logically I know I should go with the feeling, but I have to wrap my head around it first! I was genuinely crazy for many years and loved running in the winter, but I think the timing of Philly has thrown me off. Definitely not the worst thing, I know 🙂
Sooooo normal. So right with you. My problem as well is that now that I changed up my pattern of getting up in order to work out and am instead going into the office, I don’t know how I am going to get myself kickstarted again!
It’s crazy how small changes in routine can have far reaching effects! I think between all the factors I mentioned, the mental part of “getting out there” has been messed with. Once I’m out I’m fine, though not in endorphin heaven the way I used to be!
I go through running slumps all the time. I was in one basically from May to October this year. I can’t always pin point exactly why I feel less like running, but it happens. I typically shorten my mileage and do more walking with friends. That gets me out of the house, exercising and socializing. It’s not perfect, but it’s something to try! I am also currently switching my runs from morning to afternoons and it is nice to change it up some days.
Those are all great things to do when in a slump. Still get some exercise but not pushing yourself too much. Good to learn how other people handle these things 🙂
I’m a fairly new runner but I do hate winter running! Last winter we had so much snow and ice that I never wanted to go out. So far this year the weather has been great so I’m trying to get out there as much as possible but I’m dreading January and February!
I think the fact that the winter really hasn’t been bad is making me feel like I should want to be out there more! Last year when we had such a crazy winter, I was so into my training for Boston I wouldn’t bat an eye about a long run in 0 degree wind chill and ice. It’s so mental!
I’m in a similar “slump” now. I have a half coming up in January so I want to keep some fitness but I’m not loving getting up early to run…even for easy runs. But I’m totally embracing this change of pace and enjoying yoga and sleep.
Wow we really are on the same page, funny! I definitely want to keep some running fitness for the half, but I’m not going all out right now, there’s no good reason to. And yay for yoga!
Interesting. I do get in slumps and I make some kind of change. I don’t throu the baby out with the bathwater, but I make some kind of change so that I feel more engaged again. Is there a way you could run later in the day? I have no idea…but maybe you would enjoy it more now that it’s winter and so cold out.
The only time I have is before my husband goes to work, which is fine because it’s what I’m used to. I’m going to see what happens and still run, just not nearly as many miles! And enjoy changing up some workouts 🙂
I know that I am due for a running slump sometime soon. Lately Ive had a harder time doing other stuff like I said I would because its so much easier to go run! But I think its best to just pay attention to what your body is telling you to do, You will have the urge to run again soon!
I kind of alternate between wanting to push myself and mentally get through it, to just running less and waiting for the urge to return. I think I’m just going to keep mileage down to what feels manageable but will keep up most of my running fitness. The timing of the race set me up for this I think! Running is definitely “easy” in the sense that you just step out and go. That’s one of the big things I’ve always loved about it!
You should know how NORMAL your feelings are! You are a seasoned runner and just need a break. I know for me if I do something for to long sometimes I need a little break. After an accomplishment of a goal the same routine can be unmovitating for a while. Your brain just needs the stimulation of a change up for a little while and then you will be ready to take it on again. Don’t over think it because you are defeating the purpose of a mental break from it for yourself. Give yourself the time to enjoy your new undertakings and routine. Just go with it.
So true Leslie, the same old thing can be very tiring after accomplishing something big. I agree it’s probably best to go with how I feel.
this is exactly how im feeling about running in the cold/boston marathon training. i just dont have it in me this year. i feel like since i have a number i SHOULD run but i just cant muster it for the 5th year in a row. living in burbs near boston = mental/physical toll of bitter, snowy running! my plan is to gym it this winter, refresh the desire, and maybe return next winter:)
The thought of 5 winters in a row training for Boston sounds overwhelming! I’ve done spring marathons the past 2 years and I definitely knew I was ready for a break from that. I didn’t know I’d feel like this about winter running, just that marathon training would be too much. I’ll probably run a bit as well as do yoga a few days a week and see where it goes. I’m realizing 2 marathons per year is just too much for me mentally.
I try to power through but yesterday I didn’t. I was just so not feeling it. Speaking of rest, I’m going to take a major rest day on Friday tomorrow!
Rest days are feeling better than ever to me too lately! Good for you for not making yourself power through. It’s definitely not always the best thing to do.
I think slumps are very normal and even needed, as our bodies need a break! I’m taking this week off running (and I’ll ease into it when I start again) – we can’t do it all, always!
So true, and I’m glad other people are feeling this way too! I definitely got way more comfy than I thought I would recovering from the marathon and surprisingly didn’t feel like I had to run to feel good.
I get very easily burnt out with running. I took all of November off and tried new things (like kickboxing and more yoga) and I loved every minute of my first run in December! I’m not very goal-driven with my running, though, so the second I stop enjoying it I take a break.
That’s a really good attitude I think. I tend to push myself past what feels right, but I think that’s changing a bit lately. Also sometimes I need the mental zoning out that running provides more than other times, and now is a time I’m not feeling the pull the get out of the house that way. I used to love kickboxing!
Wow I totally can relate to this! Although I never ran early in the morning, in general it is harder for me to get up early. I’m wondering if it’s something with the lack of sunlight or maybe my diet is off, but I am just SO much more tired in the morning these days.
Also, I’ve really retooled my running goals, and as a result I have a more relaxed attitude toward my training. I too am starting to focus on other things in my life, and the whole “OMG I HAVE TO GET MY RUN IN” attitude is going away. I haven’t run once yet this week, which is really abnormal for me, and I’m not even stressed about it. This is probably the last time I can slack off in running for a very long time so I’m just enjoying it while it lasts I guess 🙂
The “OMG” attitude totally describes how I had been for a long time. I definitely relied on it as therapy and was very intense about my goals too. I think that attitude is slowly shifting as the years go on and and I don’t “need” running to get out as much as I used to. Good for you for going with a more relaxed attitude! I think it’s a good thing for the normally more intense runners 🙂
My fitness priorities right now are basically to just take it easy during the month of December, the summer and fall was a lot of training so I know my body needs a break, and I’m giving her one! January I’ll start focusing more on lifting and swimming, but I’m trying to do yoga at least once a week as recovery. I’m only running once a week right now and only a few miles at that!
That sounds like a nice priority, REST! I think I’ve probably been trying to fight that desire in myself lately, thinking I “should” be keeping a certain degree of fitness for the half I have at the end of January. I’m loving how different yoga feels for me and it’s something I really needed!
I usually just power through my runs even if I’m not into it. I’m not good at “switching it up.” Running is the only form of exercise that my body really understands.
I have the same problem with the darkness this time of year. It makes winter running so much less motivating.
I have mostly done that in the past, and I know what you mean about running being the “go-to.” It’s really strange to do other things or not to do anything at all!
My fitness priorities are kind of on the back burner right now, and I mostly use them to keep me sane so that I can attend to my other priorities — work and school. I’ve been putting my heart and soul into my health/nutrition coaching business, and since I plan to introduce it online in the new year, a lot of my energy has been going towards that. Well, that and furthering my education so that I can offer my clients as much info as possible. Wow that was a ramble. I think what I’m trying to say is that I don’t have fitness goals right now so much as just staying active to reduce stress and clear my head. In a nutshell 🙂
Actually those sound like really smart fitness/health goals to me 🙂 When you put your heart and soul into something it just takes over and it can be so mentally draining to invite anything else in. Some of that has been going on with me for sure. Different life stages come with different priorities! Whatever way you can stay moderately active to reduce stress is a great thing 🙂
Hi Michele! You have to take the cues from your body and mind and switch things up from time to time. Maybe you feel like you SHOULD run, rather than you need to run. I would agree that I need to change my focus sometimes too. Being that I work in fitness, I teach a lot of group fitness classes and do the workout with the class, but when I’m on my own, I like to do yoga or less intense workouts. I went through a big shift when changing careers a year ago or so, because I used to wake up super early to work out or teach classes, and now I’ve transitioned to evening workouts primarily. When I first started letting myself sleep later and not start the day with sweat I would feel bad, but I’ve eased up a bit. You’ve got to do what feels right!
I have totally been telling myself I “should” run to maintain fitness, and it just doesn’t feel the same as that innate desire to get out there and move. I’m finding yoga feels so different on my body in a much needed way! I do want to keep up with running to some extent, but it’s going to look different than it has for the past year.
No matter what, I just don’t feel right sleeping past 4:15! Even though I could sleep longer and do my workouts later, I like to get them done and out of the way still…even on my winter break!
That is early girl! And I thought I was a morning person! I do love the feeling of getting exercise in first thing, but it has been a struggle lately. If your body says 4:15 though than go with it 🙂
yes!!! of course, totally relatable and appropriate! i think this is very normal for someone who has dedicated serious time and effort into achieving (and crushing!!! 🙂 a goal. whether it’s physical or professional or whatever, it’s totally appropriate to wind down a bit after such a momentous achievement. it makes sense! you just had a huge success and long block of running, it’s time to sort of marinate in those juices, if you will, and let your mind and body miss it again. i know it’s weird, i’ve been there. i’m there right now actually with my bike – after our last ironman in may, i have not wanted to ride that bike. and i’m totally okay with it!! i know i’ll ride again one day, but i’m going to do what my body and mind likes right now,and that’s a bit of running, a bit of strength, and bit of yoga 🙂 i love walking and running but even that can burn me out if it’s over done.
now that you’ve crushed that marathon, of course it makes sense to not exactly be bounding out of bed at 4:45!! lol, i mean it’s really amazing how we can psyche ourselves into wanting to run at some crazy hour in the freezing cold. we feel so awesome after, and we know we have a purpose and a goal. i have done it, i can do it. but do i want to do that if i don’t have a race? probably not so much, lol.
you’re on the right track, i know it without a doubt. you’re doing exactly what your body needs right now and trust me, you’ll be stronger and better for it 🙂
aren’t we so funny how we wonder these things? i know i’ve had this cross my mind,like OMG i don’t want to ride my bike… will i ever again? of course. it’s just phases, life is full of phases 🙂
“Marinate in the juices” love that! And thanks, because what you’re saying makes total sense, and I have a hard time letting the “shoulds” go. And you are right on with the “will I ever want to again?” mentality, it’s almost like I’m afraid I won’t want to run, so I run when I don’t want to, if that makes sense!
Ugh, I’m so going through the same exact thing. I cannot get out of bed right now in the morning. It was so much easier in the summer when the sun was rising at 5:30AM and since I can’t sleep when it’s light out anyway, I was up. I have a week and a half off for Christmas and I NEED to use that time to get myself back on track. And, I also seem to have switched priorities from strength training to cardio. Still not running, because I despise running, but I’ve been doing 5 miles of intervals on the elliptical, at night, 3 times per week. I don’t even know who I am anymore.
That’s a lot of elliptical! The winter makes it really tough to get up in the morning, although I used to be really good at it for years, possibly because there was always something interrupting my sleep! Kids and the cat come to mind. It’s actually nice that my kids sleep until at 6:30-7 now, yet I don’t take advantage and still get up really early. Hope you can get back where you want to be during your break, but if not, don’t be hard on yourself. Sounds like a lot of people are going through the same thing!
You’re doing yoga!! YES! This makes me so happy. 🙂
Usually when I’m in a slump I really have to find a new way to spice it up. That’s where Body Pump came from a couple months ago. Then I found out that my favorite yoga teacher has a wednesday class that I can actually go too now so my routine is a little more interesting nowadays.
I really think it’s so funny that I’m doing yoga. For so long I’d see people doing it and say “maybe one day” knowing that I had no plans to! But now my body was screaming for the stretching and my mind needed a switch. I’ve never done Body Pump but so many people rave about it!
It’s really hard NOT to fall into a rut during the winter. I mean…it’s dark ALL the time. We’ve seen the sun maybe three times in the past several weeks. I definitely get seasonal depression which seems to make me fall deeper into a rut….and the odd thing is that the seasonal depression is due to lack of activity. In the summer, I’m always hiking up mountains or taking long bike rides after work….I hate having to cross train indoors – boring! I can’t really stop running though. I have a 50 miler in March so I cannot just wait out the winter months. I have met a few running friends and we’ve been working to keep each other motivated by setting up running dates. Also, I commute via running – I find indirect routes to get me places. On average, I run 6 – 7 miles to work and do a shorter route home in the dark. To keep things from feeling boring, I mix up routes all the time and make things more challenging by often carrying a loaded down backpack.
With a 50 miler in March, you definitely have to work around that feeling of a rut and get creative, as you are! I find that when I build up a race in my mind I get pretty pumped for it, so even if there are days/weeks I’m feeling less than motivated, I power through and maybe only switch a few days due to weather and such. And that is SO COOL that you commute via running! That’s unheard of where I live, so I’m intrigued and impressed by it when I hear about it.
I think this is totally normal. I have been in a slump lately too, but for me I think it’s because of the winter blues and all the holiday excitement. {Sigh} So ready to get back on it again. I think you need to move your cat back in with you. 😉
Haha! My cat will stay where he is now, it’s actually improved my sleep quite a bit! I hope your slump breaks and you start feeling pumped to get out for runs. These things aren’t always predictable though, from day to day or week to week or whatever!
Yesterday I had a really hard time getting up for a morning run. All I wanted was to stay in bed. I don’t blame you for taking a break. You are a mom, a wife, and starting coaching business. I think as long as you do some form of physical activity it should be fine. Eventually the running will come back. I’ve been there. 🙂
I know this happens to everyone at some point, but for some reason wasn’t expecting to feel this way! Thanks for the encouragement, I realize I put a lot on my plate and often expect a great deal from myself, and there are times I need to pull back in some areas – now it’s with running 🙂
I cannot get out of bed right now either a dots driving me nuts. It’s so so hard when it’s dark until about 7am! Blech! After a marathon, I go through the same thing as you-it just feels like it’s purposeless for a little while. I call it “losing my zazzle.” For me, It comes back, typically, within a month of its loss. I think it’s healthy and completely natural!!:)
For me I think there is always that little fear that I won’t get it back! But it makes sense, especially with the timing of my marathon being right before the holidays. It all lends to wanting to take a break. And I agree the pitch black room doesn’t lend to wanting to leap out of bed! Even if I’m not sleeping 🙂
Hey there! I just saw your paleo lifestyle coaching special page and I’m definitely considering it…At least the 1 hour phone conversation. Like I’ve mentioned before, a friend and I are planning at least 1 month of paleo eating starting in January. We’re doing it together to help each other out and give each other support!
Awesome! Definitely message me if you decide to do it. I’m excited to be able to offer this to people 🙂