Running is hard and that’s ok.
Whether you’ve been running for a few weeks or a few years, we all have our struggle runs. You are not the first and you definitely won’t be the last. This won’t be your only struggle run either.
This morning I went out for a 5K and it hurt. I wasn’t really pushing for time but I felt like I was running through treacle. My head wasn’t in it and neither were my legs. But I’m ok with that. Today just wasn’t a good running day but these runs are what make the ‘good’ runs so good!
I’ve been running for nearly 6 years and some days it feels as tough as that first run I did. Whereas other days it feels like I’m flying.
I’ve trained my way through 2 marathons, 2 half ultra marathons, 11 half marathons and a whole bunch of 5K and 10K races. Still, I have days when I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. I can’t get my breath right. My pace is off and I can’t get into the swing of it. The music that usually spurs me on isn’t working today. Nothing is working today.
Sometimes during a run, I look at my Garmin and can’t believe the pace I’ve just run. Other times I’ve convinced that it’s broken or the GPS has failed. I’ve also given up halfway through a run and sulkily walked back home.
Right now I’m struggling with running. It’s hard work and I want to get back to loving it again. I put way too much pressure on myself to get my time down and that makes running suck.
I try to remember to stay present. Focus on my breath and make sure I’m driving forward with my arms. Take it one step at a time.
I have a mantra for when it gets really tough. “I can do this!”. I’ll say it over and over again. “I CAN DO THIS!”. A friend told me that she says her mantra in different voices and accents just to make herself laugh. I highly recommend this, I giggled through most of my run the first time I tried it.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first run or your millionth run. The main thing is that you gave it your all and got through it. You also need to remember that you’re not alone and that we’re all going through it.
Running doesn’t get easier, you get stronger. Read that again. Running doesn’t get easier, you get stronger! Shout it out loud if that helps! Every step is helping you to get mentally and physically stronger. Never doubt that.
So, next time you struggle to get out of the door or want to give up running. Above all, remember that you’re not alone and we’re all feeling the same. Find a mantra that helps you and chant it over and over until you believe it.
Leave a comment blow or drop me a message and let me know what you’re struggling with. If you’ve found something that works then I’d love to hear that too.
Don’t forget. You can do this!
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