When I started running longer distances, it was all so exciting and fresh. I didn’t dare miss or skimp on a workout, the distances and paces were new and exciting, every race was an adventure and the PR’s were plentiful. As time went on, the PRs were harder to come by, I could execute the workouts on my well-worn training plan almost by rote, and I’d become a fixture at some races. Let’s face it: the honeymoon is over.
Like many married couples, veteran runners, my relationship with running has become a tad, shall we say, stale. In an attempt to bring back that loving feeling, I took a self-imposed runnbatical over the winter months and opted out of a spring marathon for the first time in 3 years. With the start of marathon training just a mere week away, I’ve decided to refresh my running, so to speak.
Here are some things I’m doing to spice up my relationship with running:
Commit to a race that scares/excites you
Maybe it’s a distance you’re not quite sure you can do. Maybe it’s a destination race in a new place. Maybe it’s with friends or a charity group for a cause that’s meaningful to you. Choose something NEW that the mere thought of helps get you up and running. Yeah Twin Cities does this for me. All marathons still scare the crap out of me.
Pick a new training plan
As much as I love the Run Less Run Faster plan (it brought me to Boston twice after all) it’s time to change things up. I’m entertaining a hybrid plan that keeps the speedwork but works in some higher mileage as well. Now if I can just get the ornery hamstrings, and dicey ITB on board.
Change up your routes
This can be as simple as running a current route in reverse, ducking down some side roads to add on a little more mileage, or finally getting your behind over to check out some local trails. So simple yet many of us rarely do it.
Change up your crosstraining
You are crosstraining right? Early on I was very much into weight training and yoga. Once I got the nerve up to venture into the cycling studio, I added some spin classes. For the past year or so I’ve spent more and more time with Blanche, my trusty road bike and, horrors, dared put a duathlon on my schedule this summer. All running all the time makes Marcia a very dull (and most likely injured) girl.
Reward yourself
Personally I have en elaborate system of milestones and rewards that involves pedicures, massages, bath salts, donuts, tiaras, new running gear, diamonds, yachts, you get the idea. Choose things that you enjoy and reward yourself as you reach your goals. This is supposed to be fun!
Hold yourself accountable
Although mine is spotty at best, I think keeping a running log is a confidence builder because I can look back and see how far I’ve come, how thorough (or not) my training was and opportunities for improvement become more apparent. There is something very satisfying about seeing those numbers grow and knowing the ‘hay is going into the barn.’
Succumb to peer pressure
Running with a partner or a group may not be for everyone. For some it’s a way of life, but even for a lone wolf, it’s a great change of pace. I’m much less likely to blow off a track session if I know someone is waiting for me. And who wants to poop out on the last interval and be the laughing stock of the running club? Not me. Unless I’m puking of course.
