Digging out of a running rut

Image by Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr

It can happen gradually, or it can happen without warning.  Sometimes it’s the result of burnout; other times, external circumstances force our priorities to shift.  However it happens, the running rut—or the lull, lag, whatever you call it—is an inevitable part of the process for anyone whose long-term commitment to running goes beyond that of the one-and-done marathoner.  And, to put it eloquently, it sucks.

As a goal-oriented, one-track-mind type of person, I’m particularly susceptible to these bouts of running-ennui (and anything-ennui, really).  Having achieved a goal, whether it’s my first marathon, my Boston qualifier, or my first 50K, my natural tendency is to move on.  Mission accomplished, the boredom sets in and my mind searches for the next prize to chase.  As it searches, I tend to rest; in my short career as a runner, I’ve taken a year-long break, a six month break, and far too many isolated, inadvertent weeks off.  And each time I return to running, it feels like I’m starting over.

To state the obvious, this mindset isn’t a great fit for distance running, a sport that requires consistency in training above all else.  But I’ve come to realize that, just like any other, if my relationship with running is going to last, it’s going to take some work.  To this end, I’ve made a conscious effort over the past two years to stick with running even when I haven’t felt like it.  In the moment, it hasn’t always been fun, but I’ve managed, and the result has been two years of the most satisfying running of my life.  Here are a few of the tricks I’ve used to ensure that I never distance myself too far from distance running.

1.  Read a running book. Born to Run and Once a Runner, both subjects of previous Running Shorts posts, come to mind.  But the book that interests you, not the book you think you should read, is the right book to get you excited about running again.

2. Sign up for a race. Everyone has that certain seductive race or distance on their to-do list, for which the timing is never quite right or the fear of failure too gripping.  Signing up for it, without giving yourself time to think up reasons not to, can be an immensely powerful jolt of motivation.  Running becomes more fun with the goal in mind, and not running becomes more painful when you envision your registration money going to waste.

3. Do a different type of running. To a non-runner, running is running.  But even though six-minute mile repeats on the track and twelve-minute walk/runs through hilly woods both require putting one foot in front of the other, any runner knows they’re entirely different activities.  Mix it up; revamp your training routine with a completely new focus.  You’ll be a better runner to show for it.

4. Overhaul your running playlist. I tend to let the songs on my iPod get as stale as an unwashed pair of, well, running shorts.  For me, the power of a fresh new playlist is astounding —  and for less than about fifteen bucks, I can have an hour or two of brand new music to get me out the door and keep me out there.

5.  Run with someone (or by yourself). I ran by myself during most of the training for my first five marathons.  Then I discovered other runners, and it was like a dark cloud of solitude was lifted from my picture of running.  Running became fun again; I looked forward to long runs for the first time in my life.  But training all alone offers that me-against-the-world mentality that I find deeply motivating, so I won’t give it up for good.  The point: if you haven’t tried one or the other yet, do it.