My Passion For Running Ebbs and Flows

But why?

I’m struggling to return to a normal training routine after traveling, illness, and an increase in my work hours. It’s just a fact I’ve come to accept. And this relentless summer heat and humidity aren’t exactly helping.

As I ponder this phenomenon, I wonder if there’s more to it. Don’t get me wrong. I still love running! But I think that after training seriously for my spring marathon and then dealing with the disappointment of the event being canceled 6 miles in due to severe thunderstorms, I’m a bit burned out. 

This week it was my turn as a coach to give the benediction, our weekly motivational speech for our marathon training team. Part of my speech was to help remind me why I love this sport, and I was definitely inspired by Des Linden’s book, which I just finished. 

Here is what I told my team:

How many of you woke up this morning and thought to yourselves:

“OH, SHIT! I’m running double digits today!”

Yeah. Me, too.

For those of us who have done this before, this stage of the game can still feel daunting. And if this is your first time running this distance, I promise you will be fine!

But why in the world do we do this? 

Pursuing crazy goals with equally crazy people… well, I can’t think of anything better!

Running can be a uniter of community. An outlet for angst. And a way to prove to yourself that you are strong.

Running can become a passion, even if that passion is just for the process and rituals of training. 

Des Linden is the 2018 Boston Marathon winner, and I recently read her memoir. This is one of my favorite quotes from her book, Choosing to Run:

“Having passion for work alone might be the ultimate goal of all, because the work is the only thing that is really, truly yours. You’re entitled only to your labor. You’re not entitled to the fruit of your labor. The universe guarantees no results.”

― Des Linden, Choosing to Run: A Memoir

On three: PASSION

We typically have a word each week that we focus on from our quote. I felt that passion was the best from Des’ quote. Plus, I really wanted to hear 100-ish runners scream PASSION!

Double-digit runs seem to arrive earlier each season! But as usual, I had great company on this run, and I did make it through. 

Here’s hoping I can establish a better workout routine in the coming weeks!

___________

Lead photo is of me standing in front of a mural in the city of Richmond. Photo courtesy of Amy W.

Have you ever experienced burnout with your workout routine? What did you do to find your motivation again? I’d love to hear about it!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.