This past Saturday marked two weeks since I ran the Baltimore Half Marathon and I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t run AT ALL since the race. I know. I call myself a runner? What is the matter with me? Clearly the honeymoon is over between the Nike+ and me.
I wanted to give myself a week off as a little reward for completing the half marathon, but that turned into two weeks and now I am on my third week feeling 100% BLAH. I think I’ve gained at least a pound. I planned to join my running group again last night, but it was canceled because of the rain.
It’s time I face the truth: I am worthless without a challenge. Obviously running for the sake of running doesn’t motivate me. I need to have something to work towards to get my booty off the couch and stay in shape.
So that brings me to my latest challenge: I am signing up for the Jingle All the Way 10k race!
I’m actually very excited about this race because:
1) I know at least six people running it also.
2) It’s only 6.2 miles. Totally doable!
3) The training won’t be as miserable and time-consuming.
4) The $25 registration fee is certainly no budget-breaker.
5) You get to wear JINGLE BELLS ON YOUR SHOES DURING THE RACE!!!
I told J the other night about the jingle bell part and his response was, “Wow, running with jingle bells on your shoes for an entire hour sounds really annoying.” Huh. Hadn’t thought of that one. Oh well! I’m determined it’s going to be a jolly holiday experience. :)
As for my workout schedule, I want to keep my goals broad enough that I have the flexibility to actually meet them and not feel discouraged if I miss a day. So my goal for each week is to run 10 to 15 miles and do yoga at least 2 times. I will put this on my Nike+iPod account for extra accountability.
Let’s hope this will be the challenge I need to get me out of my fitness funk!
{photo: via weheartit}
Hahaha… You’re going to become a racing junkie before long (and that’s okay). =)
What a fun name for a race, btw.
It sounds like the half-marathon was more of a training/lifestyle commitment than you really want right now. You’ll find 10K’s to be much easier to work with and great for tracking your progress.
Hm, the bells…is it the worry about then banging around on your shoes, or the noise? Because everyone is going to be wearing them, you won’t be able to get away from the noise (which I think is the really cool part!). If you don’t like them bopping on your feet, you have other options – like tying them into your ponytail :)
I’m exactly the same way. I love running, but I need those challenges to keep me going!
I totally know what you mean. After just about every race (at least the longer ones) I give myself a little break, then next thing you know my break has turned into weeks (if not months, yikes!).
Good luck putting the kibosh on your funk!
I think half way through the race, I’d be ripping the bells off my runners. hahaha :)
I did a christmas in july 40 mile bike ride and we had bells on our bikes…that lasted all of about 10 minutes before we took them off…very annoying! But good luck with the race!!
I’m right there with you…I’m currently sitting on my couch in my pjs instead of running like I had scheduled.
Best of luck. I am in a fitness funk too! I think the weather is playing games with our minds!
I know how you feel. I have been hoping all summer to get a place in the London marathon, and two weeks ago I found out I didn’t get one. Not only was I massively bummed, I have totally lost motivation for my running schedule..
I have tried to kick things off again this week, and have scaled back my miles by more than half, and will continue this for a few weeks and build up slowly. I need to remember why I run in the first place, and rediscover my love for the sport again, rather than constantly being focussed on a goal. I am getting there again slowly. It’s been really nice to run through the park while the leaves are turning and just enjoy myself rather than worrying about pace and form.
Good luck with your new goal!
What!? This sounds so fun! Make lots of noise! Good Luck!