If you run long enough, odds are that you will lose your running mojo at some point. No one is 100% motivated everyday year after year. Apparently, this has happened to me numerous times over the past few decades. Summertime has always been challenging for me running wise with heat and humidity. So what’s a runner to do? How do you get your running mojo back? I have no idea! Here are top tips on how to do it.
How to get your running mojo back
For the purpose of this post, we will consider “running mojo” the feeling of excitement, motivation and success regarding one’s running routine. Runners can lose this mojo for any number of reasons throughout their running career. So, the big question is, how do you get it back?
Ditch your watch
When you are in struggle mode, a running watch can put extra pressure on to hit certain paces or distances. Ditch the watch for a while and just run.
Take a real running break
Taking a scheduled break from running for a short time can help to reignite your passions. Many times, overtraining can in fact lead to loss of excitement for running (and set you up for overuse injuries). Take a week or 2 off of running and see how you feel both mentally and physically.
Take a Detour
Sometimes changing up your run route can do wonders. Usually run on the road? Try a trail run perhaps.
find your Tribe
Join the crowd! Check out a running group or find a running buddy. The social aspect of running and the accountability it provides cannot be understated.
Try something new
Sometimes just trying new fitness activities will help to keep you in shape while giving you a little break. You might even start to miss running!
Sign up
Signing up for a race can give you just the push you need to restart your training.
Buy new fitness gear
My personal favorite way to get that running mojo spark back. A little retail therapy often does the trick.
Motivation will not always show up. That’s where the discipline of having a running routine will pay off. Running mojo can wax and wane but it don’t stress about it too much.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
When I’m feeling unmotivated I usually back off a bit and try not to put any pressure on myself when it comes to running.
that definitely helps!
Yep, often times life gets in the way & the running just doesn’t “fit” or feel right. Thank goodness we all know it’s a temporary condition!
Definitely temporary but still frustrating!
I need about 13 detours and a new pair of shoes. The shoes are staring at me from their box. I guess it’s time to find a new road.
I have felt like that this summer as well. Good news is that we are both very active daily and this too shall pass
Retail therapy for the win! Seriously though, those are all great tips. I know that since I’ve been running with a friend for my long runs I really feel better about going the distance.
friends always make a huge difference for me too