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Lost My Running Mojo, Help!

There are lots of reasons a runner can lose their running mojo, injury or illness, time constraints from family or work commitments, failure to hit a goal, over-training or perhaps an underlying medical issue.
More recently it could be due to our schedule being out of whack due to the current restrictions that have been imposed on us as we try to tackle the covid19 virus.



The loss of one's mojo has happened to most if not all runners, including myself. It can come from nowhere and be both frustrating and exhausting. I'm a lot better now at recognising the signs and taking appropriate actions to quickly sort it out but in the past I've gone a year, maybe longer without running, and so maybe by default, I'm now an expert in the subject.

1. Go for a run when you feel like it. Don't force yourself out the door but aim for at least twice a week if you can.

2. Keep your runs short, if your normal run has been 5 miles or 10k, cut it back to 2 miles or 5k and keep the pace easy.

3. Do not make any new goals or sign up for any races, as this becomes an added pressure that you can do without.

4. Keep a diary of how you're feeling, this can be useful to look back on and will potentially allow you to recognise those tell-tale signs earlier. It might also reveal that things, perhaps, aren't as bad as they seem.

5. This could be a great time to introduce a family member to running. Join them on their new journey, show them the ropes and soak up some of their new found runner's high.




6. A change of scenery can help you refocus. Try new routes, explore local parks and nearby neighbourhoods, if you've been running solo, join a group and enjoy the chats (when current crisis is over, of course).

7. Bring a camera or mobile phone and take pictures along the way. Don't worry about stopping mid-run to take your snaps. Enjoy catching your breath, as you ready yourself to head to the next shoot location.




8. Sign up to strava and embrace the positive community spirit and, of course all those kudos thumbs-up 👍👍👍

9. If strava doesn't do it/work for you, perhaps run naked and leave the watch at home, however do wear your shorts and Tee-shirt! Running without the watch can give a sense of freedom, not answerable to random numbers that in the grand scheme of things mean little and give yourself the permission to slow right down, it's allowed!

10. Reading a runner's biography can certainly help with motivation. It can be very relatable, especially if the author is honest enough to include a chapter dedicated to a slump they experienced and how they overcame it.
A few books I'd highly recommend are "Chairman of the boards, Master of the mile" by Eamonn Coghlan, "From last to first" by Charlie Spedding and "Staying the course, A runner's toughest race" by Dick Beardsley.

11. Take a week or two off. Let the batteries recharge and give yourself a chance to miss running. Remember - absence makes the heart grow fonder.

12. If you've tried all the above and are still struggling, perhaps it could be time to visit your doctor and get your bloods done along with some other tests. This turned out to be my problem back in May/June of 2019, my running just became hard! My effort levels were through the roof and as a result I'd very little interest in going for a run. It turned out my Thyroid levels were very low. Following treatment and I'm happy to report, I'm back loving my running.

I do hope the above has helped and remember it's what you do next that counts!

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