I started my 'run-streak' back in Sept. 2017. I found myself with need to improve my discipline & willpower, and organically started a run-streak. As time has gone by, I have endured some difficult physical challenges that at times made me question if I could keep my streak going. This has definitely helped me with my goal to improve my discipline and willpower, and the more time that has ticked by, the higher my motivation has become to keep going. That-is, until lately.
I have known other runners who have entered into a 'running funk' where they no longer find joy in running. I've always found it curious. It is often not caused by something physical like an injury. It seems to be a mental struggle. Would something like that ever happen to me? Nah..
It's common knowledge that exercise is good for your mental wellbeing. In fact, it's scientifically proven that exercise is a natural anti-depressant. How could something so good for you (that also happens to be something enjoyable) suddenly become so difficult?
The answer in my case was trauma. Sudden, and severe mental trauma. What does this look like? In my case it was my wife of a 12-year marriage, 20-year relationship telling me that she doesn't feel anything for me anymore and wants a divorce.
Suddenly my motivation, desire, and willpower were just gone. I didn't even care about ending my 6+ year run streak.
Fast forward a month & a half... I understand now how much of an impact mental health can have on motivation. I've managed to keep running, but there have been some very close calls. This deep, dark sorrow that has taken over comes in waves at random. Here's what has helped me to keep going so far:
Friends - If it wasn't for some running friends I would have quit. One of my friends refused to let me quit on day one - and she was right.
Experience - Maybe you've experienced that feeling of accomplishment you get when you finish a run that you really struggled to get out the door for...? You have to savior that feeling. Box it up and save it for future use. Because I'd had that prior experience, I knew that if I could just get out for a mile I would feel better.
Having a goal - at the end of 2023, I was fairly close to hitting 3,000 miles for the year. I decided to make that my goal. Having something to strive for pushed me out the door to go on a run when I felt like I'd rather just curl up in a ball at home.
I foolishly never thought I'd fall victim to this kind of challenge. Now, I understand how easily it can happen. I'm not out of the weeds yet… not by a long shot. Every day is a new challenge. Some days I can face that challenge head-on. Other days, I almost succumb to it. One foot in front of the other. If you're reading this, have you experienced this kind of challenge before? What worked for you? Please share!
If you're in a "funk" with your exercise of choice, I hope what I've shared can help you. Or - if you ever find yourself faced with this kind of difficult situation, maybe you can remember this to help you through it.
