Who stole my training mojo?

Since running the half-marathon last weekend, I've been taking it easy. I eased back into a short 2.5 mile outdoor run on Tuesday, a thirty-minute version of Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism on Wednesday, and a fast-ish 3 mile run on the treadmill yesterday.

But without another race scheduled, I'm feeling less motivated to do anything longer than a 30-minute run. And I'm even less motivated to do the 30 Day Shred.

Call it a rut. Call it a loss of mojo. But I need a little zoom zoom zoom back into my boom boom.

Several neighbors have invited me to join their spinning classes, which I'm actually interested in, but I have to deal with the childcare issue before I can do that.

I was looking at doing a 15K trail run next weekend, if I can find a babysitter. And I'm perusing other 10K races coming up later this fall with the hopes of improving my time.

I don't see another half-marathon in my future until next year. That's one thing I'm certain about.

So, tell me, Shredheads - what can I do to get myself motivated again?

Comments

[McMama]

I have been terribly unmotivated as well. I did great training for my first 5k and have fallen off the wagon in a serious way since then. I keep trying to get back on but the wagon is a slippery little bitch. I'm thinking signing up for a Thanksgiving 5k will help me get back into the routine of running. I wanted to train for a half marathon but there are a lot of potential changes on the horizon for my life and I can't really register for a race right now. Without that deadline looming in my head, I can't seem to stick with running. I suck at workout videos. I was doing excellent kickboxing twice a week but as much as I love it, going out after my hubs gets home from work doesn't ever sound (at the moment of decision) like as good of an idea as family time. What do we do?

[Quix]

I felt the same exact way after my half. My advice - find something completely different to do for a while. I took a bunch of dance lessons, rode my bike a lot, rollerskated, and was just mellow for about a month. I ran maybe 3 times total.

It took me picking a race (a 5k) and picking a time I wanted to beat (25 minutes, never quite got there) to get me back out pounding the pavement or hopping on the treadmill. However, you might consider that you've put your body through a lot training for the half and give it some rest first.

Just my 2 cents. :)

[Alexis]

I second trying something new. What about a new fitness DVD from Netflix? Something you have never tried before. A few of my faves, that helped me lose 10+ lbs a few years back are the Crunch videos especially Cardio Salsa and Fat-Burning yoga. Or, what about something silly, like Carmen Electra Cardio Striptease. That one will at least get you giggling about fitness again! That said, I've been slacking this week. Made it to yoga class, and a short run yesterday and plan on doing some NMTZ when I get home.

[Fairly Odd Mother]

I think I ate my Mojo in some Halloween candy. Totally depressing to feel the pounds creeping back on but not yet motivated to do anything about it. I think reading about all you guys running makes me want to RUN, but that ain't happening for a few reasons. Exercise is just bumming me out right now.

And, yet, I'm sure I'll start up again someday soon.

[laura]

i used to ride century bike races so i can tell you that you are right to take it easy and recover BUT it can be dangerous this i know is true as i gained 40 lbs after i racked up my bike and stopped riding 100+miles. i know right now you have the added challenge of juggling the kids alone.
for me what keeps the mojo going is i signed up for a number of runs before the Princess half marathon. it keeps me on track with my training anf fitness goals and keeps me motivated. i mean i signed up and paid for these races. some of them i am running with other shredhead-ers. it compels me to follow through. of course one of the biggest motivators is this group of ours. my recent race report is now up on my blog.

[Chelsie]

Can't offer too much help here, I'm only on day 7, but the inch I've lost in my thighs is incentive enough right now.

[michelle sauer]

Hi, I just found this blog and I can't wait to keep reading! My biggest motivator right now is the simple idea of not being a chub anymore! I'm not really too overweight, but I still have the baby fat around my middle from my 3 kids and I'm just not sure it's ok to use that excuse anymore now that my youngest is almost 2!

I love the idea though about getting involved in something else, or something new. Join a class that you have to show up to, it will make you accountable. Or find a running partner, you will have to show up in order to not disappoint! Good luck, and great blog here!