Yes, sometimes the last thing I want to do is put on my shoes and go out the door. It doesn’t matter if my last run was awesome or awful. And it doesn’t always matter if the weather is perfect or gross. Sometimes I just don’t want to run.
For me, that’s the hardest part of running.
How can something that I enjoy so much be something that in certain moments is the last thing I want to do? I’ve never had a run that I wasn’t glad I took. OK, sometimes it takes me until after I’m done to appreciate that I did it, but I never regret running (well, except for those times I ran when I was injured *ahem*).
So why do I hate running sometimes? Maybe it’s because I’m inherently lazy – I’d much rather sit on my butt some days. Maybe it’s because that inner voice has convinced me that I won’t enjoy it or that I can’t do it. Maybe it’s because some days I’ve given all I have to the other responsibilities in my life and I’ve run out of energy to, well, run.
But one thing I’ve learned over the more than 8000 miles I’ve tracked in the last 8 years – when I hate running the most, it’s the time I need it the most. So, on those days, I suck it up and get out there. Because if I start the run, chances are good I won’t hate running anymore. And luckily, running doesn’t care if you hate it or love it. It just wants you to get out there and do it.
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It’s absolutely true for me too that when I hate it most, I need it most. I usually hate it after I’ve taken a little time off to recovery or taper, and I get in the habit of not running. Inertia sets in!
For me, the hardest part of running is the judgmental voice that sometimes pops up in my head and tells me I can’t do things!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Shut Up, Brain
I wish I could say being injured was the worst part about running, I’d have to say the worst part about running was coming back right after the injury. Losing the fitness–out of breath shortly after starting, being way slower than before and lack of motivation are things I’ve had to work through over the past several months….in hindsight totally worth it now, but man it was rough at the time!! Thanks for hosting!
Stacey recently posted…Weekly Sweat Report 3/7-3/13
I don’t usually have trouble getting out the door if the weather’s good (unless I’m tired or sick). Usually I can’t wait!
But when the weather isn’t good — oh yes, I can procrastinate with the best of them. And yes, I am also inherently lazy. Although not as much as I used to be — quite frankly, I cant sit around the way my husband does!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Worst thing about running is . . .
Those are the times I just have to get going, then I love the run. But yes, there are days where I just want to park myself on the couch and do nothing.
Lesley recently posted…The Hardest Thing About Running
Wow! 8000 miles! Yes, sometimes, it’s the last thing I feel like doing, but I never regret it either. Once it’s done, I appreciate the hard.
Sonia recently posted…The Hard Is What Makes It Great
I am not always in the mood to run either. But I always feel good after I am done.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…At Home Workouts you can do in 5 minutes
I totally get it. And I feel worse if I don’t so I do and I;’m glad I did.
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: What’s Hard About Running?
This has totally been me lately. I just had my highest mileage week ever, and I think that really took a toll on me and just zapped my motivation. But you’re right, I always feel better after I run!
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style recently posted…Nutrition This Training Cycle: What Works for Me
How spot on. I’ve really enjoyed today’s prompt!
Some days you’re right. Running is the LAST thing I want to do. But like you said. I try to remind myself I’ve never regretted a run later in the day. I just need to push myself out the door. It gets easier from there.
I don’t think that I’ve ever gotten to the point of hate. Waiting for the run to end, sure. But never hate. I think because of all of the injuries and such that I’ve had, I always find something in the run to love.
I give it 10 min. If I still hate it, I can stop. But I usually keep going. 🙂
Patty recently posted…The Worst Things About Running | Tuesdays on the Run
I definitely don’t always love running either. Even on some days when I desparately want/need to get out for a run, my bed or the couch wins.
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Half at the Hamptons 2016 Race Recap
Perfect post for me to read today! I’m definitely in an “I don’t want to run” mood – but I’m going anyways 😉
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…RtR Training Week 1
So true!!! But I do love it!
Tamieka recently posted…Weekly Wrap
It is so hard to get out sometimes. I find it especially hard to get up early this particular week of the year, when it is so dark and I’m so tired and grumpy. You’re right – the lazies can be the worst.
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap Up: Recovery week
I think most people are inherently lazy, it’s not just you. 🙂 But I feel ya. Sometimes I would rather sit around in my pjs on a weekend morning than go run. But I know if I do that, I won’t end up running that day at all.
Rachel recently posted…Half Marathon Training: Week 5
The struggle is real! It’s super easy for me to go for a run early or late when I’ve made plans with friends or el husbando. It’s those alone runs that I struggle with, even as I have to admit that I never regret getting out there.
Being injured is a tough one for me. But burning out is a close second. I get burned out a lot and it sometimes takes more than it should to keep me motivated. Ugh.
So true! Maybe it is because I am lazy too. My natural instinct is to sit on my butt and veg out.
Smitha RunningwithSDMom recently posted…San Diego Half Marathon Recap!
Eight years, I often wonder if I’ll still love it in 8 years, that is if I’m able to run in 8 years from now! Answers to those questions, I won’t know til I get there but you can bet I’m going to try! Thanks Erika for the link up and great topic!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Why Running Sucks
I’m always amazed at how much I still fight running. I’ll procrastinate on a run, think about how horrible it’s going to be, and then, when I finally go on a run…a mile or two in I’m thinking “Running is the best! I’m so glad I’m out here!”. And yet, the next day I can go through the entire process again. Why are we so crazy?! I find I’m best off to just ignore my brain and hurry up to get outside before I have a chance to process what I’m about to do. 🙂
Beth @ Paces and Places recently posted…My Running Motto: Love the Run You’re With
Yes, many of us seem to have a love hate relationship with running….
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Running is a constant reminder I am ageing