After Mothers Day, I took nine days off from running. Nine days. For my non running friends this may sounds like NO big deal, but to a runner this is a century. I just..didn’t feel like running. Mentally I was unable to get myself outside. Instead I went to spin class almost every single evening, and yoga almost every single morning. (Must stay active.)
Finally by day 10, I decided it was time. I felt that urge that I hadn’t felt for nine days. Since then I have run a handful of times, and each time I have had my Garmin with me, but did not look at the pace until I was done. The numbers mess with my head too much.
I’m not mad at that pace..in fact all my runs lately have been in the 9:30 range. Given I am not running far, but I am also not dying. These runs feel good! I credit that to the rain. I have been loving running in the rain. It feels so raw and cleansing.
This was the first time my shoes matched my outfit. Unplanned.
I have been trying to find myself as a runner the past couple weeks. Sounds kind of corny, but let me explain. I love running. I don’t always love it mid-run, but after I finish a run I am always on cloud nine. With that said, there were times I felt like I was running for other people, always comparing myself and wanting to get that shiny new PR. You can see how running for all the wrong reasons would cause you to fall out of love with it.
All my runs are solo these days, which gives me a lot of time to think and reflect. While I loved having a running partner, I am embracing these solo runs and challenging myself to run on intuition. Running with other people motivates me to push my pace a little faster, but in the end that could tire me out. Running alone means I focus on myself…that’s it.
I’ve stopped using Dailymile because I found that it stressed me out at times to run a certain pace. I found myself running to be able to share it online, or with friends-big mistake. In time I may use DailyM again, but for now my runs are for me, and occasionally will be shared on the blog (the super duper good runs of course.) I’ve also stepped away from training plans that make me feel like I have to run. I will run only when I want to. This doesn’t mean I won’t be training for a half marathon in the future, just not right now.
This is not an overnight process, it will take time. I am going to stay calm even when I have a “bad” run. I have a goal to be “that” runner that runs for fun, for therapy, and for health. I run for health right now, and sometimes for therapy, but very rarely for fun. All in time. Moral of the story: Run for yourself, this goes for any kind of workout. Capish?
ALRIGHT that was way too much seriousness for one post. I had some cake the other day and anytime someone came near me while I was crouching in the corner I felt like this.
Amen.
Q: Have you found your workouts lacking lately because your mental state wasn’t where it should be? “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” -J.M
Blissfulbritt 
67 thoughts on “The Key to (MY) Successful Running”
Colin DeWaay
I’m not a big runner by any means, but I did discover last year that I went from HATING running to actually enjoying it when I stopped caring about the pace. Definitely something to be said about that!
sincerelylily
OH MY GOODNESSS!
YOu speak such truth… and I love that it was from your running heart and serious. You are SO right- you should run for yourself and there is no ‘bad’ or ‘good’ run. Amen sista. I sometimes get hung up on mileage- not so much pace. But what I have learned is that a mile is a mile, no matter what the pace. And running 1 mile is much more than not running a mile at all.
Looooooove this post x 9285708570687. It sounds like you took a 9-day-much-needed-vacation from running. It amazed me that you still were so active- usually when I take days off I end up walking a lot or saying I’m going to do crunches but just end up laying in fetal and falling asleep.
YOU ARE AMAZINGGGGGG XOXO
Brittany
Awww shucks, you’re making me blush!! 🙂 I LaaaveeEEE you!
foods for the soul
I’m really similar when it comes to running. The numbers really messed with my head, so I had to stop timing my runs and just GO. I don’t monitor my pace (especially because I’m so slow!). I just run 3 days a week, go as far as I feel like, and come home to a reward of dark chocolate. It’s the best way to start my day! 🙂
Brandi
I totally agree with you…running is much more enjoyable when it’s by yourself and for yourself…more freeing. I’ve ran with my husband before but I only enjoy running by myself. I love to think on my runs. That pic of the baby is hilarious!
pickyrunner
BAHAHAHHAA the cake picture. You’re like me. If someone asks me to share I give them the stare down. Anyways, I love that you stepped away from running when it became a stresspoint. It’s not worth it. It should be something you love doing. A running break is what I’m in the process of doing right now and I know it’s going to have me itching to run by the end of it, which is exactly what i want to happen. I’m glad it’s working for you. I’d say your keys to successful running are perfect! I may have to steal some of it.
Brittany
If only we lived closer so we could have had a running break TOGETHER and played on your boat while drinking water.
Rach @ This Italian Family
So I can’t really relate to the running stuff, but I DO relate to the “touch my food and I’ll kill you” pic. 😉
allieksmith
I love this post. I admire you for listening to yourself and taking 9 days off! I can totally relate to you on running for the wrong reasons, or doing anything fun for the wrong reasons. It just kills the joy in it. Way to be! I don’t think you’re corny at all!
Britta
Gah, love this post. Absolutely love it. Everything is so true. NINE DAYS IS CRAZY! But so awesome also. Paces always stress me out.. ALWAYS. I also hate looking at my watch which makes me focus on time rather than the awesomeness of my run. I am training right now for my half but honestly, have only been running 1-2 days a week. How bizarre is that right?
Brittany
You’re only running 1-2 days a week, and still throwin down impromptu half marathons!? You my friend are becoming QUITE the seasoned runner!! AWESOME job!!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because
I LOVE THIS. All of this!
I’m definitely not a runner (and kind of snort/giggle at the thought of it), but I totally get what you mean about CHILLING the eff out about everything. I was following a mega intense weight lifting program and, you said it perfectly, the numbers were starting to mess with my head. Now, when I lift, it’s for the PRESENT moment of feeling awesome, not because I feel like I have to.
I’m trying to take this in other aspects of my life, too, like eating! You seem to have an awesome relationship with food, but I have definitely gotten too obsessive lately. Gotta dial it down.
Thanks for inspiring me to run today! Perfect timing 🙂
Brittany
YES this most DEFINITELY applies to every aspect of life, I am so glad you said that. I didn’t think getting into that in this post was a good idea because it would have been way too wordy.
As for eating, 90% of the time I have an awesome relationship with food..AS LONG as my temptations are NOT in my house hahaha. If I have (vegan friendly) sweets in my house, shit hits the fan and it’s not pretty. A very small part of WHY I went vegan in the first place was to prevent me from snacking/eating too much/ eating SHIT! SO…it’s a work in progress for me too!
spectacuLAUR
I started to feel as though I had something to prove when I was increasing my miles but quickly realized I didn’t care about it. It put too much stress on me and completely changed my runs. Then, I went back to running and just thinking things out in my mind. I definitely use exercise as “me” time to sort things out. I feel like the most rational thoughts are the ones I get while working out, so I tend to gravitate towards it so I make good decisions lol.
Ja @Ja on the RUN
You said it well Britt!
I don’t post that much on Daily Mile because I feel intimidated. And this is just what I needed. This made me realize that I’m running for me, myself and I. That I have to be proud of myself, of my accomplishments and my runs! 🙂 That I don’t have to worry about others might think.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! Thanks Britt! I’m going back to this post when I feel down. 🙂
sugarcoatedsheridan
Oh I just love your blog 🙂
I have been a runner for as long as I can remember, but right now, I am embracing other kinds of workouts (while still running at least once or twice a week) and I am loving it! More importantly, I think my body is loving it…I think I needed a little switch up and change and when I do run now, I enjoy it even more 🙂
Alex @ therunwithin
I like this attitude girl. I never and will never use daily mile for that reason. It is why my Garmin gets zero use these days. Connecting with my body never happens in my life but when I run that is another story. I actually find I am at peace with my body.
Taryn
I’m not a runner, but I’ve been dealing with this with working out in general. I have no idea how to get myself back on track, so I chose to do a cleanse this week and I’m hoping my motivation returns by the time I’m done. Glad you’re enjoying your runs again!
Courtney
This is so true! I need to get back to working out, but my mind just isn’t in it. I miss that workout high afterwards, though!
Choc Chip Uru
I love your running attitude my friend – I am really a sprinter, not much of a long distance person honestly 😉
But whatever works for you! AND I love that ‘touch my cake pic’ – so true!
Cheers
CCU
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
My workouts have been a lot better lately as my motivation has been better but before about 3 weeks ago I was definitely struggling and not feeling like I was putting enough into my workouts.
Meredith
Great post! I think you did the right thing by taking time off from running and re-energizing your mind and spirit. I also love running but sometimes I go through waves where I just feel burnt-out from it (i’m slowly starting to feel like this now, right around finals!) Time off and alternative exercises like walking or spinning helps me too. (love the matching sneakers and top!)
Elizabeth
Wow- I could totally have written this post!! 🙂 We are soul sisters, I think!! 🙂
The month of May I have been running GPS-less and it is amazing how invigorating and refreshing it has been……..I get so, so, SO tangled up in the numbers and stats and the “I’m so turtle slow’ trap, so it’s amazing to just get back down to me + running + those amazing endorphins!!
Alex (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen)
This post pretty much sums up why I run too – because it feels good. I can totally relate when you say you might not love it mid-run, but it is so worth it by the time it’s over. And the bit about it giving you a chance to reflect and such? Just SO true! I picked up running in college in part because it makes me see everything clearly. If I’m stressed about a test or something, I always come back from a run realizing that everything will be okay.
And haha, I feel the same way when I have a piece of cake in my hands 😉
kaityscooking
I relate to this all so much with the love of running and why you enjoy it so much.. I also love running alone, I get to distracted and tired running each time with someone. I agree running for the right reasons. I wanted to for so long to run just to hit higher mileages each time. I was finally then burnt out and took a month, besides walking off all working out. Just was not feeling it, my pants didn’t thank me (thankfully it was legging season) but my body otherwise needed it. That ecard, it is totally me with pretty much any of my food hahah not a fan of sharing!
P
I often get into these “running ruts”, and am actually okay with taking days off from running if it means a stronger body and faster times in the process.
I have never used DailyM, but I do upload my runs to the Garmin site, just because I like seeing the course I ran highlighted on a map 😀
Erin
YESSSS. This is perfect! I always end up in a rut and frustrated when I start feeling like I have to workout or have to run. My best runs were ones where I just ran for fun and didn’t try to run a certain speed/distance
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve definitely worked out for all the wrong reasons before, and not only did it completely suck the enjoyment out of pretty much any and all exercise, but it led me down a road that ended with a nice dose of overtraining and forced me to take some time off. It was a good thing, though, because it gave me the opportunity to really figure out my relationship with exercise. These days I pretty much abandoned all sorts of conventional workouts and just try and focus on staying active instead.
Life After Swimming
I love the whole “running on my own time/pace” thing. It’s one reason that I am glad I dropped out of the 1/2 ironman and switched to sprint races: I don’t really have to train much for a 4 mile run as compared to a 1/2 marathon AFTER a long swim and bike! Running should be solely for the individual (unless, of course, you are a professional…but it should still be for you above all!)
katalysthealth
Ugh my workouts totally suck when my mind isn’t right. Sometimes though, a good workout is just like flipping a switch. Although it can be hard to find my mojo when my brain is scattered all over the place!! Basically, I just stick to it until I bust through the wall. I stinkin love working out so much, its kind of like home to me now. Its like that place where I can just be me and push myself and challenge myself.
Katherine
I was the same way about basketball last year! I took the summer off and tried cross country. I fell in love with running, so my break turned out to be a major blessing. You are amazing girl! I bet you’ll come back stronger and faster than ever! 🙂
Sarah @ Feeeding the Brain and Body
When I went on vacation two weeks ago I did barely any running. Just 20 min slow in the morning to enjoy time with my Dad but nothing high stress. It was a great break from my usual schedule. That said I have relaxed with my running distances lately since I am not training for anything in particular. It feels nice to just go to go and not to accomplish a set goal/pace.
Luv What You Do
When mentally I’m not in the mood for a run, I head outside without my watch. It allows me to focus on nature, my thoughts, the joy that running brings me and not my typically expectations. I think that time off from running (or any exercise) makes the heart grow fonder : )
kadeecramer
If I have a strict running schedule I won’t do it. I have to run when I feel like it if I’m going to get anything out of it. I work harder when I’m running while I want to.. If I’m not in the mood and I make myself it’s always a horrible time and not worth it. So I agree.. taking a break is such a good thing sometimes.
Lou
Great sentiment here, Britt….. numbers just muck with one’s head – whether it be a distance, a measurement, a number on the scale – you gotta do it because YOU love it and it makes you feel GOOD 🙂 I love purple.
Amy
I’ve been running since I was about 15 so I’ve definitely gone through this! I usually always feel that way after I have been training for a race…I just get burnt out and running just isn’t fun anymore. I try to push through it and my mentality turns into “I just want to get this damn run over with.” Such a shitty feeling. Luckily, it usually goes away…just have to change things up a bit! I’ve been enjoying my solo runs lately too! I run at the lake super early while the rowers are practicing…and it’s just SO peaceful. On a side note…I definitely think you, Britta and I need a blogger meet up asap!
Brittany
Ah agreed, it hits me most after a race!! Usually within a week I am back wanting to find another race though. It’s a constant cycle haha. YES YES YES I seriously need this blogger meet up to happen. I was THISSS close to meeting Britta and was so sad when it didn’t happen. It must have been fate though, because the THREE of us are meant to meet at one time!
kristapriest
I can totally relate to your post I unfortunately am in a not run stage. The numbers definitely mess with my head. I put so much pressure on myself running becomes a chore and not a pleasure. You have written words of wisdom something for me to reflect on. Maybe tomorrow I will head out for a run and if I do that run will be for me :-).
Mary
Running should always definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY be about you and what you wanna do. Forget the Garmin numbers. I always take my watch out but try not to look at it when I run. Why get stressed out over numbers that are too slow/fast? Run how you feel like running because you can run and you want to run!
…And then eat cake, because you just ran. 🙂
jessielovestorun
Good for you on just taking a step back to refocus & find that love for running again. No Runs, or any workout for that matter should always be something you look forward to, not stress or frown upon. ❤
runner1313
I’ve always said, just enjoy the run. I run by myself 99% of the time, and truly enjoy the me time, the time to think and reflect. The best joy of running for me by far.
Megan
I’m happy you found your happy place in running again. It is so easy to get burned out with all the other runners swirling around in the seas. My poor DailyMile account has seen no action! I know I could do sit ups but ya know what I just don’t want to. I am going to continue sitting on my recliner and attempting to flex my quad. Booya, one of these days I will be able to lift my leg alone!
But seriously running for the wrong reason = so much stress, it’s not worth it at alllll. Love you, love that you a running again, and love that you are happy about running. Something tells me I am going to join you in the run happy movement whenever I get back out there. It seems silly that I used to stress sooooo much about pace and distance. I literally give me self a pat on the back right now crutching from my room to the kitchen. My how the tables have turned.
Brittany
EMBRACE that recliner! I need one..but I would probably get sucked into it and my body would have an imprint in the chair from laying in it too much, so maybe I don’t need one. HAHA. I cannot wait for you to (SLOWLY) get back into the run happy movement! You will be back stronger than EVAA! LOVEEYOOUU!
Lauren
So I’ve never heard of/used DailyMile (I use runkeeper or mapmyrun for logging purposes) but I just checked their website to see what they were all about and the constant twitter-style feed of everyone else posting their miles immediately started stressing me out. NO BUENO.
There’s nothing wrong with time off from running. I feel like if I make myself run on the days when I’m not feeling it, I’m usually more sluggish anyway. But when I go out after a break, my legs are refreshed and practically itching to run faster. So much more fun to run when your head is into too.
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
Just this past week I wa able to start introducing running into my workouts again. I have only been doing really short and slow runs but it’s fun to be running again and not worrying about distance or speed. I’m lovin just getting out there and doing it because it feels good.
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
So smart you are to have a little hiatus from running! When your mind is asking for a running rest, it’s best to listen! Not paying attention to pace and just running by feel is the best 🙂 Glad you are slowly finding your way back to enjoying running!
kathy @ vodka and soda
YES. i think we all have those moments where we just burn out and don’t feel like working out anymore. to be honest, i’ve been feeling like this as of late. it’s a struggle to get up in the mornings now but i’ve been doing it because i know i should. it always feel good after the workout but i’m not as pumped as i used to be. it might be because i’m getting bored. the phase of the program i’m in is 5wks and i’m on week 3 with another phase to go.
i would love to be one of those runners who are able to reflect and be with their thoughts; when i run, i’m mentally berating myself to KEEP GOING! YOU CAN DO IT! DON’T STOP! lol
Brittany
I most definitely have those runs at times where I am literally chanting to myself, “don’t you dare quit..move your ass and keep going!” Haha. I can see how doing the same program for 5 weeks would get boring though, I need VARIETY! I am sure your end results will be KICKASS THOUGH!
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GiGi Eats Celebrities
I am the BIGGEST CREATURE OF HABIT (creeepy creatureeeee!) and when people see me ellipticalling away EVERY SINGLE DAY (for 101 minutes no less)… They ask me, “what are you training for” – and I always respond: LIFE!!!! (And in my head I am thinking B****ES don’t talk to me when I am working out… Unless you want me to spit on you or wipe my sweat drenched face ALL OVER YOUR new and fresh fitness outfit!) – MUAHHHH HA HA HA HA HA AH AH AHA!!!
Brittany
WOOF I would DIE doing the elliptical everyday, and for OVER an hour!?! I would die…straight up pass out dead on the floor..no heat beat. Dead. Gone. HAHAHA.
I could spin on a bike though for HOURS!! I guess that goes to show how EVERY ONE is different and like different things. Training for life is the WAY TO BE!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I think it would be amazingly fun if you were spinning next to me ellipticalling!! WEEEE!! And then we have a virtual reality TV in front of us! We would bike/elliptical around the world!
Allison @ Life's a Bowl
You stole the thoughts right out of my head – I’m planning a similar post soon… Glad to hear that others can relate 🙂
An Unrefined Vegan
I didn’t renew Runner’s World because I felt like a loser since I’m the kind of runner who isn’t into races. To echo what you said – I put way too much pressure on myself and end up hating running, feeling obligated to run, get injured cuz I overdo it – instead of running for how it makes me feel and for the clear time in my own head.
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
I tried being a runner. didn’t work out for me. bleugh. I can only run for one second … I enjoy it more if I didn’t make it a chore.
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I went through this with my music.. I still haven’t picked up my cello in half a year, but I think these things cycle like this. Having a goal in music means I practice more but then I can start resenting the “demands” of the goal of a concert. I don’t think it’s easy to find balance all the time. With no goal.. well, I just didn’t play at all which is totally not the best plan, lol, but I did enjoy the break. Good luck with finding your running zen:)
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
I like your more serious post Brittany because I can both relate and also know that you are speaking the truth here and from your heart! That is why reading particular blogs (such as yours) is so enjoyable because I know the author is being genuine… rather than writing about what her audience thinks they want to hear.
Plus I can so much relate to what you say about running and gosh… I miss it so much 😦 Just not in the cards for me right now, and reading this post motivates me to keep on resting to return to it someday
noshingonasphalt
I love this post so much, Brittany. It’s so honest and relatable. I understand where you’re coming from with ‘trying to find the runner in you’ and sometimes you just have to step away from it to make that happen. I typically go through a couple periods a year where running just seems like a chore (normally during prolonged training) and when I feel that way I do another activity for a little while until I just can’t stand it any longer. 🙂
Side note – I’m totally jealous that you’re still wearing long sleeves to run in. It’s almost 90* out right now.
Natalie @ Will Jog For Food
That’s me with cake! hehe
I have definitely had workout ruts big time! But since I’ve been unable to exercise now, I’m excited to start up again 🙂
Kristina at damntenpounds
9 days is an eternity!! I’m sure it felt absolutely amazing to get back out there… And just for you. Nice job. Have a good weekend 🙂
Christina Does It All
I looovvveee running in the rain too!! Feels so amazing. (Exceptions: the one or maybe two times I’ve been drenched whilst wearing white….still made for an interesting experience though lol)
Nine days! Wow. As a fellow runner I definitely understand the craziness of that. I’m pretty addicted and I haven’t found another work-out I love nearly as much but I definitely do feel burned out every now and then. I’ve always gotten over it pretty quickly but sometime this summer I’ll have to take a three day (baby steps) break. I’ve started a two-hour yoga class FOUR days a week (college credit) for the next month, so that might help 😛
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
You are one smart chick-a-dee. I’m glad you took a running break until the itch overtook you again, and I’m thrilled you are reconnecting with your LOVE of running. You’re one the reasons I decided to give it a go Well that, and I signed up for a Tough Mudder and therefore need to learn to run. It was your passion though which made me excited to try. I hope you’re having a great weekend.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I wish I was a runner. I don’t put the effort in to becoming one though. And lately I haven’t been working out the way I should. I’m recommitted though – it’s going to be a healthy summer.
I admire your determination and drive to run for you and you alone. Keep it up.
Also, loved my time in the Pacific Northwest over the past two weeks! You live in a gorgeous area.
Brittany
YAY! So glad you had a good trip, I hope it wasn’t too rainy for you guys while you were here. It’s supposed to be sunny and in the high 70’s all week now..finally!
Nicole
My knee injury is finally healed up, but I’m in the same boat as you… except it’s been more than 10 days. 😉 I REALLY need to get back on the running bandwagon! Thanks for this inspiring post, which reminded me to start running for the love of it first…. and not so much for a certain speed or distance!
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