Running can be a very magical experience. Highly personal, of course, but most people use the phrase “magical” to describe their running experience. But like anything out of the ordinary, even the most positive experience can have a downside. Here are a few tips on what to do should you find yourself in a running “rut.”
#1. Don’t Fight It. The worst possible thing you can do when you are in a running funk is to throw more running at the problem. That’s the equivalent of throwing gasoline on a fire. Instead you need to be ready to step back and find a totally new way out of this dilemma. Hint: What got you into this situation is not what’s going to get you out of it.
#2. Look For Stress. No, I am not talking about a bone issue here, I mean work/family/personal stress. Many times our running is affected by forces outside of the physical activity itself. Do yourself a favor and start big picture and begin to focus your way inwards, moving with intent, scanning every layer of your life. For many of us running is an escape, a break, but sometimes it’s not enough to avoid the other issues in our lives.
#3. Take A Break. Even if it’s just for a day, or two (but hopefully a bit more), a rest from running can help you find your passion for the sport again. Sometimes running / exercising becomes more of a chore than something we love…nothing like a little rest to re-ignite your passion.
#4. Go Back To Basics. If you are burnt-out from racing too much, take time off. If you are bored of training to train, then find a local 5k and go have some fun. Don’t let the fact that you love to move your body get lost in the shuffle of big plans.
#5. Tweak The Little Things. “Fixing your run” is such an arbitrary concept, it’s hard to wrap your head around it. Instead, try focusing on the little elements that you can control — your cadence, hand position, footstrike, etc. Sometimes honing in on a little element can bring about bigger picture changes.
How do you fix your run when your mojo is gone?
Hi, I'm Patrick McCrann. 
