Rekindling the Romance with Running: A Journey Back to Joy
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Chapter 1: The Love That Faded
Have you ever experienced a loss of enthusiasm for something that once brought you immense joy? Perhaps there was a time when a particular aspect of your life was vibrant and fulfilling, but now it feels lackluster. This sentiment resonates with my current feelings about running.
Once, running and I were inseparable companions, but now we seem to be merely coexisting. Our love has faded, and while we still share moments together, it feels more like a friendship than a passionate relationship. Maybe it’s time to seek some guidance to reignite that spark.
I began my running journey in 2018 during a challenging phase marked by self-doubt. I had struggled with my weight, driven by stress and dissatisfaction in my job, which led to unhealthy habits. My internal dialogue was harsh, urging me to push through the discomfort: “Keep going! It’s no surprise you feel this way!” Surprisingly, this tough love approach worked. Running transformed from a chore into a source of joy, shifting my focus from weight loss to the exhilarating freedom of movement — a sentiment echoed by DIANE BRANDER in her piece, "Running Saved My Life."
Running became not just a hobby but the centerpiece of my life. I explored various terrains, accomplished numerous challenges, and even ran 2021 miles in 2021, raising significant funds for two charities in honor of my grandparents. Despite these achievements, I now find myself lacking the desire to participate in races or run alongside others.
Section 1.1: The Disappearance of My Running Passion
What led to this shift?
Overwhelmed by Life's Demands
Life has become increasingly hectic, and we all juggle multiple responsibilities. As we add more tasks to our plates, something often gets sacrificed—often, hobbies fall by the wayside. In my case, while I still run, the passion I once felt has diminished.
Reflect on your own life. Are you overloaded? Is there anything you can delegate or let go of?
The Weight of Anxiety
Anxiety has been a persistent challenge for me. In my previous writings, such as "Bury The Past, Be Here Now, and Befriend The Future," I’ve explored this struggle. I’m actively working to avoid spiraling into negative thought patterns that have plagued me in the past. Anxiety affects not only our mental state but can also manifest physically, making even simple runs feel burdensome. It took me time to realize that my struggles were rooted in anxiety, not a physical decline.
Listening to your body and mind is vital; they often carry messages we need to heed.
Running as an Identity
Perhaps I’ve set the bar too high for my running journey. After completing various charity events and long-distance races, I’m still running 5k most days. However, I don't feel like a true runner anymore, which is a perplexing feeling.
It’s possible our relationship with running evolves, and that change can be acceptable. Long runs may no longer be a staple of my routine, but I’m still a runner, just one navigating a different path.
Another aspect to consider is how closely tied my job is to running. Managing a specialized running store was exhilarating at first, but over time, it has started to feel burdensome. The lines between work and personal enjoyment have blurred, and this feeling of obligation has diminished my passion for running.
Reflect on your own relationship with running. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Is there resentment creeping in?
The Clamor of Social Media
Given my professional ties and connections within the local running community, I find myself inundated with constant notifications about races and discounts through various group chats. My social media feeds are flooded with running content.
This cacophony can detract from the joy of running.
Do you find that social media affects your love for running? Perhaps a break is in order.
Section 1.2: Steps Toward Reigniting the Flame
What actions am I taking to rekindle my passion for running?
I’ve started with manageable adjustments alongside more significant changes.
- I plan to run several times a week while incorporating personal training for strength.
- Each Sunday, I will map out my running routes for the upcoming week, aiming to gradually increase my mileage back to 30–40 miles. Variety is key; I thrive on scenic routes.
- I opted out of a challenging 30-mile race that I wasn’t prepared for, opting instead to focus on my mental and physical readiness for a half-marathon in October.
To minimize distractions, I’ve muted my WhatsApp chats and deleted social media apps from my phone, which has already fostered a sense of calm.
And for the bold move…
I’ve resigned from my job.
While this decision isn’t solely about my running journey, it’s a step toward creating a healthier balance in my life. I may elaborate on this choice later, but for now, I aim to separate my work life from my passion for running.
Key Takeaways
Sometimes, going back to basics is essential. Simplify your approach. Engage in running for the joy it brings, and don’t hesitate to challenge yourself, but also know when to ease off.
I’m hopeful about returning to that passionate phase of running. While I’m not a novice again, I’m on the path to improvement.
Over to You
Is it common to experience a dip in your enthusiasm for running? Have you faced similar challenges? If you relate or have tips for reigniting that passion, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for Reading
This video titled "Falling in love with life and running again" explores the emotional journey of rediscovering the joy in running, offering insights and inspiration.
The second video "Made For More - Josh Baldwin, feat. Jenn Johnson" focuses on embracing one's potential and finding purpose, resonating with the theme of personal growth through running.