I’ve never been a natural runner, but I’ve always liked getting out there and giving it my best shot. Being a fair-weather runner and now that the weather is better I’ve made more of an effort to work runs into my weekly routine. Fair enough, the more advanced runners constantly ‘whizz’ by me as I’ve done a lot of the walk, jog, sprint routine, but they always give me a smile of encouragement or a friendly hello.
Getting outside again now that the weather has improved has been a major selling point for me instead of on the treadmill. Also, being able to appreciate the beautiful scenery that I’m lucky to live in has been a great incentive for me to tie up the laces on my running shoes and get outdoors. I’ve been able to enjoy evening sunsets where I stop to take in the view and love starting my day with an early morning run with the dawn chorus and a beautiful sunrise to greet me whilst I’m stomping down the pavements.
Something that is different about my approach to running this time is that I’m not putting any pressure on myself to do well. I’m simply running for the sheer hell of it and get so much more pleasure from it compared to when I was competing against myself and trying to run specific distances with time constraints. Even though I’ve entered a race this year, I’m not bothered if I run, walk or skip around the planned route, I’m just happy to be taking part and going to love being out there experiencing it all.
This year, I’m actually taking more pride in my fitness gear and updated my tired leggings and running tops that I’ve had for years with some bold colours and bright prints. There’s nothing like some new fitness gear to urge you to be healthy and fit and personally I’ve loved wearing more brighter gear out in the sunshine and my practically luminous running shoes give me more of a spring in my step.
Being able to dust off those cobwebs, daily stresses and giving myself the time and space to be able to clear my mind of any heavy thoughts is why I love running. A lovely commenter on my Instagram feed said she felt free when she went out running and I wholeheartedly agree. The escapism and freedom that I feel when I’m outdoors running is second to none and something that you can’t buy for love or money.
I’ve entered Race for Life this year and looking for some more local races and have even considered trying out Parkrun after seeing so many fantastic write ups about them on other blogs. Having something to work towards is another motivator that has made it easier to get out the door and start running again. There’s nothing like a race to make you feel more accountable and incentivised to make me get my running shoes on.
So as you can probably tell, I’m so happy to have refound my running mojo and having a wonderful time pounding the pavements. I’m no seasoned runner, by no stretch of the imagination. I’ve never run a marathon, but it is something that I would like to work towards maybe in a couple of years. What I love about running is that you are only limited by your own imagination as to how much you want to achieve, it’s cheaper than the going to the gym and nearly anyone can do it (injuries aside of course). I previously posted my tips for new or novice runners like me that I have kept in mind during my new spell of running love and I have to say that after reading a lot of race recaps recently this running bug is rather contagious.
Have you ever lost your running mojo? How did you get it back?
What inspires you to run and why do you love it so much?
Glad you are enjoying it again. I think there is not much point doing something if you don’t really love it.
You should definitely try a parkrun- they are so encouraging and friendly events, and there is no pressure for time (most of them have a tail runner, and the first person is the first finisher, not the winner)- you will find encouragement from all the marshals and people watching.
I find so much encouragement in the running community- some people qualified and ran Boston this weekend, whereas others are doing run/walk programs and they are all as friendly and supportive as each other.
Nothing beats the fresh air in my opinion either, and you can do it for stress relief, or to stretch your legs. If you want to be competitive you can, but equally you can just enjoy the views.
There is so much more to running than I realised and I think my long break away from it has been beneficial for this reason. I’m seriously considering entering my local Parkrun as they do sound very friendly and just a fun thing to do.
Yay to running freedom! 😉
I too have started to care a lot less about my speed/times on my runs, especially since so many other factors can come into play. It certainly is liberating and makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable. Also, when you do get a good time that you weren’t even paying attention to, that’s a pretty nice boost!
Totally! Getting a good time when you wasn’t even trying is a lovely little perk. I seriously agree with you about the running freedom, sometimes I feel like I could fly as I’ve emptied my head of all of it’s thoughts.
This was so fantastic to read! I think the warmer weather is a total motivator, regardless of the activity, so can fully understand why it’s only recently you’ve felt a bit more ready to just get out there and run. There have been one or two times when I’ve been walking home thinking how nice it would be to just put my trainers on and go for a run, without timing myself or with any goal in mind – just running!
I stopped running after having a knee injury about two years ago and have been too scared to try again ever since. Mad, I know but maybe there’ll come the time soon when I decide to get out there again…
She’s So Lucy
Hopefully soon you will find the urge to go running again, a gentle one just to enjoy it and see how your knee holds up. It doesn’t sound silly at all that you would be scared to go running after an injury, you are simply trying to protect your body. Lovely to hear that you liked this post! 🙂
I think running is a great way of keeping fit but it’s been a while since I got my running shoes out!
It really is and there are so many benefits to it as well.
I have to say that whilst I wasn’t built for running, so many of my friends do it and really really enjoy it, so I am glad you got your mojo back x
Thanks Rachel, so am I! 🙂
I think it is great you have started running again now the weather has picked up, you have made me start to think maybe I should start running. Especially when you mentioned about just enjoying the run rather than making it feel like a chore – which is how I currently feel about the thought of running. I might just treat myself to some new gear and head out (I’ll have to keep you updated about how this goes!)
Well done for entering the Race for Life enjoy it and you will do great! 🙂
That’s great to hear Lois. Yes, do keep me updated as to how you get on. I hope you enjoy getting out there and pounding those pavements.
Glad to see you’re enjoying running again! I think we put too much pressure on ourselves with so many things, constantly comparing to others etc that we lose any enjoyment. Enjoying things is so important as you’re never going to put your all into something that feels like a chore.
I wish you lots of luck with the Race for Life too, it’s a great cause!
x
http://www.AliceInBeautyland.co.uk
Absolutely! Thank you I’m really looking forward to taking part in RFL.
Yay, I am glad that you found your mojo mack as well!
High-five to that! 🙂
It’s exactly that – feeling free and enjoying the outside and fresh air. I would only run on the treadmill if I absolutely had to (I’m not even sure when this scenario would occur as I’m an all-weather runner anyway).
I’m glad you’re enjoying it and going out there pressure-free. It’s SO important to just enjoy it and not stress about it. And yes, do parkruns!! They’re brilliant. So welcoming and fun for all running abilities.
I think not stressing over it has made all the difference to me and has allowed me to experience that feeling of freedom that running brings more this time round.
I have actually lost my running mojo over the past couple of months. I plan to start again tomorrow. The last time I tried 2 weeks ago I got a thigh cramp which I couldn’t run through so had to rest again. I’m a bit sad that I have to start from scratch again as I really love running
I think you were right to take a rest. I hope you enjoy getting back to it when you feel ready.
My problem is, I never found my running mojo to begin with. I give you a lot credit for getting back into it- I’ve heard that running is so great for you!
It’s amazing! I hope you find your mojo soon to reap those benefits, but then again it’s not for everyone.
Parkrun is fantastic and I’m sure AJ will make lots of friends cheering you on at the finish! I’m refinding my running mojo too, think this fab weather helps!
I am really tempted to give one a go after reading so many positive write ups about them on your blog and others.
I am working on trying to get a pedometer and activity tracker to try and motivate me.
I’ve always fancied one of those things but never get round to buying one.
Glad you are enjoying running again! I love running – it makes me feel so awesome that even though I am slow and it doesn’t challenge my body as much as other workouts I’ll never stop doing it. Although I am doing the London Marathon on Sunday so maybe I should confirm afterwards…! x
Wow! Good Luck with the marathon Lily! 🙂
Glad to hear your got your running mojo back again, I have been doing a few runs here and there but honestly need to find my motivation to start this again. My current excuse is that I am moving house soon so I should start when I move lol so will see.
Great to hear that yo have been running. Don’t be hard on yourself, just let that running urge come naturally so it allows you to enjoy it more.
I totally understand about how new workout clothes/gear can make running a better experience. I’ve had the same tennis shoes since 2008 and was kinda blah about running when I started a few months ago. Then my boyfriend bought me really nice running shoes and inserts for Valentine’s Day and I got excited about using them. Then I bought a running belt (and mace haha) and I just love getting all dressed up in my running outfit. Makes it so much more fun. I’m still in the walking/jogging phase, too, but I’m really enjoying it now.
Ha to the mace! 🙂 It’s amazing how new fitness gear can make you feel and it doesn’t have to be pricey either.
Great post with some great for getting your running mojo back – thanks for sharing x
You’re welcome! 🙂
I have to admit I have never found my running mojo but I am glad you refound yours. Great post x
Maybe you will find yours too. 😉
I recently started running (after all these years of saying I’m NOT a runner!) but I’m already off the wagon!! It’s HARD! But I’m thinking that maybe some cute running leggings, like you say, would do the trick 😉 lol! Thanks for sharing! xox Christine | Amidst the Chaos
It is hard, but I think if you put pressure on yourself that makes it even harder. I love the freedom it brings and that’s what makes me enjoy it even more. New running gear is such a great motivator.
I envy you running. This makes me remember why I first set out to start running. After, I moved I kind of feel off. Once you find your sweet spot it’s all uphill from their. When I went running it was a time I could really think and it felt good to finish something everyday.
I hope you manage to get back to it someday as I’m really loving it at the moment.
I haven’t jumped into running. I have thought about it though. I hear great things about it – mental and physical benefits.
You should give it a go some time, it’s such a great thing to do!