For the love of running… I forgot!!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved running. I love the thrilling feeling I feel midway through my run. I love the endorphin rush I get after my run. I have always loved running.

However, the past few weeks I have lost my love of running. I was putting my focus on OTHER people and THEIR expectations of me with my fitness and weight loss (or lack thereof). I was running for THEM… not for me.

I forgot why I love running!!

I forgot that I needed running for the alone time. Running helps clear my head, rejuvenates me, and helps me be a better person (Mom, Wife, Friend). I forgot WHY I love lacing up my running shoes in 100* temperatures or 30* rain… because running is quality time with me.

For the longest time, I have always been running for a special occasion.

– Running to lose weight.
– Running to train for an event (race/distance/goal/etc).
– Running because my coach told me to.
– Running… always running!

Yet, even though I am still on the weight loss journey; I no longer run to lose weight. I have always hated running races, but having a race to train for helps hold me accountable (keeps me motivated). Having a coach encourage, push, and stay on me with my training helped keep me on track.

I forgot why I run.

I run for ME!
I run for health.
I run for sanity.
I run for the alone time.
I run for calm.
I run so I can eat that extra brownie after the crazy kids go to bed.
I run to pound out my frustrations on the pavement.

I love running.

I am happy to say that I have re-discovered my love of running. I am no longer concerned with calorie burn or miles per minute pace. Yes, that is exciting and important for improvement. However, you will see more of me just running for the pure love of running.

I love running. I keep my calm by running.

Have you ever once loved a fitness activity, only to be burned out and dread returning to that activity? What helped you get out of that rut to resume your previous fitness love?