Why Am I Not Running?

Why am I not running? Why has my pace decreased? Why are my weekly and monthly miles low? Do I even want to run (now of course I do)? All of these questions come to mind daily and besides the normal answers to these questions, such as: I’m tired, I’m recovering from a marathon (which was 5 months ago, exactly how long does it take to recover?) and I’m injured (this is a legitimate reason, but at some point it's time to start running).

As I begin to ponder on these questions my mind always drifts to Proverb 29:18a “Where there is no vision, the people will perish”(KJV). This statement is so true in all aspects of life, but when I relate it to running I replace the word “vision” with “goal” and the the word “people” with “runner” so I say, where there are no goals the runner will perish.

Exactly what do I mean? It appears that when I don’t have any races on my calendar each week, bi-weekly and lately it's been each month then I don’t make running a priority. I make every excuse and yes I said excuse because my reasons are simply an attempt to justify why I’m not doing what I should and to be honest what I enjoy. School is out, so I have extra time no more excuses, where do I start?

I start with exactly what the passage in Proverbs prescribes I must set a goal. Specifically a S.M.A.R.T. goal, it needs to to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Here is the plan:

S - Find a local race / set a running calendar/set a mileage goal for the month (this month I’m shooting for 100 miles)

M - Sign up for the race, because once I pay the race fee I’m definitely running.

A - Decide on a distance, since I have not been running, It’s unrealistic to think that I can successfully run a half with a good pace, so that means I will be looking for a 5k or a 10k. To be honest with this Texas heat that’s a realistic distance.

R - Commit to a training program with daily miles.

T- Run the race within the next 30 days.

To help me with my goal I’m going to utilize a commitment technique that I read in The 30-Minute Runner by Duncan Larkin. I’m going to sign a contract with myself, and if you know me once I commit to something my mind will not let me uncommit. By signing this contract I am committing to the following elements and conditions:

Perseverance, I will endure through struggle and strife; Passion, I will make a total commitment to living a healthier lifestyle (if you read my blogon last week about elimination eating programs I decided on the Whole30 program, the struggle for me is dairy, carbs, and gains but so far I’m doing good), Patience, I can’t get discouraged with my current pace, I must accept where I am currently because my body will not change overnight, and Prioritization, I have to RUN!

Now I have a plan and new mindset, stay tune to my IG: @ontherunkrista and my insta-story. If you have set some new goals I would love for you to share them with me in the comment section or on your IG page but don’t forget to #ontherunwithkrista or tag me in your post.

XOXO

OnTheRunwithKrista

P.S. Don’t forget to hashtag #ontherunwithkrista when you hit the pavement, I’ll be looking for you. See you on the pavement.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE