Low Mo, So Go Slow

My running is in a bit of a slump. I don't mean mileage-wise. The last five weeks have been in the 50's and 60's in total miles per week. I'm on my way to a 2800+ mile year. I've done a few longer runs of over 15 miles. I have even done some speedwork. My slump is mental. It's a no motivational kind of slump. And here might be the surprise, I'm okay with that.

One of the things I've learned in the past 46 and a half years of running is that my motivation ebbs and flows. The tide comes in and out. It goes up and down (any more metaphorical ramblings?). And I'm okay with that too.

I'd hoped to be psyched up enough to participate in a few local springtime races. Maybe catch a half or even a full marathon. That probably won't happen. I don't race when I'm not fit and I am not fit in a racing sort of way. And that is alright with me.

So what I do when I get the running blahs is simple: I keep running. Some people take an all out break, some follow other endeavors. I like to keep plugging away and focus my runs on other things. My unmotivated runs feature listening to audiobooks, working on presentations in my head, enjoying the scenery, and not thinking about running faster, longer, or racing. I don't take my watch and pretty much care nothing whatsoever about where or how fast I go. The idea is to GO WITH my lack of motivation, not fight it. And it's really something I feel good about.

In fact, it's kind of motivating.