Sock tans

Hey,

I havent been running as long as you, nor as fast...but I understand the feeling you describe. I think everyone battles with it at least once but the important thing is to enjoy running. Last time I felt as you do, I backed off a bit, took some rest days and did a lot of easy running. Any running, even easy will work your aerobic systems, so you can keep your fitness while you think things through. Im sure withing 3 weeks you will feel that competitive spirit resurface. Another thing, so many people are starting their running/weight loss journeys with this new year...perhaps helping them learn to run and be healthy will bring back the Joy the sport provides. Motivation is contagious. Have fun and RUN!

Hey Sarah, I totally went through that exact same thing during track season my freshman year, all the way through the summer too. It just really sucks, and I think that a big reason for it for me was that I was very used to being up front in workouts and winning or in the front pack at meets in high school. And it's hard when you transition to college and you usually don't get continued replenishment of your motivation by your success, you have to learn to have motivation just by the fun of running itself and personal improvement. For me, 2 things that would always re-spark my running love were to enter a fun little road race where you know you can do well and just enjoy a fun-spirited running community environment instead of the super serious realm of the NCAA. And then also to take a few days to run in new places, maybe the next town over or whatever, and explore a bit. Use your stopwatch instead of GPS. Stop and look at pretty things when you want. :)

I'm super sorry you're feeling burnt out!! It's 100% a real thing and you aren't at all being lazy. I'll be praying for your season! I'm rooting for ya, even over here across the country haha!

I'm not sure when your indoor meets start, if you are supposed to be training for them but if you took a couple days to cross train or just take totally off that would help. I took 2 weeks off after footlocker and I'm cross training this week so I have taken a good long break from running so when I come back I can be running and working hard till may. I like Sarah's suggestion of switching up where you run. It's always fun when we drive somewhere and go for a trail run or just run in a different city so the roads aren't as boring. Hopefully everything works out for you!