You know, it's not bad when I get to run with other people. However, most of the time, it's just me out there, chugging along solo. Sometimes I have a new Jillian Michaels podcast to listen to, which helps. Or the weather is extra-pleasant, which usually puts me in a super mood. But it seems that more often than not, I feel like I'm running because I'm supposed to, rather than running because I want to.
With that said, I really am looking forward to starting up Borgess Run Camp in a few months here. There is something about the energy and friendship that gets me going on a snowy Saturday morning. People to chat with, a giant breakfast to enjoy, a long run to brag about for the rest of the day... I do love those Saturday runs. (By the way, I'm taking this pause to remind you that whether you are an experienced marathoner or a beginning 5ker, you really should sign up for BRC. It is a great experience, and they are adding some fun new things like weight loss camp and performance enhancement support... Check it out at http://borgessruncamp.com/ )
So what does one do about feeling "blahs" toward any particular exercise? For starters, I'm trying not to panic about it or beat myself up to much for feeling this way. It's natural to get bored with something if you've been at it for awhile. In the meantime, I'm declaring November "NEWvember", where I am going to set some new goals for myself in different areas that do not include running goals. I'm not saying I won't run at all, because while I may be a bit bored, I do have my days where only a run can quench my thirst. =) But NEWvember will hold some different challenges for myself...
MAKE IT THROUGH 30 DAYS OF THE 30 DAY SHRED. This may be a crazy idea, but I am going to see if I can get through 30 straight days of Jillian's 30 Day Shred. It's been awhile since I've even done a workout with her, I'll blame moving to a new space before I'll ever blame my own laziness (which is probably the more likely cause). So, let's see what happens if, starting November 1st, I do 30 days worth of "Shred". Hey, it's only 25 minutes a day. I must have that somewhere.
SWIM A MILE STRAIGHT. Okay, I started off at the beginning of the summer able to swim 25-50 yds before I needed to stop. Earlier this week, I managed 1,000 yds without stopping. So, I think a mile without stops is tangible; that's 32 laps. And swimming is something I'm excited about right now; it's new, it's fresh, I can hit new goals pretty easily. Who knows, maybe I can crank out TWO miles? =)
So, those are my main goals for NEWvember. I'm hoping to come out the other end refreshed, energized, and ready for another season of BRC! Remember, it's not unusual to feel some ennui with something you've had a long dedication to. Just enjoy a break (everyone needs them), and try something different!
until later...
"Boredom: the desire for desires." ~ Leo Tolstoy
