When you don’t feel like running

“100% of runners don’t feel like running at least 10% of the time during their training block!”

It’s ironic for the runners to NOT feel like running! But, it is true. There are days we simply do not want to run. Even Eliud Kipchoge feels this way on some days. 😮😮😮

To qualify it further, we do not want to execute the training scheduled for the day. 80% of the times when runners do not feel like running are the days of speed work or intervals (those dreaded speed workouts)!

100% of the facts stated above are NOT backed by any credible research🙏 ! But, ask around your running group and the numbers will check out.

So, what should a hapless runner do when he/she doesn’t feel like running. Conventional wisdom demands to ‘not run’ and be happy.

But, nothing about the runners is conventional. Therefore, it is drilled in our heads that the day you do not feel like running, you SHOULD run! And, most runners do just that.

So, why run when you don’t feel like it? Here are the 3 reasons:

1. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Now, you are ready to ‘NOT skip’ even tougher runs planned in the future
2. The feeling of satisfaction post such a run is surreal
3. The feeling of missing a run workout is terrible. It just messes up everything until you get the next run.

On days like these, how can you ‘drag’ yourself to run? Here are the 3 things you can do:

1. Make it easier. Say you were to run 10K at 5 pace, allow yourself a luxury of 15-30 more seconds, and run slower. Never sacrifice on the distance planned; mileage is sacrosanct!
2. Find another buddy so that you can suffer together. When you run with others, the suffering is divided. The reduction in suffering is directly proportional to the number of folks running (er…suffering) together.
3. Bribe yourself with a little gratification for completing the workout. A few extra scoops of ice cream, or an additional cup of coffee, maybe.

---

“On the Run is a collection of short articles in which I candidly delve into my personal journey as a runner, sharing my experiences, insights, failures, and more. These reflections emerge from my ongoing, rewarding journey as a runner and are not to be regarded as expert advice, as I am not a certified running coach (at least not yet!). I encourage you to spend 3-4 minutes reading these articles and perhaps an additional 2-3 minutes pondering their content. If you find them genuinely enjoyable, I would be overjoyed if you could share them with your network, as valuable experiences are meant to be shared!”