There, I said it. Right in the title of this post. I am completely *expletive deleted* sick of running. I guess I still get into it while I’m in the middle of the run, but I’m back to waking up with dread, feeling like I HAVE to run, rather than looking forward to getting out there and moving like I was this summer. 

But this is not meant to be a downer of a post! I’m not trying to drag you down to my level if you’re feeling good about your running these days! I applaud you and am excited for you. There might be some folks out there who feel me on being sick of running though. Let’s think of a few reasons why I am, and maybe you are, feeling a little over this form of exercise, and then we can identify ways to turn it around: 

1. I’m not usually a single-sport athlete. Running has always been just one facet of what I do to stay in shape. When I was little, I played soccer and ran track. Long, sustained runs weren’t a thing I started doing until late high school, and even then, 3 miles felt like a marathon. In college, I ran to stay in shape for rowing. It was a supplement, not the main event. After I was done rowing competitively and running took center stage, I still erged and biked and then later swam just as much as I ran, looking back.
   • SOLUTION: The answer here for me is clear that I need to diversify somehow, even though we’re facing winter. I need some new forms of exercise, so getting creative is going to be a must this winter.

2. It’s been my only real form of steam-burn-off since March. MARCH. WHAT ARE WE EVEN DOING HERE? 
   • RESPONSE: Not much we can do about this. It’s a global pandemic. Gyms are closed and group exercise is not a good idea. As my mom says, this too shall pass. We just need to support each other that we can get through it together.

3. My foot hurts. It’s plantar fasciitis. I’ve had it before and don’t remember how I got it to go away, but I’m pretty sure I just stopped running for a while, and that seems to be where I’m heading. 
   • SOLUTION: So for me, a break from running is happening right now. I hope you aren’t sick of running because of injury. If you are, be smart, see a doctor if you can, and do your rehab!

4. I’m getting slower. I feel sluggish and tight, and I am just trying to get through the run. It could be because of my feet, but I also think I’m in a rut.
   • SOLUTION: I’ve talked about being in a slump before, so I’m going to use some of those same tactics.

5. The seasons are changing again, but few other things about life are, so I need to make a change for myself. 
   • SOLUTION: I can’t speak for you, but I think some of my personal frustration with running is more about the sameness of my day to day life than it is about running itself. There are only so many things that a person can control, and what I do for exercise is one of them.

Here’s my deal. I’ve come to rely on consistent morning runs to start my days, so I’m actually nervous to switch it up. However, I already have core/stability workouts that I do 3 times a week thanks to Jenny Borda, and I own some light weights, so I can and potentially will make a plan for myself. We also ordered an erg, and I counted down the days until it arrived. I can’t stress enough how weird my 20 year old self would find this, that I’m happy about making my own erg dungeon in my basement rather than getting outside for a run. 

The point is that it’s not going to be a break from all exercise. It’s just a pivot. My relationship with running needs to change because it’s becoming unhealthy and not productive, and I accept this. I’m excited to row (or “row” because erging is a bummer compared to the real thing), and that’s something I haven’t felt for running in a while.  

If you don’t have an alternative you’re excited about, but you need a change from running, let’s get creative! There are free workout ideas online all over the place. You could also hire a coach or trainer if you’re willing to spend a little money, and that person could help you determine your goals. Having goals makes all the difference. Used ergs are hard to find right now, but they’re out there. I’m very particular about only using Concept 2 machines, but there are other types of rowing machines that might be easier to find right now. If you want to build or tone muscle but don’t feel comfortable lifting weights, resistance bands of all sizes and thicknesses are an excellent alternative. And people post free workouts on instagram everyday. 

My main recommendation though is that you make a goal and have a plan for yourself going into winter. I love sitting down with my planner and writing down workouts for the month. It feels like an accomplishment in and of itself. If exercise is important to you, know your goals and limitations, and think it through ahead of time. It might bring some excitement back if you’ve lost it like I did for a while. Let’s make a plan together!