Lost your running mojo? Try these 5 Ways to Get Your Running Mojo Back!
Hello! Hello!
I can't believe it but I've been running for nearly 9 years this month. I was an unlikely runner who got sucked in quickly and never looked back. Over the years I've done everything from running a marathon to embracing the 5K to running just for the joy of it. Even though running is often not easy for me, I usually feel like I have more good times running than bad.
Right now I'm feeling pretty good with my running (even thinking about some races!) but there have been many, many, many times I’ve lost my running mojo. Everything from spraining my ankle, badly cutting my ankle while snorkeling in Brazil, injury, illness, breaking my elbow or surgery has kept me away. I've even been perfectly healthy and lost my mojo. I know it happens to everyone.
Since I've had so much practice finding that mojo again I'm sharing some ways I’ve gotten through a running slump before. I hope you will try some of them the next time you can't find your running mojo either!
5 Ways to Get Your Running Mojo Back
1. Change Something or Everything
If you've lost your mojo, something is clearly not working. Could it be the time of day you are running? Who you are running with/ or without? Where you are running? Distance you are running? Pace you are running?
Think about what you are doing, what specifically is not working and try some small changes until you find one that clicks. Find a group run, new trail or even new shoes. You can always go back to doing what you want once you get your mojo back! This is one time change is good for you.
2. Treadmill
The dreaded treadmill has been my best friend in many running comebacks. I love to get outside and get those first glorious runs in. But when I struggle to get the speedy feeling back in my legs weeks later, I move to the treadmill and crank it back up. It lets my legs feel what it is like to run faster again. If I'm running outside I have the tendency to just start slowing down for no good reason. The treadmill lets me get the speed back into my muscle memory.
I memorize how it feels and take the runs back outside. If you need some inspiration try these 20 treadmill workouts.
3. Try Yoga
Sometimes getting back into running leaves me so sore. My hips and feet just don’t play nice! It is also hard on your body to start building the miles back in. Try some yoga to stretch all the tight spots back out and get some balance in your body.
4. Run Detox
Obsessing over speed can take the joy out of running. Unless you are already signed up for a race with a time goal, let it go and go on a running detox. Run without your GPS or your music. Concentrating on your leg turnover, form and breath. Notice all the beauty around you! And most of all, try to remember why you love to run in the first place.
5. Find Grace
If you are coming back from an injury or illness, understand that your running with not be the same right away. You will most likely be slower and it will feel a lot harder. The seasons may be different from when you stopped and it may feel different running in the heat or cold. Be patient with your times, distances and paces. It is better to go slow and give yourself some grace than to end up injured again.
These running posts might help too...
- How to Start Running and Not Hate It
- 5 Ways to Make Treadmill Running Less Daunting
- 26.2 Running Mantras to Inspire You on Hard Days
Still need more ways to get motivated to run? RunToTheFinish has some great tips on finding your mojo!
Like this post about finding your running mojo? Pin this to your favorite Pinterest board!
Thanks for coming by today! Tomorrow I’m sharing some weekly highlights.
Your turn!
Have you ever lost your running mojo? How did you get it back?
How is your week?
Erinn says
Losing running mojo has happened to me so often over the years! I've been running for about 15 years now...crazy! Yoga is a great way to stretch everything out and feel good again 🙂
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
Great tips! I definitely think switching up ANYTHING can help - sometimes it's the route, adding new music or a podcast, or running somewhere completely new.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
Great tips! I think we all lose our mojo with any challenging activity from time to time.
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I think everyone loses their mojo at some point in their running. When that happens, I usually try to find a fun 5k or something to sign up for. It gives me a goal and pushes me to just finish the race.
jill conyers says
I think every runner has lost their mojo and probably more than once. I believe it's our body telling us something. Take a break, look at how you're fueling, or something that needs our attention. And of course not running is a sure way to get a runners attention. Your mojo will return and you'll be back! Thanks for linking up with Fitness Friday Julie. xoxo
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jill! Such perfect and wonderful advice! Thank you!
Jess @hellotofit says
Great tips, Julie. I find that sometimes running on the treadmill helps me get excited for running outside 🙂
JulieWunder says
I agree! The treadmill is sometimes the perfect confidence booster.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Having a running buddy usually works for me when I get in a rut!
JulieWunder says
I need to find one! 🙂
Andrea says
I've lost my running mojo- Whenever the humidity rises and it is over 85 degrees. I need to get back on the treadmill more often.
JulieWunder says
I agree! It is really tough to run in the heat! Sadly my cut off point seems to be about 78!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Definitely keep in mind the heat making you run slower! It feels the same effort but it may be slower. I'm sorry to hear you've lost your mojo! Sometimes buying a new running outfit or running shoes can make a huge difference!
Dan says
Julie , I think everyone moves slower when it's 85* in the shade , whew , and the humidity makes you feel like you're walking through an aquarium , I try to do my outside 'stuff' in the early morning hours , say from 6am until 10am , and do some leg / hamstring stretches along the way. I find that feeding the squirrels & birds some peanuts along the way is a nice break , and they'll quickly learn to look forward to seeing you , that's kinda
nice 🙂
Deborah says
We all lose our mojo from time to time and I think it's good to have cycles sometimes so your body can adapt and recuperate good tips !
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
You know, I used to be a treadmill hater BUT I have to give it a lot of credit here recently. First of all, it's hot as all get out outside so the treadmill has allowed me to run without dying. I've also been really working on my speed a good bit which I'm hoping will translate into a faster half and marathon pace in the fall/winter.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
This is all really great advice. I have definitely had these moments where I've lost my mojo...coming back from injury can be so tough! I will definitely be sharing this post!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
It's like you read my mind! I think running in the humidity is doing me in this summer. It just hasn't been fun. I went for a bike ride on Sunday and that helped me a ton. And yesterday was absolutely beautiful and the legs felt good.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Amazing tips! Doing some runs on the treadmill has helped me a lot - same with switching up my running route and what I'm listening to. One day I'll listen to a podcast, the next a playlist, the next the news on the treadmill.
Jacklyn @ Jack's Balancing Act says
This came at such a good time for me! Coincidentally, I tried running without my Garmin or music for the first time in FOREVER this morning and it was such a breath of fresh air. I think I'll try doing a run or two on the treadmill also to see how that feels. It's been frustrating to be going through a slump but this was a great reminder that with a little effort they don't have to be permanent. Thanks 🙂
Rebecca says
I super need these tips - thanks!!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Danyelle Musselman says
Love the yoga idea. I don't do it often, but it's my go-to when I'm burned out.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
This is so helpful! I'm so glad you posted on this. I'm sad to hear that it's been hard for you to come back to running, but it's refreshing to hear you be honest with yourself.
This post is very timely for me as I have just started getting back into running from a 6 month break! But it's so different after pregnancy. It's good but it's mostly just hard to find the time and it's so hot in Boston right now that I'm having trouble finding a time of day that works for my whole family. I hope I can make it work a little better in time!
Jaime says
Changing it up and maybe changing my timing is what's going to help me. I've been in a running slump since my half earlier this month.
Annmarie says
I love that you included trying the treadmill. Seems counterintuitive since most people hate the treadmill but it really helped me this winter to stay with running and love it even more!
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Running WITHOUT electronics really makes me do soul searching while I run and more talking with God...I commit to working out with NO music or electronics at least once a week.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I think that we all have to realize that we can't love everything all the darn time! Like, sometimes you need a break even from the people you love and adore. Or foods that you love. We all need a breather, and then to experience them afresh.
Jenny says
Such great advice, Julie! Sometimes I just have to make a bargain that I'll start and see how I feel 1 mile in...no matter how much running experience I have, that first mile is always the worst and once that's past, I start feeling it again. I love that you said to give yourself some grace--that's exactly the ticket!