Last week I was saying how my body was tired, but mentally I was ready to run. This week, the opposite seems to be true, leaving me wondering, where did my motivation go? Just when I felt like things were coming together, my motivation went out the door. I know it will come back, it’s just been a strange week for me. I blame the sudden frigid temps and several rounds of snow that came out of nowhere.
Weekly Recap: Where did my motivation go?
I was actually thinking of running a 5 mile race on Saturday, and by Thursday I was feeling good enough that I decided I would run. First, I needed to make sure the race was not full and race-day registration was available. (I found out on Friday night that yes, I could still register on race day). On Friday we got about an inch of snow and the temps were cold enough that it turned to ice overnight. So, I had to decide if I wanted to risk the potentially icy conditions, both to drive there and to run the race.
Rob had signed up for the race awhile ago, but ultimately he decided not to run! This made my decision easier. We both decided to stay inside on Saturday morning and ran on Sunday once the snow/ice had melted. I was really wishing our treadmill had already come so I could have run on that on Saturday morning!
Monday: 3.5 miles easy
After struggling on last Saturday’s run I was happy to be feeling better on Monday. I took things easy but had no problem completing a 3.5 mile run.
Tuesday: Strength training
This was week 2 of phase 4. I’m still enjoying it and started increasing my weights a bit.
Wednesday: 4 miles easy
It was around 20 degrees with 14 mph winds, and a real feel of 6 degrees. I have no idea how I got myself out the door. Once I was out there moving it wasn’t too bad, except when the wind was blowing really hard.
Thursday: Strength training
I increased weights for these exercises too and definitely felt the burn!
Friday: 35 minutes spin bike
We had to move the bike to make room for the treadmill and now it’s tucked in this weird corner of the basement!
Saturday: Rest
This would have been race day, but I spent the morning on the couch instead, before venturing out to get supplies for baking/meal prep. I made 4 out of the 5 recipes that I shared in Friday’s post!
Sunday: 7 miles
Most of the snow had melted on Saturday, but many sidewalks were still icy. Any area that did not get direct sunlight and was not shoveled was a mess. Rob and I ended up running together. I was happy to get in a run but really had no desire to run more than 7 miles.
This week was really similar to the previous week, and I think I needed some time to really back off. Now I just need the motivation to come back so I can take advantage of my body having the energy to run again!
My workout routine always changes a little bit over the holidays, so I’m not sure what the next few weeks will bring. I actually end up running more during the holidays because of more time off work. Also, when I travel with Rob’s family and wake up hours before everyone else, I can spend as much time as I want in the hotel gym.
I already get the sense that the weather this winter is going to be difficult. It’s only been like a week and I am already over it!
You may also like:
5 Ways for Runners to Handle Winter Weather
5 Tips to Help Runners Stay Motivated During the Winter
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My Coaching Philosophy
How were your workouts last week?
Do you have less motivation in the winter?
Do you run more or less over the holidays?
I think our motivation really fluctuates during the winter for sure! It happens to me too, out of nowhere from day to day! I hope you have a good week this week and that it doesn’t snow (the weather is looking warmer for here this week!)
It’s definitely warming up here too! I hope that will help with the motivation. Also, if I can run in the sunshine/daylight a few times next week I think that will help. I’m over the dark, cold mornings!
I feel like I need a VERY motivating race (hello Boston) to really train well when the weather is rough. It’s so easy to wanna slack off when it’s super cold/icy. Ice is definitely a deal breaker for me.
Yes, I know what you mean! I have even considered “training” for a spring race (even if I don’t actually sign up until it gets closer) just so I feel like I have a plan/goal to work towards.
We all have these weeks – it’s extra tough when there is a brutal wind chill and ice because you have to be careful!
Yes! It just makes me want to stay inside under a blanket!
I think the weather is a big part of it too. While I do run outside when it’s cold – it takes SO much for me to actually get dressed and get out there. Literally like 10 minutes of me talking myself into it, LOL.
I think motivation will come back for sure after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and New Years.
Oh I know, getting ready to head out to run in the cold is so hard. Once you’re out there it’s usually not too bad.
I think my workouts and running stay pretty consistent through the holidays, but I do what I’m able to do as my time allows. It’s my off-season, after all, so I don’t have a specific schedule of workouts that “have” to be done…..which, for me, makes them more enjoyable 😉
I think my extended off-season has left me all sorts of confused. I want to train, but don’t want to train too hard, I don’t have a plan so I try to tell myself to take it easy and end up taking it TOO easy, lol.
I’m like you, I run more because I have the time! Plus, when I have to go to events or see family, it helps to have my running “me” time before all that goes down!
I usually have some of my best runs during the winter break! I hope that is the case this year!
Winter weather certainly makes it difficult to stay motivated. It took a while, but I felt the itch to run this weekend, so I did. I hope I can run a couple more times before heading to my parents’ house. They don’t have a treadmill, but they have a couple stationary bikes, and I should take advantage of those.
It’s nice to have the option to change things up when traveling, and also any options to get in a workout are good to have!
Ice and wind are pretty demotivational in general. I think I would’ve skipped that race too. Looks like you got some good workouts in despite not really feeling it.
Thanks! It was one of those weeks that I just went through the motions. It looks decent on paper but it felt kind of “blah”.
I definitely have days where my motivation is lacking…especially when it’s freezing cold/snowing out! 7 miles is still something 🙂
I think once the snow and ice started to melt I had no more excuses! 🙂
My motivation always seems to be there – I just need to get the rest of me on the same page and I’d be a happy camper!! However, getting outside to run is always a challenge for me in the winter, but I guess that’s the great benefit of having a treadmill waiting for me.
I am hoping once i have a treadmill there will be no excuses and my motivation will magically return!
I understand this–there is so much excitement but also trepidation about returning to running that you kind of end up protecting yourself by going from feeling SO MOTIVATED to pulling back a bit.
Exactly. Last week my body was telling me it was tired so I think I subconsciously freaked out a bit and backed way off. Now I need to find that happy medium.
Today was actually the first time I outside in over a week. It was almost 40 here today. That beats last week when temps were only in the 20s. I definitely feel my lack of motivation in the winter months. It is hard to get my butt outside in the cold. Hopefully your treadmill will get here before the next really cold day.
This week should be better here too- it’s in the 40s this morning! It will be great to have the treadmill as an option on cold days.
early this week I was just kind of pooped, I think my bounce back from surgery was a LOT more miles than I realized. But today I’m motivated because it’s gonna be 60 and only 10 tomorrow!!
Wow that is a big change in temps! I find that when I am coming back from an injury I get so excited and build mileage faster than I probably should- and eventually it catches up with me!
Your Wednesday run sounds brutally cold. Kudos for going out! I think the gray winter weather pays a big part in with everyone’s motivation right now. I wouldn’t worry — everything has a season. I typically run more during vacation and holidays. But this Christmas, I’m trying to take a little downtime since I don’t have a January marathon. Thanks for linking!
I hope you can enjoy some rest this week! I like to run off some of the stress, but its nice to be able to run however much I feel like!