Winter blues

Lately I've been really struggling to go for my runs.

When I wake up in the morning, my heart sinks a little bit at the thought of having to run. But since the alternative is doing the school run by bike, I always end up running anyway. Sometimes it helps if the alternative to going out for a run, is even worse. And riding my bike alongside my two sons, while they're fighting about who gets to ride alongside me, is definitely that.

Today is Saturday, and my one day off. On Saturday I don't have to run. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I always do my long run on Sunday. But I find myself already dreading it. I don't know what's wrong with me...

Could it be the Winter blues? Or is running six days a week proving to be too much for me? Maybe I should create a new playlist. Or maybe, just maybe, the sun should come out to play so I can start wearing my running skirts again.

Are you suffering from Winter blues?

15 comments

Christina said...

I'd be willing to place money on it just being winter blues. I always find myself feeling ugh all the time towards the end of winter. The lack of sunlight, sunny days, warm temperatures...just being able to be outside and enjoy it - it just gets to you. The good news is that winter is almost over =)

Thanks for linking up with the GtKY hop!

Art said...

I usually don't run over 5 days a week.
Find a race to sign up for even a 5k will get me motivated when I am having trouble getting up and running.
Art

Laeli said...

For me, giving myself permission NOT to run when I don't want to, has given me freedom from those feelings. If I only run when I feel like it, I find I always want to run.
Works like a charm. I find I have to force myself to slow down at times...

onelittletrigirl said...

I also give myself permission not to run if I am really struggling. However, I only run 3-4 days a week. I do so many other activities (ballet, swimming, barre) so that I don't get bored or burnt out. Plus, a typical waitressing shift is like 5 miles walking!

nicoleao said...

Thanks Christina! That makes me feel better. I think you're right: being able to go outside without putting on lots of layers would make running much easier.

nicoleao said...

That sounds great. I'm always worried that once I start giving myself permission to skip a run, I'll start sliding down a slippery slope and soon I won't be a runner anymore : (

nicoleao said...

Wow, so you don't have to worry about not getting enough exercise.

Laeli said...

I know! That was my fear too. And honestly I still find it so odd that it works, it really seems counter intuitive,doesn't it? It's a neat little mind trick and your body will be all the ready to go for next time.

Half-Crazed Runner said...

OMG! Yes! I hate, hate, hate running in the winter! This February I really scaled back.

MCM Mama said...

I'm sure that the winter is not helping, but I've found that every once in a while I need to just not run. I don't usually run more than 5 days a week, but sometimes I'll drop down to 3 or even take a whole week off and do something else.

I just make sure I have a plan on when I'm going back and how I'm going back...

nicoleao said...

Hi Laeli, I'm going to try this. Though it's scary!

nicoleao said...

Yes, maybe I'm just too hard on myself, not allowing myself to ever skip a run. It's just that I'm worried my inner Lazy Goddess will take over.

nicoleao said...

The most important reason I didn't scale back is that I have to get my kids to school. That means doing the school run, and when it's time to go I always think: 'Oh well, I might as well do the school run running.' But it does get hard sometimes...

Bria Burton said...

Winter Blues come after me every year. I live in Florida, so I don't even think I should use that term. It does cool down quite a bit compared to the rest of the year, but nothing like up north, of course. Still, I'm experiencing the same feeling right now. I'm just not in the mood, especially to go on long runs. My last half marathon was in Feb, and I don't have another long race again until Fall, so part of it may be complacence that I don't HAVE to do long runs at least until May. But I do still want to keep my momentum going, so I'm trying to get a six miler in there once a week and do shorter runs in between.

Dana said...

Ugh, I am so with you, I want it to be just a bit warmer so I can get back outside to run. My treadmill needs a rest.

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