I’d like to start today off with a quote. It’s one of my favorites, and I find myself repeating it often.
The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately.
It’s been an interesting week here in Running on Happy land, to put it mildly. Training has been a little bit of a challenge — mentally and physically. My motivation is lacking a bit. And since today is a free day for the Friday Five 2.0 and it’s Runfessions day, I thought I’d fess up to a few things.
When Motivation is Lacking, Training is Tough
I runfess…
1. My workout on Thursday almost didn’t happen.
I’m so legit exhausted. I think it’s because I’ve been running a lot of miles this week and staying up late to blog and finish the book I was reading. But geesh, it took everything I had to motivate myself to lace up and get moving. Talk about needing mega motivation. This was that workout.
I’m looking forward to a long run with friends this weekend. Motivation will surely be back to normal with ample rest and company on the long run.
2. I’m terrified of stink bugs…
I know that’s not related to running. Ask me if I care. I just had a run-in with a stink bug and I’m a little wigged out, mmkay?
My question is, do stink bugs even actually do anything? I think not. But I don’t know and I certainly don’t want to find out. All I know is they show up on my windowsills, on lightbulbs, and lately in my bathroom.
3. I was singing out loud on my run on Wednesday.
And it’s all good, right? Because I was singing some Bob Marley, and who doesn’t love Bob? I seriously had no shame and I totally owned it. It was a cross between trying to keep my pup’s outlook positive on our first run since the disastrous one last week and trying to keep myself entertained. But whatevs, it was awesome. 🙂
4. I totally planned on linking up for Tunes Tuesday.
I seriously have a playlist all ready to go for the next one. And yes, Bob will most certainly be on it! I’m going to make sure I linkup next week. Not sure what linkup I’m talking about? Check out Kim’s post here.
5. Winter is a drag.
I want to train hard, sweat a lot, and eat a lot of good food. I feel like winter keeps me from training, sweating, and eating as well as I could be. With the exception that I’ve actually been doing my supplemental workouts like lunges and squats and stuff — which I apparently completely disregard during the summer. But overall, summer is definitely more my jam.
Fun fact: Cleveland has, on average, 299 cloudy days per year. That’s 82% of all the days. Consequently, they mostly occur in the winter months. Because of the lake. Smh…
When things get tough — mentally or physically — I remind myself of my dreams and goals. This week wasn’t the greatest but I know I must work hard to achieve them.
I’m looking forward to hitting the pavement with friends this weekend. Additionally, I’ll be able to go to bed at a more reasonable hour now that I finished my book! Earlier bed means much-needed Z’s.
Don’t forget to linkup with the lovely ladies of Fairytales and Fitness and me for the Friday Five 2.0! It’s free Friday so anything goes!
xo
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66 Comments
This time of year is tough, I think because we feel like its been winter for so long and its still seems like we have so far go before spring. I am listening to the wind hollering outside and wondering how I am going to motivate myself to get out there! The silver lining is more time to do supplemental workouts like you said. If i don’t run or cut my mileage, I try to get myself to do something additional like strength training or core work.
I swear January/February are the longest months of the year! Lol 🙂
So sorry to hear your motivation has been lacking lately! There really is such a big ebb and flow when it comes to training and motivation. Hope you get your mojo back soon!
On the one hand, I definitely have mojo. I’m determined to be injury-free in 2017. But the overcast days really make me want to stay in bed with a down blanket! 🙂
Ewwww stink bugs.
I won’t lie, in the winter especially, I struggle with motivation! It would be so much better to sleep in sometimes…but then I go and I know how much better I feel.
Yup, yup! It’s like an inner battle of the wits, but once I’m out, it’s all good.
We have stink bugs sometimes but they’ve never stunk!
I am just tired of running in the dark!
I know, right?! I can’t wait until the sun rises at 5:30. Then none of us have any excuses!
What is the point of the stink bug?! :p
Love that quote too! The grey days of winter really get to me as well. I try to be outside as much as possible even when it’s cold and it helps. Thanks for the link up
I agree, being outside REALLY does help. Even if it’s still gray and cold!
My motivation has been on the down-low most of the month because it’s been so yucky outside (and I don’t really have anything “requiring” training, either). Movie? I’d love to see more movies but just don’t make the time. The hubby and I saw “Sing” before Christmas, oh—and the family watched “School of Rock” (for like the 20th time) on Christmas Eve LOL I have a small 5K tomorrow morning that I’m really looking forward to…first time pinning a bib since Route 66….
Sing was cute. School of Rock is a classic.
I think I’ve learned my lesson (again) that I need only train during the summer. I like to have something to look forward to but winter is just not my season… lol!
What is up with stink bugs lately? We’ve had lots of them here this winter and usually they’re very rare. It’s like lady bugs were a few years back.
I don’t know?! What is their point??! I find them in the strangest places just sitting there doing nothing. Silly bugs… lol.
I recommend both Lion & Hidden Figures. We might see Patriot’s Day this weekend.
Stink bugs don’t bother me. They don’t bite. One good thing about where we live now? No fire ants. All fire ants should die. I’m sure you don’t know what fire ants are, and believe me, you’re lucky.
I procrastinated soooooo long on getting out for my run yesterday . . . but as always, it got done. Winter seems like the best time to really get in shape — except with the lack of Vitamin D, all I want to do most days is roll up like a pill bug!
I definitely want to see Hidden Figures. It looks so good.
Stink bugs creep me out more than anything. I just don’t know what they’re up to… something sneaky…
Thankfully I have not had a run in with fire ants. But my husband used to spend his summers in Georgia and told me all about them. Scary little suckers, huh?
Haha roll up like a pill bug… I feel ya! 🙂
I think that I always have a lack of motivation during the winter. I’m really trying to get back to a normal workout routine because I know I always feel better after a workout.
Thanks so much for including Tunes Tuesday! I can’t wait for you to link up! 🙂
I’m so excited! I have a list! I’m prepared! 😉
I hope I’ll be able to be a snowbird when it’s time for retirement. I wouldn’t mind bailing in the winters and coming back for the summers.
We’ve had stink bugs but they’ve never stunk! I am getting so tired of running in the dark. It’s hard to hold onto the mojo when all I can see is the few feet of pavement illuminated by my headlamp.
I hear that! Last winter running in the dark got me super down. This winter I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to run during daylight. It’s made a huge difference. But it’s still cold, so there’s that… 😉
Oh god! I don’t mind clouds but 299 days of cloudy. Umm…. the cleve can just “go home . ” 🙂 I saw your stink bud video earlier. Hysterical. For me it’s the damn lady bugs. In October they are awful in MN and I swear to god I kill 5 a day in my bathroom. Where do all those little bastards come from? And, these guys smell awful! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Omg I remember in college at IU we left our windows open one day and went to class. Came back and our dorm room was literally FULL of ladybugs!! Ick!!!
My workout yesterday almost didn’t happen as well. On Wednesday my head was pounding I got home from work and just sat in my chair with my eyes closed, even my eyes just couldn’t do it. My wise mama told me, just rest! So I pounded my dinner and went to bed. I figured my planned workout the next day was up in the air as I wasn’t going to try a tempo run feeling as bad as I did.
However, I slept deep enough to be dead and woke up feeling so much better, and drenched in sweat. Maybe I had a fever and it broke? Anywho, I had a great workout and feel so much better!
A good movie to watch? If you haven’t watched the Barkley Marathons, I always suggest that to everyone who wants a bit of motivation:-)
Good thing you slept! Maybe you did have a fever. I swear I did last weekend even though I had no signs of it.
I saw Barkley! It was so good.
So tired of grey days – today is another – hard to get motivated.. Lately we have so many of those bugs…why???
I swear they’re just here to ruin our lives. Gray days and stink bugs. ?
Here’s to wishing us sunshine filled days asap!!
I’m sorry you’ve had a tough week. We’ve been pretty gloomy around here too. I hope you do join us next week for Tunes Tuesday, it’s a free week so anything’s game! It’s been a lot of fun so far.
Sometimes I do sing out loud while running and even though I wear headphones I swear I look crazy! Oh and just about all bugs freak me out!
Yes I will be joining for sure!!
I love singing. ?
I’m going to take the other side of motivation….you wanna be better, stop making excuses and get out there and run….lol just playing devil’s advocate. But honestly I agree with your plan, when my motivation is lacking, making plans to run with someone of a group does the trick. Its adds that accountability we need.
Sorry about the weather. We’ve been in paradise out here in AZ. A bit cold on Wed/Thu around 35° but most east coasters laugh at that lol
My family lives in AZ. I spoke with my dad the other day and he said it was cold. In the 40s. ? But he said it’s been overcast too which I wouldn’t expect bc it’s never cloudy there!
The hustle is sold separately, but the hustle is EXHAUSTING
You’re totally right. It is exhausting!!
I pretty much hate all bugs, but I also can never bring myself to kill them. I usually just slink away or stand real still and hope they scurry away. 🙂
I often sing out loud during my runs as well. I’m sure it sounds terrible – all out of breath and such – but sometimes I just can’t help myself!
Oh we never kill bugs in our house. We usually scoop them up and take them outside. ?
I’ve been struggling this week too, but we had freezing rain on Tuesday, and it’s stayed cold. Monday was 50 degrees, but the rest of the week hasn’t. I always think it’s dreary heading into February because the holidays and the holiday hangovers are gone. Now I want spring.
I couldn’t agree more. We need to bring back the Christmas lights! ?
Love that quote! I may need to borrow it ’cause my motivation is on the low side too.
Eww on the stink bugs – I’m a bug phobe to start, but there’s something about their look that particularly freaks me out!
I agree – bring on spring!
I know — what is their point?! I just don’t know… 😉
Please borrow away. It’s such a good reminder of why we’re suffering through winter. Haha.
That’s interesting about the # of cloudy days per year. I just read an article this week about the places that have the most snow days per year. Some of them get up to 200! No thank you!
I thought stink bugs only came out in the summer. I was told if you crush it, it permeates an odor(i’ve never actually smelled it though). I don’t care though I smash them anyway (bugs are my exception to the rule of killing God’s creatures. I’m sorry). I’m not that person that catches and releases!
I hope your motivation come back this weekend. Enjoy!
Hahaha, this made me laugh. We don’t squish our bugs. We did when we lived close to the city, but now we’re farther out so I feel like we’re invading on the bugs/creatures lives more than they’re invading ours. I would feel guilty if we squished ’em.
And I heard that about stink bugs, too. If you squish it it releases an odor to attract more of their friends or something like that. No, thanks!
I think we all need moments of lacking motivation in order to get re-motivated! I hope next week is better for you!
I totally agree! And thank you 🙂
I find my motivation really slips away when I am exhausted, but winter is hard too… with the lack of daylight. Hoping you get your mojo back soon!
Mojo is back!!
And yeah, exhausted and winter is a really bad combo…
stay motivated! Better weeks are coming!
I was singing on the treadmill last Friday! I could feel the people around me staring… but oh well! I will never see those haters again!
We’re so close to spring, I can smell it!
I applaud you for singing on the treadmill. Great job! 🙂
Winter is hard for everyone, even those of us down here in the South where the weather is mild! I agree, I don’t think stink bugs have any useful purpose and well …they stink! What purpose can stinking possibly serve? 🙂
The hubs and I recently saw Patriots Day (Boston Marathon bombing movie) and really liked it. It was intense at times, but very good. Also, rented The Woman in Gold the other night and loved it! Love Helen Miren and what a touching story …true too!
Enjoy your run this weekend with friends ….those are always a good way to get re-motivated 🙂
Oh I haven’t seen Patriots Day. I need to. Thanks for the reminder. I haven’t heard of Woman in Gold, though… will have to look that one up.
It was a good weekend, thanks for your positive vibes!
I managed to run this week, but that was about it. I’ve had a tough time emotionally, so I opted to rest and hopefully feel better and ready to tackle another week instead.
I’d probably squeal at a stink bug, I just don’t love bugs.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear. I hope you’re on the mend and this week is better for you!
It’s hard to train when motivation is low – that was me last fall. Winter just doesn’t seem noral here, we have no snow which sucks! I like playing in the snow (ski, snowshoe).
Ah yeah… about that snow… it hasn’t been snowy here at all until TODAY! It’s been snowing all day long. We started with grass and now we’ve got a couple inches. It hasn’t been an all-out storm where it dropped feet of snow, but it’s finally looking a little more seasonable outside.
I’ve always said if it’s going to be cold we better have the snow to show for it. And now we do!
We had stink bugs in our old apartment and I read that you’re not supposed to crush them because that’s when they release the smell. They’re mostly a nuisance indoors, but they can be bad for gardens and crops.
I haven’t seen a lot of movies lately…I need some recommendations.
They can?! What do they do to gardens? This was the year I was going to plant but maybe I shouldn’t??
So far I can recommend Patriots Day and Hidden Figures. (From this comment thread… 😉 )
You have the cold and we are having our hottest summer at the moment. I”m about to go out for my run with my Saturday SIsters and it is hot and sticky! Running to me is 80% mental attitude – you can talk yourself into our out of running or a work out so easily. As long as it doesn’t happen to us often that is the main thing. Have a great week and enjoy your workouts and running.
You’re right, it’s definitely 80% mental. Which is why I struggle running solo in the winter. It’s already cold and if I’m running alone then I have no motivation. Haha.
I hope you stay cool this summer! Send me some sunshine. 🙂
Every workout this week has been a struggle. It’s only because my work out’s are a habit that I did them at all. Hidden Figures was my favorite recent movie. Stink bugs eat trees and are killing forests… I hate ladybugs, I know that’s unpopular but there it is.
Wait what?! Stinkbugs eat trees???? Holy shit this explains why I have so many, then. I’m surrounded by trees. How do I get rid of them? Exterminator?
I have to see Hidden Figures. Stat.
That is such a true and great quote. Getting through winter is a true test of dedication for me!
Amen, sister! Me too. Only a few more months…
I love cold weather, but I’m not a huge fan of cloudy. That would mess with my training….
The clouds are fairly demoralizing if we’re being honest here…
I don’t not like winter or clouds, it would not be good for my running at all. I don’t think I have ever encountered a stink bug.
I have to say, the cold I can deal with. But when it’s overcast for 14+ days straight it starts to wear on me.
I need a couple more early nights in bed myself- I feel ya!
It’s amazing what a great night of sleep can do, isn’t it?? 🙂