Dear Running, it’s not you, it’s me!

An old cliché I know but I’ve come to the conclusion its true. I’m in a “funk” right now, people tell me it happens sometimes. I just wasn’t expecting it. I can’t pinpoint what set it off, after Loch Ness and Snowdonia marathons; I took it easy, a few races and runs but no pressure, just ambled along and enjoyed the scenery and camaraderie of club mates. Then December came and I decided to try for a parkrun pb before the year was out. I quickly found that wine and chocolate does not a pb make. Into January and the wine and chocolate and I was still struggling to pick my pace back up, I was finding even a commute home a struggle, I began to get down on myself.

It isn’t that I hate running. I look forward to everything a run throws at me, rain, snow, wind. I’m happy to attack the hills, negotiate the tricky down hills, tackle the long stretch. I look forward to the views and discoveries of new roads, trails and paths.

But for some reason the hills I used to effortlessly run I’m now walking. Dissecting the runs, I’m finding surprisingly I’m a much slower pace than the effort levels I’m putting in, even on the downhill's. Try as I might I just can’t seem to pick the speed up.

My miles are ticking over and given my planned events this year that’s the important thing. So I will try my best to put the doubts and demons to the back of my mind and concentrate on the long run. I have a full trail marathon or two and my first mini ultra to gear up for this year. So dear running mojo, forgive me while I have my funk and hopefully I will see you on the other side.

#Marathontraining #Funk #Mojo