Putting the Joy Back in Running

It has been a funky last year, and I have pushed myself in all the wrong ways trying to get back into running. Now I think I am on the right path.

I had what felt like a mind-blowing realization leading up to the Shamrock Half Marathon this past March. I kept thinking, “Don’t let running affect your love for running.” This thought definitely played a role in how I approached and even ran that race, but it wasn’t until recently that I feel like I really began to take this thought seriously.

As you may have noticed from my Strava, my running has been inconsistent lately. Running has felt hard, and honestly that has really affected my motivation for it. I’ve struggled in building a consistent base, and whenever I start to feel a sense of consistency, pain or injury creeps back in.

For example: Since I ran Shamrock, I’ve been dealing with achilles pain in my left ankle that has lingered, similar to how plantar fasciitis just sticks around. This has been extremely frustrating, but I have tried to push through wanting to run and make my “Big Return.”

However, all of this made me realize I was focused too much on getting back to where I thought I should be (like my form in Shamrock 2023). My identity became centered around getting “back into shape,” and I became angry with running because I wasn’t getting there. Despite my efforts and dealing with injuries, I felt far from my goals.

Then it hit me: I didn’t start running again to set records.

I got back into running because it was meant to be fun. Running had become a chore to prove my 2023 form wasn’t a fluke. In this season I wasn’t caring for myself mentally or physically when it came to running. I wanted badly to be where I was before.

When I returned to running in 2019, I thought I could surpass my youth personal bests, but that never was my primary focus. I figured it would be a natural progression.

The Problem? You may wonder…

…I began to see improvement. I improved many of my times, but then I noticed I wasn’t satisfied. The focus on performance was taking away the joy of running.

Recently, I forgot the real reason I started running again: for fun, community, and mental health, not personal bests. It’s easy to turn joy into apathy. When running became a task to achieve goals, I lost the love for it.

In reflecting on this I see that we must remember WHY we enjoy activities.

Remembering My Why

Running should be therapeutic and relaxing, not a source of stress. Reflecting on my journey, I realized that my community didn’t care about my speed; they valued my presence and participation. It was my own expectations and the pressure I put on myself that stole my joy. This insight was a turning point for me.

To preserve the joy in running, we must avoid turning it into a chore.

Once I finished typing this article, I asked ChatGPT what some lessons are that could fit with this reminder.

Here are some lessons that ChatGPT gave me, ones that struck me, that I’ve learned along the way:

1. Focus on Fun: The primary reason we start any activity, including running, should be enjoyment. When running became a means to prove something, it lost its charm. Rediscovering the fun aspect rekindled my passion for it.

2. Embrace Community: The support and camaraderie of a running community are invaluable. It’s not about how fast you run but about being part of a group that shares your passion. The encouragement and connections you make can be a significant motivator.

3. Listen to Your Body: Ignoring pain and pushing through injuries can lead to burnout and resentment. Learning to listen to my body and taking time to heal has been crucial. Running should enhance your well-being, not compromise it.

4. Set Realistic Goals: While it’s great to have ambitions, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration. It’s important to set realistic, achievable goals that align with your current abilities and circumstances.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Every run, no matter how short or slow, is a victory. Celebrating small achievements helps maintain a positive mindset and keeps the joy in running.

6. Mindfulness and Reflection: Taking time to reflect on why you started running and what you love about it can help maintain perspective. Mindfulness practices can make each run more enjoyable and fulfilling.

7. Balance and Variety: Mixing up your routine with walking, cross-training, or different types of runs can keep things interesting and prevent monotony. Variety can also reduce the risk of injury and overtraining.¹

Sometimes, stepping back and remembering our “why” helps. For me, it’s about celebrating movement and enjoying the process, not just the results. This mindset shift has brought back the joy I initially found in running.

Are you running? Awesome…

Logging miles walking? Perfect…

Doing a mix of both? Get after it…

Whatever your pace or method, the key is to enjoy the journey. Remember,

“Don’t let running get in the way of your joy for running!”

• Editor’s Note: This article was edited with the assistance of ChatGPT to improve clarity, coherence, and conciseness.

1. This expanded section was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, to encompass lessons learned and takeaways from the article. - OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (June 27 version)