Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We Got the Funk

The first step is admitting you have a problem, and I've got one. I'm in the middle of running malaise -- a funk.

I went from 21 miles, to seven miles, to three miles, to no miles so far this week. I've logged back-to-back 20-mile weeks only once this year, and that was back in January. (Though I came close in March with a 19-mile week followed by 20 the next, but we all know close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.)

I have yet to run a race. The most involved post I've written about running this year (or maybe ever) was completely fabricated by my inner Jayson Blair.

I get home from work and usually prefer to snack than run. My only exercise of late has been two to three walks with Dobson. I no longer have the convenient excuse of bad weather.

I know this happens to us all. But it still sucks.

I need a shot ...

In the arm, not of whiskey.

15 comments:

Sun Runner said...

What's wrong with a shot of whiskey? Nothing.

So you've lost your mojo. It happens. The best cure for the lack of running mojo is...running.

Set a goal: 3 miles. Reward: good beer. Nothing motivates me like telling myself I can have a Bell's Expedition Stout if I run 4 miles.

Mike Antonucci said...

I'm with Sun Runner. There's only one cure for not running. And a nice reward is the best way to get yourself out there.

Vava said...

Better yet, do loops around your house and have a rewarding shot of whiskey each time you pass. The longer the loop the bigger the shot!

Anonymous said...

Dman - saw the title and I thought I was going to get a post full of funkadelic soul with perhaps an appearance by George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars. Apparently not.

Psyche said...

I'm with Jamoosh on this. I was looking forward to the disco kind of funk, not the running kind of funk:)

Perhaps picking a race will help. But not just ANY race- find something that really inspires and challenges you.

Or...just wait for that moment when you wouldn't totally HATE to run, and make yourself do it.

Once you get back, you'll feel so much better. We'll be reading posts like, "why didn't you all just TELL me to get my ass out there?" (Disco beat in the background).

Emz said...

how about whiskey in the arm? ;) just a thought - or hey run in the Whiskey row marathon 5/1. The weather has got to beat out Akron. ;)

all [very stupid] jokes aside. When I get in a "funk" and [hopefully] don't have a race planned. I give myself a week or two --- off. Completely off. Then I pick a race, sign up and magically, it [the love of running] all starts coming back.

drdave said...

I am with Sun Runner. No run. No beer!

Simple math, man! Gotta have the incentive.

This coming from a guy that HATES running. I suck at it! (well at least I think I suck at it) I just do it because it is one of the three disciplines of the Tri's that I have on the books.

misszippy said...

Sorry to hear that! You still have your sense of humor intact, though--love the Jayson Blair comment. I hope you can pull out of it soon and get back at it.

Carolina John said...

booooo. Piss and moan why don't ya? There's a sure-fire cure for not running.

it's called running.

do it.

C said...

Wah-wah-wah ... get over it.

Why not get into another virtual pissing context with Ian, Mike, etc? That always seems to cheer you up.

Funnyrunner said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. You are either in the habit of not running or in the habit of running, and it only takes one or two skipped days to get out of the habit. All you need to do is run one day... and make it a fun one - don't even take your watch. Just run someplace beautiful and soak it in... and I'll bet you'll feel like running the next day.

I was in the same funk over the winter while training for Boston (along with the effing snowstorms and a strained back) and my boston time SUCKED. But hey - I had qualified for it.

If you go for a run and you still don't feel like running the next day, consider that your body may be a bit worn out and take some time off and the plunge in again. And don't feel guilty (I do too); just enjoy the break. It's good for you.

Jess said...

Bonus points for your Jayson Blair reference.

BrianFlash said...

Sign up for a race dammit!

If I didn't have races on the calendar, I'd probably never run a step.

Aileen said...

Shot of whiskey will work too. Seriously, just find a local race and sign up for it. I can pretty much guarantee that it will motivate you. It worked for me...the thought of the Madison to Chicago relay has definitely helped to up my training. Safely, of course.

Jess said...

Maybe you ARE Blair, hiding under this pseduonym of "Viper." That's why no pics of you, huh? Finally. I have solved the mystery.