So here’s something I for some reason didn’t anticipate with all this 5K training: a slump. I’m still churning out runs and strength training and all that, but it’s really beginning to feel that way. My enthusiasm for all of this has dwindled a lot since the get-go, and that’s a bit upsetting.

Right before today’s run, I realized that I’m not accomplishing some personal goals I set when all of this training began. In fact, the only direction I’m moving is away from my goals. Obviously that’s the opposite of what I wanted to happen. I’m a really goal-driven person, and, though it may not be the healthiest attitude to have, my happiness depends a lot on how I feel I’m doing in relation towards my goals. After realizing how poorly I’m doing in relation to some of my goals, I had a pretty angry run today.

An angry run led to a fast run, which is good? Maybe? I covered just under three miles in 32 minutes (12 of which were walked), which is way farther than I’ve gone on any previous runs. My calves have also been on fire since about the .75 mile mark. They’re still pretty sore, but it’s a good sore. It’s a sore that made me feel like I pushed myself when I’ve kind of been sleep run/walking through the last couple of workouts. Three and a half weeks until race day–here’s hoping I can regain some enthusiasm quickly.

How do you stay motivated during a long training program?
Any slump-shaking advice?

P.S. Sorry for the lack of pictures in today’s post 😦