Runner Burnout?

"Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” – Anne Lamott

This line reminds me of my obsession with trying so hard to be the best and then failing… Why can’t I just be happy with what I have accomplished?
My big race day creeps up and even thought I’ve trained religiously – I feel like a beginner – fatigued, heavy, downgraded. I’ve lost my spunk!
It might just be a case of runners’ burnout – but I think it’s something more ominous...

For those who still crave a challenge - I found this little tidbit in a training newsletter.

Pre’s training workout before the 1972 Olympics included:
1200m repeats at 3:12, 3:09, 3:06, and 3:00 pace. “It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” – Pre
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Five L's and Running

Barrie Greiff – has written about the Five L’s of Success. (Personal habits that correlate with health and happiness.) His principals can be applied to everything – even running.

LEARN

There is not a day goes by that I do not read something new or interesting in one of the many running fitness blogs I read. The internet connection has given us a way to share and learn. It might be advice from a professional runner or lessons learned from trial and error...

LABOR

When I see a fast runner competing – I realize two things:
They didn’t just wake up one day and win the race. They put in the miles! Their weekly mileage is far greater than mine.
And
I too can run faster if I put in the time.
Keep on running

LOVE

If you don’t love to run – try another activity. No, not every run day is wonderful. But when you reflect on how you love to run - the rewards are endless…

LAUGH

Ask any runner to share a funny story, and they will. The one about a clinging dryer sheet or an inside out shirt. Runners do have a sense of humor!
"Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully." – Max Eastman

LET GO

Don’t get trapped on treadmill of serious running. Take a day off for yourself. Clear your mind of how fast, or how far - just run.
(I compare it to ~ going for a ride.) It has a very tranquil effect on your character.
Try it – no one will know but you.

Steve Prefontaine
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