This morning, I ran a 3 miler with Norah, and there's really nothing remarkable to note about it: She fussed for a bit halfway through the run, but then clammed up and tolerated the rest of the ride without complaint.
I still didn't stumble upon my lost mojo; however, you guys had a few good comments from yesterday's post that I think deserve adddress, and which certainly do factor into the Case of Jess's Missing Mojo.
First of all, James asked if I had replaced the dead Garmin yet, and if not, he asked if that could be a contributing factor to my missing motivation.
In response, No, I have no replaced it yet; and yes, that is most certainly a factor for me right now. I am waiting to get the Forerunner 110, and I want to purchase it at my local running store (I try to use my $$$ there when I can) and they won't have it in stock until next week. At the earliest. So, yes, I am suffering from Garmin-withdrawal. It's so weird, but it's like that question everybody had to discuss in Philosophy 101: If a tree falls in the forest with no one around, does it make a sound? But, the question here is: If Jess goes for a run without a Garmin, did she really run?
I know I ran, and I record the miles in my training log, but without the Garmin's data, it really feels less meaningful. That seems wrong to admit, but it's true. I know I should just love running for running, but there's something about the numbers that I love too (which is truly weird because I really suck at numbers), and those numbers help make the running feel more concrete. So, yeah, without it, I am feeling a bit lost.
Secondly, Laura asked if the lack of running mojo spills into the rest of my life and negatively affects me in other ways. In short, yes. But mostly, vice versa. I try my best to compartmentalize, but I am not a robot and aspects of one part of life are likely to affect other aspects -- so, when I'm stressed at work or with other aspects of life, that spills over into the running. And right now, I have a lot on my table starting with work, which is really busy right now.
I have an awesome job with a great schedule, but I'm in the final weeks of class. Which means that as of May 7th, I'll be livin' La Vida Loca for the summer, but until then, I am literally surrounded by stacks of papers that need to be graded, final grades that need to be tallied, and floods of students asking me a million questions that all need my attention. So, the end of term stress is weighing me down. Plus, I'm attempting to organize and pack my office since I'll be relocating this summer (to my new kick ass office!).
So, I certainy think that once this term is over, I'll have a bit of time to decompress, and while I'll still be busy (working as a SAHM for the summer), I hope to be able to enjoy the running a bit more when it's not just one more thing on my "to do" list.
13 comments:
I hear you about needed the Garmin for validation. It's sad how dependent on it we've become. (I had a mini meltdown on Saturday when it would not turn on before my 5k PR attempt race).
Do you have any other watch or way to time yourself? When I can't run with it, I at least run on a route I've already mapped so I know the distance and time myself. You don't have all the minute by minute data, but can at least log your pace.
Hang in there. You'll trip over your mojo when you stop looking for it :)
I also find myself wondering if a run not recorded on the Garmin actually counts. I depend on that thing way too much and had a full on meltdown when my last one kicked the bucket.
YAY for summer vacation! Around this time of year, I always wish I had decided to become a teacher. (sigh)
Now I understand your problem. No Garmin = sad running Jess. I at least have to wear my watch so I can know my pace.
With soon becoming SAHM for the summer I am sure you will find your Mojo!
I'd be the same way without my garmin. Good luck getting through the next few weeks until you get to stay at home for the summer.
I don't own a Garmin, I'm too much of a cheapie, but I do use a watch and mapmyrun.com to find my speeds. There have been a few times where I forgot my watch and had to use my walkman. Start on a song then when done, backtrack to find the time. Hopefully you'r mojo will come back soon!
I can see where the validation from the garmin would be helpful!
I want my miles to count, not just run. If I don't know how far I am going i hate it. Good luck replacing it as soon as you can.
A new Garmin....livin la vida loca....all you need is some ohio weather and your mojo will be back :)
hang in there girl. mojo comes and gojos.
Less than two weeks to May 7th - almost there! The beginning of the summer and the new Garmin might give you a nice big recharge. :)
Sounds like you have a great summer planned!
I just got a working Garmin and I can relate. I seem to work harder when I know the numbers are being tracked.
May 7th...almost there! Pretty sure your mojo will surprise you when you are least looking for it.
Thanks for answering my question! I definite can relate and it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one. At the same time, a good run can help make the rest of life better. Funny how it is all connected! I would love to hear some strategies you use to not feel overwhelmed at times like this (or less overwhelmed!)
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