Overcoming Your “Ghosts of Fitness Past”

If you have a few “ghosts of fitness past” in your closet, don’t be spooked! As runners we have ALL had obstacles to overcome. In the moment these things may have thrown us off course or even prevented us from hitting our goals, but in the end, these are the things that make us stronger not only in running, but with any obstacle that is thrown our way!

Therefore, if you find yourself in a rut with your fitness, if you’re coming off an injury, or if you’re just looking to bust out of your comfort zone, below are a few ways to not only get past these obstacles, but to come back even stronger than before!

• Take your time. It is easy to get caught up in rushing back and pushing too hard to get back to where you were overnight, but the truth is there’s no rush. Go at your own pace and take it in small steps, especially if coming off an injury. Listen to your body and give yourself permission to stop as needed because even a few steps are better than none!
• Celebrate EVERY win! There is no victory too small. If were burnt out of running and want to get back into it, start with a causal run with friends and celebrate your return to the sport! Find a victory in every workout, write it down so you can visualize it, and give yourself the kudos you deserve.
• Run “naked”… but keep your clothes ON! Did you know running “naked” means without music or any sort of watch/technology? It’s okay to still carry your phone for safety purposes, but don’t track the run. Run without any expectations and simply enjoy the sport for the fun of it.
• Go shopping… because who doesn’t love a shopping spree when it involves fitness gear!? Grab some new gear to keep you motivated, or maybe even reward yourself with it after one of your MANY victories that you’ll be celebrating.
• Last but not least, find a friend. Whether it is someone you can talk to and find motivation OR someone who will join you in your run or workout (maybe even both), surround yourself with a support system that will lift you up and help you come back stronger than before both mentally and physically.

We hope this helps you FALL in love with running again, and remember, if you’re coming back from an injury, always consult with your doctor first. Happy Running!

Thank you to Joyful Miles for the article topic and title inspiration.