Should You Run It Out Or Just Sleep On It?

We’ve all been there. We all know those feelings of dread, or feeling lazy, or just blah. Here is how I combat them or on the flip side actually listen to what my body is telling me.

By: Robyn Baldwin

What do you do when you don’t want to go for a run? 

At one time or another have you answered yes to one of these questions? 

Is your motivation at an all time low? Are you tired? Worn out from the day? Overly stressed? Just don’t want to get out from under the covers? It’s raining or snowing and the thought of stepping foot outside is ridiculous in your head?

Steps to try if you need rest or to push through.

1. Have a talk with your self, check in with your self-awareness and tell it you really need an honest truth when you ask the next question to your body.
2. Ask yourself: Is your body actually telling you to rest or will you feel better after even a short run?
3. Listen to the answer and do one of two things.

What to do if you truly need rest?

1. Stay in bed and get the extra hour of sleep.
2. Crawl up on the couch under a blanket with some tea and read that book you’ve been wanting to catch up on or the TV show you’ve PVRed or the Netflix series you’ve been dying to start watching or listening to a podcast you haven’t had a chance to yet.

In the case that you know you’ll feel better after a run here are your options for added boost of energy and motivation.

1. Go to a mirror and tell yourself physically out loud, “You Can Do This”
2. Put on a pump you up playlist while getting run clothes on. Go as far back into the 80s or 90s or however current you want. I won’t tell anyone if the Biebs ends up on this playlist.
3. Give yourself a time goal or km goal to check in with yourself. If by this goal you’re feeling amazing keep on going and do the workout you had meant for yourself.
4. If by this goal you’re body isn’t feeling it please listen to what it’s saying and head back for an energizing shower to start your day or an epsom salt bath to end it depending on the time of day you run.

In this world of hustle and work hard, plus the mentality that while you’re running you’re lapping someone else on the couch it’s hard to truly know when to push through and when you actually need rest. Becoming more self-aware and having honest conversations with your body, will be an evolving, learning process but an awesome one that can help get you right where you need to be.

From obstacle course racing to healthy living, learn more about Robyn Baldwin’s running journey.