Struggle

By SC -
My motivation to get out and run has been kinda low lately. Maybe it's because I miss running groups, maybe because I am new to the area, or maybe it's just me.

My house is right next to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and there are so many trails and bike/hike trails to explore. I joined The Ohio Runners' Network (TORN) and went to their Speed/track workout on Wednesday. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Did 4 miles on the track on Wednesday.

On Friday, I ran another trail that is only 5 minutes from my house (Oak Hill trail). The big loop is about 4ish miles. Nice trail but I still miss my trail running friends.


My breakdown was on Saturday. I was supposed to run 8 miles (long run) on that day. I got up, put on the running outfit, and drove to the trail start area. After debating with myself for 10 minutes, I decided to go home. I woke up late and did not get to the trail until 9am. P. and I were supposed to go to the city at 11 and I knew I would have come home late if I had run. It was also hot and I couldn't see any shade on the trail. I was miserable and felt like a loser. Then, one fact hit me. I am no longer in Eau Claire and don't have any running friend in the area (yet). I'd been busy with the house and stuff for the past couple of weeks that I did not have time to think about anything else. Then, when life is back to normal, I miss my old routines - Saturday long run with ITC ladies, Tuesday trail run with CVTR, Wednesday hill workout with A., and random trail runs with J. and E. 

Well, a friend once told me. Tomorrow is a new day. After telling myself that it's ok and took a day off. I ran that trail on Sunday morning. Following the Summit Metro Parks Running Spree program, I started from SR 303 parking lot and ran to Brandywine Falls and back. It was 8.5 miles. Felt great afterward. 

Next time I just have to remind myself that it's ok to have low motivation but the more important thing is to get back into it. 



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