Introduction:
Running can be a source of joy, accomplishment, and stress relief for many people. However, when it becomes a constant grind, it can also lead to burnout and feelings of discouragement. I know this firsthand, as I have experienced a period of burnout from running that made me feel like giving up. But in the midst of that struggle, I found the motivation to set a new goal: to run the Leadville 100 in 2024. In this blog post, I want to share my journey from burnout to breakthrough and how I am working towards achieving this goal.
The Beginning of Burnout:
For years, running had been my go-to activity for staying fit and healthy. I loved the feeling of pushing myself, setting new personal bests, and enjoying the outdoors. However, as time went on, running started to feel like a chore. Instead of looking forward to my daily runs, I felt like I had to do them. I became obsessed with my pace and my distance, and the joy of running was replaced by a sense of obligation. Eventually, I hit a breaking point, and I stopped running altogether. I felt like a failure and wondered if I would ever enjoy running again.
The Inspiration to Set a New Goal:
During my period of burnout, I came across a documentary about the Leadville 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon that takes place in the Colorado Rockies. As I watched the footage of runners pushing themselves to their limits, I felt a spark of inspiration. I knew that I wanted to challenge myself in a new way and the idea of running an ultramarathon felt like the perfect fit. Even though the idea of running 100 miles seemed daunting, it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
Creating a Plan and Sticking to It:
After deciding to run the Leadville 100 in 2024, I knew that I needed to create a plan that would help me achieve this goal. I started by finding a training program that was tailored to ultramarathon runners. This included increasing my weekly mileage, incorporating strength training, and practicing my nutrition and hydration during long runs. I also started looking for races to participate in as part of my training, so I could gain experience running longer distances. Most importantly, I made a commitment to stick to my plan and not give up, even when I faced setbacks or challenges.
The Journey Ahead:
Running the Leadville 100 is no easy feat, and I know that there will be plenty of obstacles to overcome along the way. However, I am excited about the journey ahead and the lessons that I will learn about myself along the way. I am also grateful for the opportunity to set a new goal that inspires me and gives me a renewed sense of purpose. If you are experiencing burnout from running or any other activity, I encourage you to find inspiration and set a new goal that excites you. You never know where the journey may take you.