Need a Jump Start

I know I said this blog wasn't going to be solely about running and training, but I also said that I would write what's on my mind. Since my triathlon, I haven't had a good run. They have all been miserable, and I know it is all in my head.

Last night I went for a run and it was way harder than it should have been. I ran about 5 miles and just wanted to stop. I felt good physically, my heart rate was down, my legs felt fresh, and all I could think about was how badly I wanted to stop.

In the months leading to my triathlon I was excited and anxious to run, and most of my runs were enjoyable. In the weeks since my triathlon, I have been reluctant and had to force myself out the door, and each of my runs have been miserable. See any pattern?

I guess this is an example of the tremendous impact a person's attitude and expectations can have on not only results, but abilities. It is crazy that you can put the same physical effort into something, but have it turn out differently just because of your mindset.

A month ago, I could have powered through an uncomfortable run on my attitude alone. I was completing workouts that were actually above my ability due to my enthusiasm about what I was doing. Now, I am having trouble completing runs that I am clearly physically capable of, and it is extremely frustrating.

I'm not really sure how I'm going to get over this slump, but I have to do something quickly. I'm going to start with getting my diet in check and upping my water intake. I let my diet fall completely apart after the triathlon, and have stopped paying attention to dehydration.

Of course, it also doesn't help that it is grillin' and drinkin' season. Hopefully I'll get it figured out quickly.

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