408: When You Lose the Spark for Running (And How to Get It Back)

Feeling a little "meh" about running lately? You’re not alone.

Even the most seasoned runners hit a point where the runs that used to light them up start feeling like just another thing on the to-do list. If you've been wondering where your spark went, take a deep breath—we’re going to talk through it and help you find your way back.

Running is meant to fill you up, not burn you out. And yes, that feeling of joy can come back.

Let’s Bust the Motivation Myth

Here’s the truth: You don’t need more willpower or a tougher mindset. You don’t need to push harder or just “get it done.”

And you definitely don’t need to sign up for another race to “get motivated”.

What you do need is curiosity and compassion. Because if you’ve lost your running mojo, there’s likely something deeper going on—and that deserves your attention, not your judgment.

Where Did the Joy Go? Let’s Look Closer

1. From ‘Should’ to ‘Want’

Remember when running used to be something you wanted to do? Maybe it was your stress relief, your me-time, your sense of accomplishment, or even just a safe way to challenge yourself. But over time, running can slip into that “should” category—another obligation instead of a choice.

It’s okay if that’s where you are. Start by reconnecting with your why. Maybe your goals have shifted. Maybe you need to mix things up. New terrains, playful challenges, or simply running without your watch can bring back that sense of freedom.

2. Burnout Is Real—Physically and Emotionally

Between busy schedules, overtraining, life stress, and hormonal shifts (hello, 40s and beyond!), it’s easy to lose that bounce in your stride. Sometimes, what you need isn’t more miles—it’s more recovery.

Check in with your body and your energy. Have you been resting enough? Fueling well? Giving yourself space to feel what you need?

When you are running and exercising a lot, you also need to make sure to give yourself enough recovery, especially between harder sessions. This becomes even more important as you get older, especially as a woman, because your hormones aren’t supporting you the same way that they used to.

Prioritizing quality over quantity and allowing adequate rest and recovery between sessions can help you start feeling like yourself again.

3. Your Running Identity Is Allowed to Evolve

You don’t have to chase the same goals you did 5, 10, or 20 years ago. As your body and life change, so can your relationship with running.

Maybe you're no longer chasing PRs—and that’s okay. You’re running for strength, for connection, for wellness, for you. That’s a powerful place to be.

If you’re not sure, take some time to think about it. What is your new WHY when it comes to your running? What do you want it to be in your life? What do you want to gain from it? 

Practical Ways to Reignite Your Passion

Let’s make this simple and actionable. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some small shifts that can spark big change:

• Change Up Your Routine:
  Try a new trail. Run at a different time of day. Trade one solo run for a social one—or vice versa. Novelty is energizing.
  
  
• Honor Rest as Part of the Plan:
  Rest isn’t slacking. It's a strategy. Build in days for recovery and flexibility. Listen to your energy, not just your schedule.
  
  
• Set a Fresh Goal:
  Your new goal doesn’t have to be faster or farther. It could be consistency, joy, or simply showing up with intention. Let the goal support who you are now.
  
  

Choose Joy. Redefine Success.

Success isn’t just crossing finish lines. It’s petting a friendly dog mid-run. It’s laughing with your running buddy. It’s seeing the sunrise, catching your breath, and feeling grateful you get to do this.

Give yourself permission to run differently—and define success in a way that feels good in your bones.

Join Us for the Running Reignited Challenge

Ready to fall back in love with running? Join me for Running Reignited—our free five-day challenge starting May 12th. It’s designed to help you reconnect with your joy, reset your mindset, and build momentum in a way that feels supportive and sustainable.

👉 Sign up here

Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—or simply feel like you’re in a season of “blah”—this challenge will give you the tools and encouragement to reignite your spark. Let’s shift out of autopilot and into intentional, joyful movement.

You don’t have to earn your joy. You just have to make space for it.

So lace up, take a deep breath, and remember: the spark is still there. Let’s go find it—together!