Losing Motivation

QUESTION: I've been training for my first half marathon, and it is only two weeks away. I'm more of a casual runner, not intent on setting fast records, or anything. Is it normal to lose motivation this close to the race? Lately, I just give up on runs and have to struggle to even get onto the road to run.

HAL’S ANSWER: I don't know if a drop in motivation is normal, but with two weeks to go, you should be able to get to the race. Consider that with 10 weeks of increasingly tougher training in your rear-vision mirror, you have increased your mileage up to near its peak point. And that may be taking a drain on your physical reserves, with mental stress a spin-off. Taking a day or two off might allow you to recover, but maybe you need to access your training log (assuming you kept one) and review everything you have done so far. Then look ahead to the race. If you have been dreading it, fearing the distance, you need to think somepositive thoughts to get you back in the mood.

Hal uses TrainingPeaks to power his interactive marathon and half marathon training plans. Check out more of Hal Higdon's training plans here or on his website. Archived Q&A's from Hal can be found here.