When you’re facing a major life change, whether it’s divorce, a job change, a move, or other major transitions – it’s natural for your routine to be disrupted. During life changes activities that you love, such as running can be sidelined as you’re adjusting.
In particular, if you’re navigating a divorce, partnering with a Boulder divorce lawyer can help streamline the legal aspects, freeing up your mental and emotional energy for self-care.
When you reintroduce running back into your schedule, you’ll feel grounded and empowered as you work towards stability. Here are some practical tips for easing back into a running routine and reclaiming your sense of self along the way.
1. Start Small and Set Realistic Goals
Start with a commitment to run or walk for 20 minutes, for say, three times a week. You can gradually add distance or frequency as you start to feel more comfortable.
During turbulent life changes, people might feel tempted to go for intense, high-mileage runs. This approach, however, can lead to burnout, injury, or feeling overwhelmed.
A more successful approach is to begin with manageable goals. Short, frequent runs a few times a week can get you started again. Starting out small will not only make it easier to commit but will also boost your confidence as you feel accomplished.
2. Prioritize Self-Care Over Performance
Competitive or performance-driven runners might feel frustrated by a temporary dip in stamina or speed. During a life change, focusing on self-care instead will be better for your well-being. Focusing on mental health benefits and the emotional relief you get from running will feel better than pushing yourself for performance gains. This shift in mindset can help you reconnect with running and ease the pressure off of yourself.
Trying trail runs or scenic routes is a great way to shift your mindset and enjoy new scenery to take the focus off of your time or pace.
3. Create a Flexible Running Schedule
Your time may be stretched in many ways during a transitional period, whether it be new family responsibilities, legal appointments, or even emotional exhaustion. When getting back into running, building a flexible routine will make you more successful. You can honor your needs without tying yourself to a rigid schedule. Creating an adaptable plan where you run when you can fit it in, instead of committing to specific times of the day.
Early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings are all valuable opportunities to fit in a run. You can also use a running app to log your progress rather than rely on a schedule.
4. Find a Support System
Joining a running group, reconnecting with friends who run, or leaning on others for motivation can make a difference. Finding support in friends or groups adds a social element and makes it easier to stay accountable. In Boulder, there are several local running groups and communities that welcome all skill levels, offering a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who can empathize with your journey.
5. Make Running a Tool for Mindfulness and Healing
Running can be a powerful tool for emotional processing. Instead of just going through the motions, try setting an intention for each run. Use this time to clear your mind, practice mindfulness, or simply breathe. Whether you’re working through difficult emotions or making plans for the future, running can offer a safe, uninterrupted space to reflect and process.
Consider listening to guided meditations, nature sounds, or relaxing music on your runs if you’re looking for ways to make it a meditative practice.
6. Set Aside Time for Recovery
After a break from running, you can experience soreness or fatigue when you get back into a routine. Prioritize rest, stretch often, and fuel your body properly during this period. Self-compassion and proper recovery are as essential to running as the runs themselves. Incorporate yoga, stretching, or strength training on non-running days to enhance recovery and maintain flexibility.
Rediscovering Your Balance and Strength
As you reintroduce running into your life after a major change, remember to pace yourself, set achievable goals, and enjoy the journey. Running is about more than just exercise, it can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your identity, finding balance, and fostering a sense of peace. Reconnecting with your running routine might be just the refresh you need.