Runner’s block vs. writer’s block

The other day I had this epiphany: I think I’ve been experiencing “runner’s block” for the last few months.

Writer’s block is when you have trouble getting your creativity up for writing projects and ideas.

Runner’s block is when you have trouble finding new inspiration and motivation in your running or running goals.

Over the years I’ve experience writer’s block before, but it never occurred to me until now that I could get runner’s block, too.

It makes sense though when you think about it. No one is 100 percent all the time. Plus, after you’ve run a big race such as Boston, it’s hard to top it.

I know how to get over writer’s block (most of the time) but I’m still figuring it out with running.

You have to let go of your attachments when you’ve got writer’s block and clear your head to get unstuck.

It sounds simple to do, but it’s not easy. 

Often times when I’m experiencing writer’s block it’s in the most mundane moments I become “unblocked” — sort of like psychic Draino at work — nothing fancy or glamorous but powerful nonetheless.

There I am one day, for instance, just folding laundry or doing dishes, when out of nowhere the spark returns and I get an idea.

A similar thing happened to me while I was out for a 5K run on my own over the weekend.

The effort felt so easy and that’s why I realized, my running felt “unblocked’ for the time in several weeks. I think it’s because I was totally in the moment and unattached to how I was running — fast or slow, or whatever.

Finishing loose ends in my life also helps me when I’m experiencing writer’s block — a conduit to get my personal Draino flowing.

An example: My mother gave me her sewing machine several years ago. For the longest time it sat in my basement, collecting dust bunnies and needing servicing.

Several weeks ago I finally learned how to unhook the machine (it’s a vintage Kenmore) from the table that came with it and I took it in for repairs.

Then I got it back after the servicing but it sat again for some time, waiting for me to put it back into table properly.

Over the weekend I finally hooked the sewing machine in place and I bought material to start a project: I am making decorative, chocolate-brown pillows for my bedroom. (Yeah baby, Marsha Stewart, eat your heart out!!)

Now at first I know my sewing machine story may seem unrelated to running and creative blocks but that’s not true. Unfinished projects honestly zap my mental and physical energy, which over time, also affects my running, creativity and the rest of my life.

Don’t believe me? Think that I’m just talking woo-woo?

Well, for any skeptics out there, I have two words for you to illustrate my point: TAX TIME (which we all just got over in the last week).

If you are one of those people who puts off finishing your taxes until the very last second (who doesn’t?), have you ever noticed how much it weighs on you until you get it done? And how much better you feel, once it’s out of your face (even if you don’t like the bottom line on your return)?

That’s exactly what I mean  …your mind and body feel instant relief when you finish tasks that have sat on your plate (or in your basement) for too long. Completions gives you mojo to move on to bigger, better things.

Or to put it in runners’ terms, it’s like crossing the finish line at a race — very empowering.

I’m still working on runner’s block, but my weekend run gave me hope that I won’t stay stuck for too long.

I can feeling the inklings of new inspiration and motivation just around the corner.

How about you??

Oh yeah, and when I finish those fun pillows, I’ll share a picture with you.

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Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let’s go!

Mileage today: 3; Mileage for 2012: 380
 

2 thoughts on “Runner’s block vs. writer’s block

  1. I am too am experiencing “runner’s block” such a good way of explaining it. I am just not motivated right now and I think what you said is exactly why. I need to get out of head and just enjoy the run for a while. Here’s to psychic Draino!! Cheers

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