How To Get Out of a Running Rut

We all have tough times when we're runners. Setbacks that knock us. But there is an attitude that can help you navigate your way through the tougher moments.. and I want to share it with you.

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[Marc-Tu]

We run for those who can't is a great idea. Someone asked "Where did you get that body, the one you're in right now?" We have a responsibility to those who gave us this gift to take care of it. And yes, it is a privilege.

[Stevemulka]

I run for two of us, myself and my severely physically disabled wife Julie. At 63 I run to keep physically and mentally fit for myself and to be able to care for Julie. We used to have long walks on the local hills and Julie used to walk 9km each way with a pram to visit her parents several times a week. Being able to walk / run must never be taken for granted and relished at every opportunity.

[temporaryissues]

I unexpectedly found myself welling up with tears at the end of the video.

Thank you for this beautiful worded monologue. Really needed to hear it from a stranger than my own pep talk. Been in a deep funk lately and each run I manage to bring myself out for, I feel empty. Detached. Or, I stay in. Forgo the run. This leaves me melancholic.

"We don't have to run... we get to run."

Thank you.

[KQXX]

Ben and Mary, thank you for this. You've distilled into a few minutes what I've struggled to explain to others about running for ages.
I've had a very long break from running - coming back to it this year has been the joy of my life.
Your channel and your videos like this one have been a big part of my return. Thank you.

[ChicagoTerrainFactory]

Yes! Today is the day that I get to run. I tell myself this same thing when I think about my running.

[ATLTOON]

Mate! I needed this today! I am in week 6 of my 18 week training program and the legs, brain and heart are all getting tired and want to stop! Thank you for this! you have helped me to see things from a different viewpoint! Thank you!

[beverleyreid]

My five mile run this morning felt so hard. I had even struggled to get out the door. Thanks so much for this. I really appreciate it.

[jinglee]

found your channel some time back and have been a silent viewer for a bit, finally commenting for the first time today. might have shed a silent tear inside watching this video, resonated with the very uplifting and encouraging message - it will stay with me for as long as i can run. saving this for future views. "running represents freedom. you dont put yourself through this kind of discomfort unless you are truly free in some sense." thank you ben & mary. much love from singapore.

[donaldwhite]

Stopped running decades ago due to injury. Last year a high school classmate asked me if I was still running. I said "No" . . but later asked myself "Why not?" Very gradually I started running again and it's been a wonderful process. Listening to this video helps me understand why and how to shape this renewed life journey. Wonderful production. Hearing Mary's steady foot steps in the background . . brilliant and inspirational.

[LauraTrauth]

The last couple of days here were hot and humid. I was dehydrated and also suffering some gut issues from something I'd eaten. Tired, nauseated. Went anyway but walked a fair amount. Today was cooler and I was able to actually just RUN for a few miles. Tough, yes, but not enough that I had to slow to a walk. It was amazing. Tomorrow will be hot and horrible again, but I'll go anyway. As slow or fast as needed. It is a privilege. Whenever I talk to the postal delivery person I realize my profession gives me the time and flexibility to do what theirs's does not, even though they earn a good salary too. I try not to forget that, and to realize it's a privilege. Thank you for this video.

[videowatch]

Lovely video ❤❤❤
“We don’t have to run… we get to run” This will be my mantra when the going gets tough 😊👍

[funwithmadness]

I've been working on replacing the roof of my garage over the past few weeks. Not being a laborer by profession, it's been so hard on my body that I cannot even think of running right now. So, yeah, being able to run is a luxury.

[michelerichards]

So true. Physicality and the gift of movement. Do what you can because you can. .

[MadViking]

Started running seriously this year and am in my forties. From barely being able to drag my body 1km at 7:55 pace, after 4.5 months of training with plenty lot of ups and downs, I managed to complete my first half marathon by myself at a pace that was better than average beginners' in much younger and in my own age groups. After this rest week, I'm also going to follow the marathon program so that I can do half marathon and full marathon in an official race next year.

I've watched many, many This Messy Happy videos and they very much inspired me to do this. It's a lifestyle change, and I'm doing it for others mostly, but also for me. Running simply makes me a better person, and the best version of myself. It's unbelievable to think that my short runs are 7-12K and I do them twice a week, and on top of that do a 14-18K long run as a weekly routine.

This is just the beginning, and I have all the time in the world. I absolutely have no end goal in mind, it's a process and a privilege.

[speedoftheshire]

I love everything about this. I've had a few tough runs recently, but also a few where I have literally thanked my shoes when I walked back in my door. There are days when my run has been the actual balance I need in my life, and sometimes I need to remember that. Thanks for reminding me!

[davidjwilson]

Simply amazing message. Thank you for the inspiration! It was hot and humid this morning and I had an early meeting to attend, so I debated whether to run or not. I’m always glad afterwards when I choose to run. Now on, I will tell myself that “I get to run”

[FamilyNonsense]

Almost made me cry. It was so nice to meet you during the park run last month!

[dariusmueller]

Most important insight: "Running represents freedom" (4:35).

[MysticPanda]

Woke up this morning not feeling my long run. This video popped up in my feed and watched it. Gave me motivation to run 16 miles. Thank you for this.

[robinc.]

What wonderful, beautiful words. I will remember them next time when it`s rainy, cold or even hard. "I get to run!" Fabulous!