If it isn’t fun, don’t do it. – Mick Grant
I am currently re-reading, The Youth and Teen Running Encyclopedia, by Mick Grant and John Molvar. I first read this book before coaching my first Spring track season last year (thank you @runningwmusic for recommending it). Why do I keep referring to it and re-reading? Well…
- It’s a good book.
- It applies not only to kids but has a lot of reminders for us adults too.
- As a coach to all ages there is always more to learn or maybe something I read the last time, that didn’t really stand out to me then, that does now.
One of my favorite reminders in this book is…
…it’s overriding first principle. FUN FIRST. Running should be fun. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard work or doesn’t feel really difficult sometimes but the reason you are doing it and still doing it is because it’s fun. It’s the reason I still do it. It’s one of the reasons I love coaching.
So what do you do if you are having an off day or running is feeling like a chore? I find a different place to run. A different route. Go left instead of right. Listen to music. I often head to the trail with Thor and Ginger. I look at the view. Stop and take pictures. Run with friends. Run to your local coffee shop (of course I do this). Maybe take a break from competing, from a training plan. Just go out and run, no watch. Just because.
So that’s it. Go run. Have FUN!