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The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

Whole Body Approach

Reclaim movement, function and life
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How I lost my Running Mojo

February 7, 2018 By Denise Schwartz 2 Comments

What to do when you lose your love of running

It’s been almost 2 years since my last race.

I had prepared to wear shorts for The Illini Half Marathon in Champaign, IL. Rain was in the forecast, which turned out to be a very cold rain, not a refreshing rain.  The incessant, cold rain forced me to wear the only pants I brought with me – a polyester pair of track pants. These particular pants are nice to wear after a race, but not great for running. They most definitely weren’t great for running in the rain.

I usually wear a visor when running in the rain to keep the water out of my eyes, but since it was cold I needed a hat as well as a visor.  I certainly did not look like the height of fashion.

Within 2 miles, my pants were soaked and dragging – fortunately I always run with a hydration belt so I cinched up my pants with the belt.  I also neglected to put my phone into a baggy, so by mile 3 my phone stopped working, thus no music.  Oh well, I’ve run without music before so I didn’t mind running in the quiet and often struck up conversations with other runners.

I ran a 10 min run to a 2 min walk cycle, making my way through the streets of Champaign and Urbana, streets I never knew existed when I was a student there over 30 years ago.

By mile 10, my legs felt heavy and I was dragging.  Despite the cold and rainy conditions, I wasn’t surprised I was feeling this way. That’s because I’d experienced the same heavy feeling in my legs while training for the half marathon.  

Despite the cold rain and my leg heaviness, I completed the half marathon in 2:38, at a much  slower pace than when I ran the Milwaukee marathon just months before.  Luckily, as soon as I stopped running, the leg heaviness disappeared and I went in search of my son, Drew.  I found him all dry and comfy eating an apple, hanging out in the rec center for the past hour as Drew completed his first half marathon in 1:27, finishing 46/4267!

Since then, I have not signed up for another race. Over the past year and a half, the joy I used to receive while running has left me.

Why did I lose my running mojo?

Health challenges can impede anyone’s ability and desire for the sports they typically enjoy. Even people working in the health field have these challenges.  In the summer of 2015, I developed chronic idiopathic urticaria or chronic hives, for which there is no known cause or cure.  I began taking numerous antihistamines including a once-per-month shot to abate the burning pain, itchiness and swelling from the hives.  It took 9 months to eliminate the hives completely, for which I am very grateful.

Today, I am off all the medications and am slowly weaning off the shot, but my love of running still hasn’t returned. As a result, I’ve had to modify my running and adjust my physical activity.

What have I done instead?

  • I run for fun three to four times per week, for no more than four miles
  • I do more weight training
  • I enjoy walking more often
  • I have time to listen to audiobooks while decluttering
  • I meditate
  • I have more time to focus on business
  • I have no pressure to follow a training plan, so I have more energy
  • I go for leisurely walks in the Botanic Garden with my mom

What can you do when you lose the love of your main interest?

  • Embrace the new-found time to do other things
  • Embrace this time as a sign your supposed to slow down
  • Use this time for your body to heal
  • Meditate
  • Read
  • Meet up with your non-running friends for a walk
  • Try something new

As I continue to wean off the shot, I hope the leg heaviness I feel when running dissipates and my joy of running long distances will return.  But, if it doesn’t, then I will continue to enjoy the fun of short runs, walking, meditating, and more free time.

Have you ever lost your running or other favorite activity mojo?  Comment below to let us know how you dealt with your loss so others know they are not alone.

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: losing the joy of running, running, running challenges, running joy, running portal

About Denise Schwartz

Denise Schwartz, PT, IMT, C is the owner of The Manual Touch Physical Therapy. For over 30 years, she has been helping patients reduce pain and improve quality of life using a whole body approach. Denise specializes in chronic pain, spinal conditions, running/triathlon injuries and prevention, balance/vestibular disorders, functional exercise, kinesiotaping, and various non-traditional and traditional & manual therapies. Contact Denise at denise@themanualtouch.com

Comments

  1. Cheryl Wittenstein says

    February 9, 2018 at 11:08 am

    Denise – thanks for sharing your story and great to hear you’re feeling better. I have a similar story. I ran through my same diagnosis as it turns out but now mustering energy through this winter and other issues. I can do it! Getting back to running more regularly and planning a race will feel good. Thanks, this was helpful.
    Cheryl

    Reply

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Testimonials

I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain movements. I also feel more confident that I am moving correctly in my everyday activities to prevent any further problems.  Also, Denise’s gentle massage techniques at the end of the sessions help to minimize any discomfort that occasionally can come… Read more
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Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went away! I really loved how she had an app I could use if I forgot the exercises we did. She was professional and you can tell she really cared about her clients. I Would definitely recommended going to her!”
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I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have strengthened my core and will prevent future injuries. Not only that, she provides personalized and attentive treatment the entire visit (much more personalized care than traditional PT centers). I highly recommend Denise!
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I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situation. I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain.  After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months.  I… Read more
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I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I was taking a yoga teacher training.  My left shoulder and neck were getting progressively tighter and eventually pain was keeping me up at night.  I knew I wanted treatment from a very knowledgeable PT with good manual skills and someone who excelled at evaluating postural and functional issues.  Denise is that person and she corrected my biomechanics with exercises and manual therapy.  There are only a few PT’s that possess skills like Denise.  … Read more
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I want to thank you for professional treatment of my cranial sacral and vestibular condition as a result of my auto accident. I am glad I was referred to you upon asking for someone like yourself who specializes in treating post concussion syndrome.”  
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The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return to playing basketball.
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After going from a collegiate athlete to a working professional with a desk job, I was surprised when I started having breathing problems after working for a few years. I went to multiple doctors and ran different tests, but there was no straightforward cause. After a few years of continuous issues, it was discovered that my posture was a big part of my breathing issues. My forward head angle caused additional strain on my vocal cords, which influenced my vocal cord dysfunction and dysphonia. My… Read more
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Before I met Denise, I spent a good part of every day in bed.  I would go out for one project, then come home and lay on the sofa for the rest of the day. Now I go out in the AM and come home in time to make dinner.  Because of work Denise has done with me I feel young again.  Exercises are easy but help a lot.  She is my angel.
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I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking and sitting, activities which previously caused me to be in pain for several days afterwards.  But today, I’m just a little sore.  I feel I’ve made very good progress in feeling better, stronger and feel less pain.
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We believe all body systems and mental/emotional health are connected. We take a whole body approach to discover why patients are not healing and what were the initial causes of their current symptoms. 

Our mission is to use this whole body approach to help patients heal and overcome pain and limitations, resulting in improved quality of life. We also aim to promote wellness in our communities through ongoing education. 
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Testimonials

I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain m… Read more
Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went a… Read more
I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have… Read more
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situ… Read more
I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I was taking a yoga teacher training.  My left shoulder and neck were getting progressively tighter and eventually pain was keeping me up at night.  I knew I wanted treatment from a very knowledgeable PT wit… Read more
I want to thank you for professional treatment of my cranial sacral and vestibular condition as a result of my auto accident. I am glad I was referred to you upon asking for someone like yourself who specializes in treating post concussion syndrome.”… Read more
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return… Read more
After going from a collegiate athlete to a working professional with a desk job, I was surprised when I started having breathing problems after working for a few years. I went to multiple doctors and ran different tests, but there was no straightforw… Read more
Before I met Denise, I spent a good part of every day in bed.  I would go out for one project, then come home and lay on the sofa for the rest of the day. Now I go out in the AM and come home in time to make dinner.  Because of work Denise has done… Read more
I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible.  Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute.  There was lots of walking an… Read more
Read More

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