One of the most popular questions that we ask other runners is the question of, “what’s next?”

I’m going to be honest and declare that I have a love / hate relationship with this question. This stems from the moment I finished my 17th and final marathon of 2017, after running races around Australia to raise money and awareness for the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. I had put myself through a lot physically and emotionally that year, particularly for that final marathon. I was relieved and elated to be finished the running and fundraising challenge, but within 2 minutes of finishing, I was being asked, "what’s next?" For some reason, it felt almost criminal to take anything away from that moment and from the sense of achievement, by simply moving on. Don’t get me wrong, I already knew what was next for me, but for some reason I reacted against the assertion that there needed to be something next and that I couldn’t simply enjoy this particular moment for what it was.

The mind games we play when getting back into running

It’s 5:30 AM. I roll over and think, “I can’t be bothered.”

I’ve got a slight hangover after one too many wines last night, but I’m trying to get back into a routine of exercising regularly. The battle rages in my slightly hazy head.

"Do I get up and run, or do I stay here in bed and potentially feel guilty about it for the rest of the day?"

No movement. No movement in the rest of the house either. Not even the dog wants to go out, and she probably needs to pee more than I do.

"Why is this so difficult? I hate feeling like this. Just get up and go! This was so easy 6 weeks ago!"

"Did I get my shoes and running gear together last night?…. No. Eurgh. It’s too difficult. I’m going to leave it. Oh come on…"

….and so the battle rages until I decide one way or the other. To run or not to run, that is the question.

It’s a rubbish and emotionally exhausting way to start a day, but it’s the way that so many people start theirs. Welcome to unstructured training and time off for the Type A runner! After 6 months of solid training, dedication and commitment, with almost no morning procrastination, now is the time for rest and recharge, but like many runners after their big race, I feel like this.