No Race to Train For? Now What?

This is going to be a majorly honest post.

I haven't ran in 16 days.

I finished the MS Blues Half Marathon January 7, and aside from a 2-mile walk/run/interval session at the one day I went to the gym last week, I haven't taken a step since. I've gone to the gym twice, once each week. I've eaten whatever I wanted.

What the heck am I doing? I've come way too far to be sliding back into my old habits!

I think I was just plain old burnt out. I love running like crazy and I'm actually starting to miss it. But with nothing to train for, I just stopped doing anything. I have zero motivation to break a sweat. You would think summer, a wedding, engagement photos, etc. would be motivating. But I just couldn't force myself to go bang out even a mile.

I feel lost. I have no race to train for, no date on my calendar.

But that doesn't mean I shouldn't have goals! I have big goals, actually. I want to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2:20, I want to become stronger and more toned, which I think will help me become a stronger runner (Do stronger legs = easier miles? I believe they do). I have a pair of jeans I want to fit into, wedding gowns to try on, and my overall health to take care for. GET IT TOGETHER ASHLEY!!

Part of the problem may be adjusting to a new schedule this semester. Last semester I was working a lot from home since I was writing my thesis. This semester I'm back in the lab full time until May when I graduate. But still. NO. MORE. EXCUSES.

I'm NOT giving up. I guess I just needed a mental and physical break.

Since I don't have a race in the very near future (except for a fun St. Patrick's Day 5k), I'll be switching it up a bit and taking advantage of my spring "off-season".

I want to strength train two days a week. Monday and Thursday are looking to be best schedule-wise for meeting this goal.

Tuesday and Friday are running days. I don't want to lose my endurance, so I will be completing some longer runs, like 7-9 miles, as well as some speedwork sessions. I really want to get faster. I would like to run 3 days a week, with Wednesday or Saturday as my additional running day. I'd also like to incorporate yoga on one of these days that I don't wind up running, since I really enjoy it.

I CAN do this! I MUST motivate myself to stick to my goals that I know I can reach!

What do you do to keep yourself motivated? Tell me your tips and advice!