Losing The Love

INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE ALEX TEUTEN WRITES ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE WHEN RUNNING GETS TOO MUCH

- Alex Teuten

FOR SO many people, in the UK and worldwide, running is an escape from the monotony of everyday life. It’s a chance to break free from the chains of society and be at one with your thoughts.

But it is possible to lose enjoyment of the sport. Indeed, when this happens many will decide to hang up their trainers when the love goes, although the sad truth is many of those cases could be avoided.

It comes down to understanding the motivation of these individuals. Running is inherently filled with highs and lows – and some people just aren’t suited to it, which is understandable!

There are many, though, who don’t fully analyse why running no longer interests them. Ironically, you could ask any athlete why they run and they’ll most likely shrug their shoulders and say something like “I’ve always done it”. However, these athletes are rarely unhappy in the sport; their enjoyment of it is purely a subtle and unexplained one. But it exists!

People partake in athletics for many different reasons. To mention a few, it can be to meet people and socialise, for personal satisfaction in running a certain distance quicker than before, or to complete the challenge of a difficult event. Maybe it’s the desire to get into those jeans that don’t fit you anymore! But the common theme to all of these should be enjoyment, or at least a sense of well-being and satisfaction for achieving your goal.