Rediscovering My Groove

Lessons from Losing — and Finding — My Passion for Running

Losing your groove happens to all of us. Maybe it’s a hobby, a job, a relationship, or just that sense of momentum you used to have. For me, it showed up in my running.

There was a time when I could knock out a 10k and make it look easy. You know, when I was still smarter than my phone and my back wasn’t snap-crackle-popping louder than my bowl of Rice Krispies every morning. But this isn’t really about running. It’s about the sometimes awkward, always humbling process of finding your way back to what lights you up.

These days, running feels different. Sure, I’m older — 54 now. Age changes things, but what really set me back wasn’t the number of candles on my birthday cake; it was inconsistency. Life threw me some curveballs: depression, career and family changes, a crisis of identity. My training took a back seat, and I fell out of love with running for a while.

Maybe you’ve been there too — not with running, but with something you used to love. Sometimes, life’s weight makes even our passions feel heavy. Now, I’m working on building back up and I’ve set a goal: another marathon next year. It’s helping me focus, and I’m finally getting used to a new schedule while working on my mental and emotional health.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Recognize when your mental state is affecting your motivation.

Stress is cumulative. It doesn’t care if it comes from a hard workout, a tough shift, or a family crisis. It all adds up, and your body keeps the score. Adjust your efforts as needed, but don’t abandon them entirely. Sometimes, a pause is necessary — but don’t let it become a full stop.

2. Don’t measure today’s progress with yesterday’s yardstick.

Life has seasons, and so do we. What you could do before might not be possible right now—and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving forward, even if it’s slower than before. Don’t get stuck comparing yourself to your past self; focus on what you can do today.

3. Build systems of accountability.

It’s a bit ironic — humans are wired to learn from each other, yet we often insist on going it alone. I tried to tough it out by myself, and it made things harder. As Douglas Adams once quipped, “Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” Don’t make my mistake: lean on your support network, whether that’s friends, family, or peers. Let’s break that pattern. Learn from my missteps, and let others help you through yours.

4. Set goals that matter to you.

Your finish line doesn’t have to be a marathon. Maybe it’s getting through a tough week, reconnecting with a friend, or just showing up for yourself. Picture your finish line — literal or metaphorical — and keep moving toward it. The “why” behind your goal is what will keep you going when motivation fades.

Whatever your journey, remember: it’s not about getting back to who you were. It’s about becoming who you’re meant to be, one step at a time.

It’s about writing your next chapter.

Whether you’re a first responder, a weekend warrior, or just someone trying to get through the day, the principles are the same: recognize your stress, lean on your tribe, set your sights on a goal, and keep moving forward. Your journey matters. Take that first step today, however small, and let’s see where it leads.

I’d love to hear about your own journey — what you’re working toward, what challenges you’re facing, or what’s helped you along the way. Feel free to share your story or reach out if you need support. We’re all in this together!