I am a.....walker?

I am/was a runner. I have run consistently for the past 15 years. I ran through each pregnancy up until the 5-month mark. I then picked it back up as soon as the doctor has given me the ok. I have run two marathons and four half marathons. I have run more 5Ks and 10Ks than I can remember. Through it all I've been chased by dogs, prayed through hardships, pushed myself up hills, willed myself to meet goals, run in the dark while my family is sleeping snug in their beds, run in cold; rain; snow; and wind. I've trail run in Alaska all the while fearing a bear would get me. I have always loved running. It has always made me happy....until recently.

I don't know what it is but I don't like it anymore. Sure I can't say that every day I've run that I was super excited to do so but this time is different than typical procrastination. I just flat don't enjoy it. I can't figure out why I feel this way. I could possibly be burnt out. It's a strange place for me to be. I've never not run except while pregnant or injured. And in both situations I was counting the days to get back to running.

If you're a runner and have experienced this, please tell me what you felt. I have always used running as my cardio outlet. I've tried to mix it up a bit. I really like to swim. I thought I'd take that on until I sort through my running aversion. I've been walking a lot. Funny thing about walking is that I'm actually sore after a really hard walk! I haven't felt sore after a run since I incorporated hills. Could it be my body is not challenged by running?

This past week I dedicated myself to getting at least 10,000 steps a day. It's not easy on some days. I have to be purposeful and make some time to go to the gym and get on the treadmill or walk the neighborhood. When I'm on the treadmill it KILLS me to not run so I'll pick up my pace and get the feeling of absolute dread wash over me and bring it back down.

So, I invested in a new step tracker. It's called Fitbit Ultra. It's pricy ($99) but I'm excited about it. It is smaller than my gigantic step counter. It sends wireless data to my computer. It counts calories, steps, mileage, floors climbed, and even monitors your quality of sleep.

I don't know if I'm giving up running. If anything I'm just taking a break. I have no idea when or if the feeling of dread will go away and I'll feel that old excitement again. I hope so. I really hope so.

Until then maybe I'll discover I enjoy walking. I was thinking about college and how I walked and rode my bike everywhere. I probably walked 4-5 miles every day. I wasn't running much then. I think I have this belief that I'll become out of shape by just walking. If you're a walker set me straight!

Do you ever get sick of a pasttime you once loved?