Hey, friends!

We’ve heard it loud and clear: ever since Hurricane Helene, many WNC locals have been struggling to rediscover their running rhythm. Whether it’s the aftermath of a natural disaster, life’s little curveballs, or just the grind of daily demands, getting out of a running routine can happen from a variety of circumstances. Getting back into it, well that can feel… impossible.

First of all, know this: you’re not alone, and you can do this! Running is never about perfection; it’s about showing up, no matter how messy or slow that process might be. If you’ve been feeling down in a slump, we want to remind you that small steps (literally!) can rebuild even the most shaken routines. Here are six ways to get your groove back:

1. Start Small and Be Kind to Yourself
Sometimes we expect to jump right back in at the pace or distance we were at prior to when we stopped running, but trust us—less is more when you’re restarting. Some days will feel harder than others, but consistency is more important than speed or miles. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small—because small wins add up to big changes!

2. Set One Tiny Goal at a Time
Big goals can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling, so shrink them down! Maybe your first goal is just to run or walk two days this week or to log your first mile in months. If you miss one day, don’t give up. Record your achievements and celebrate when you complete a goal!

3. Reconnect with Your “Why”
Why did you start running in the first place? For stress relief, health, a sense of accomplishment? Whatever your motivation, keep it front and center. Think about how great you’ll feel after completing that first run and how it’ll set the tone for the rest of your day (or week!).

4. Find a Friend or Running Group
Community is powerful! Finding a buddy to meet you for a run or joining a local running group can provide accountability, motivation, and a much-needed dose of fun. Check out our article on local run groups and visit their social pages to see when they have upcoming group runs.

5. Revamp Your Playlist or Route
Shake things up! Build a fresh playlist or explore a new area to reignite your excitement. Sometimes the simple act of changing the scenery or sound can bring new energy to your runs.

6. Sign Up for a Race
Okay, we know this sounds a little biased since we’re a race company but hear us out: signing up for a race—any race—is one of the best ways to stay motivated. Whether it’s one of our events (we’d love to see you there!) or another race, having something on the calendar gives you a goal to work toward. It’s like a commitment to yourself, and trust us, crossing that finish line feels so worth it.

It’s normal to feel daunted when getting back into a routine, but don’t let the fear of starting hold you back. Running has so many benefits for your mind, body, and spirit—it’s worth the effort to rediscover those feel-good vibes. And if you ever need a little reminder to keep going, here’s one of our favorite lines from Dr. Seuss:

“You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in. Stop slumping and unslump yourself—you will!”

We’re here cheering for you, every step of the way. 💙 Let’s make this your comeback season.

See you out there,
The iDaph Team