Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!
This week’s topic is: Running Breaks
There are many reasons to take a break from running.
- Injuries
This is the worst. Injuries suck. There is nothing you can do about them. You just can’t run. And you always wonder if you will again.
I have had a few. Broken foot in 2013…
Stress fracture in late 2012…
Ankle surgery for 2 broken bones in early 2012…
- Weather
When I first started running, I stopped in October and began again in April. Then I realized that I could run in the cold weather, even in the snow. Running in the rain and ice. Not for me!!
Living in the Northeast, there were many days like below when I did not run.
The same can be true if you live in a warm, humid climate. It is hard to run in those conditions.
doesn’t this look inviting?
- Life
Yup, sometimes life gets in the way. I work full-time and I am not a morning runner. Evening and weekend work, family and friend obligations often make running impossible.
My hubby and my friends do not run so I try not to let running interfere with my relationships.
dinners out with friends
boating with the hubby
tennis instead of running
Sometimes, I’d rather be running but I know I always can’t choose running.
- Tapering or Recovering
Also we may not want to take a break, we know we have to. Before and after a long race, I usually take at least 2 days off. I like to be active and feel like a slug when I don’t run. But I that these old bones need a rest or there will be repercussions.
best post half recovery
- Lack of Mojo
This is a tough one. It’s when you just don’t feel like running.
I’ve had this feeling many times but since I sign up for so many races, I know that if I don’t run, there will be consequences.
There are many reasons for lack of mojo:
- Over training
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Poor races results
We’ve all experienced these.
I have recently felt the last two. Since my half in April, my feet have bothered me on and off. It is not fun to run when something hurts.
ouch!!
I also have been disappointed in my finish times. I am getting slower. Especially for my April half which I trained for and the course was flat. I expected to do better and I was depressed for long time afterwards.
not happy here
As a result, May was a low mileage month for me… (even though I ran a half marathon!!)
Happy Running? Do you take breaks from running?
My First 5K and More... 
Sorry to hear about all those injuries, so not fun! It’s really important to take breaks with running to prevent injuries and burnout! I’m looking forward to my break later this month!
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With the exception of my most recent break, all of my breaks from running have been due to injury. It’s nice to take a break just because…
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I confess I’ve been struggling with lack of mojo for the same reasons you list. I am encouraged that I’ve started feeling a little better the last couple of weeks…and I’ve been running more. And walking TONS.
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I need a fitbit to get myself out there walking.
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I have been on a involuntary injury break and it really does stink. I still don’t feel 100% and I can tell if run back to back days I start aching, so I still need to proceed with caution. You dealt with a bunch of injuries, i am glad to see you keep coming back though. It gives me hope!
I struggle with running pace at times as well, I try to just be glad I am running, but some days it just makes me want to eat chocolate.
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i’ve def fallen victim to overtraining as well, due to a love for running and desire to do it all the time! it’s just so easy to default to it, esp when it’s nice out. i’ve had to take some breaks due to injuries and i’m hoping to not have that happen again.
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I hope you stay uninjured too
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