It’s Tuesday! So that means, I’m linking up for Tuesdays On The Run and today’s topic is AWESOME SAUCE. Be sure and check out the other great bloggers!!
We’re talking about running breaks. And since I just finished up my annual #5KadayinMay, the timing is really good for me. Because I’m TIRED.
I don’t take them often, mostly due to the simple reality that I run to stay sane and my sanity really needs to be a full time proposition. But there are a few signs that mean a few days or weeks off are in order.
So here we go: How I know When It’s Time To Take a Running Break
I find myself dreading every run.
This happens sometimes during the week and I can usually push past it and am glad I went. But when I’m dreading every run, every day, it’s time to take a few days off and do something else. Anything else. Biking, hiking, swimming – just a different type of movement. Time off recommendation: 1 week.
I’m Really Sore and Tired and Don’t Recover quickly
This can happen when I’m training too hard, too long. I’ve had several stretches where I’ve had almost back to back training plans with only a week or two in between. I find the soreness accumulates and I can’t seem to get over it. Another big red flag is my immune system will start to fail me and I’ll find myself getting lots of little illnesses. This is why I’m trying hard to NOT schedule back to back races and give my body more time to recover in between. I need time to run for fun not just for a training goals. Time off recommendation: at least 2 weeks. Maybe as long as a month.
Extreme busyness in life (kids/work/extended family)
There are seasons where running just doesn’t fit. I know many of you are saying well, make it fit! And that’s good USUALLY. But sometimes it’s just not possible. If you have young kids and they’ve been sick a lot, you may be so sleep deprived that the time you usually run truly needs to be spent sleeping. Or maybe your job is in a crazy season and you’re working 60 hours a week – that time for running may be needed to spend time with your family or friends! Not every season is a great running season and there should be no guilt if the practicality of your current schedule just can’t accommodate your running. Time off recommendation: depends on season.
I think my longest break in the last 6 years has been a month. I’ve been blessed that I’ve stayed injury free so those have all been my choice! But I also think that choosing to take one when I’ve got the signs above may be one of the reasons I’ve stayed injury free (knock on wood, Everybody, right now!).
So no guilt – take your breaks when you need them. Running isn’t going anywhere, and a few weeks or even months off from time to time may keep you in the game for the long haul. And long term health is the goal!!
Happy running.
Jen