it’s ok to take a break (from running)
| January 18, 2013 | Posted by chareatsgreens under fitfluential, running |
Sometimes I feel like I should be working out consistently/frequently/regularly, which is why I just haven’t talked about fitness lately. I wasn’t hiding or denying that I wasn’t doing anything (especially post-baby), but I also didn’t want to flaunt this fact either.
I have always used running as my ‘go to’ and although I have missed it since I started experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, I’m not a slave to it.
I’m here to say that it’s ok to take a break. I ran for the first time yesterday (since having Nia), and although it had been a while, it was always there if I did need it.
I’m not beating myself up for taking 8 weeks postpartum to get back into it and neither is running! You know why? Because, I’ll say it again, it’s ok to take a break!!
I think we need to stop conditioning ourselves to feel like we need to do these things. Sure, I’ve lost some muscle mass and tone, and missed the endorphins that running releases, but do you know what made me feel better despite those? Hanging with my daughter!
I took a break and I still feel fine. I appreciated the time I spent not running almost as much as I appreciated the time I do spend running. And when I did finally lace up those shoes yesterday and hopped on the treadmill, my body didn’t fail me; it did quite the opposite. It reminded me that my legs can still run just as good, my lungs can still breathe just as fast, and my arms can swing just as much as they used to. That’s not to say that these guys didn’t have a hard time though…
I ran a solid 2 miles in 18:02 and that was good for me. This just goes to show that a break from running didn’t destroy me. A break from running didn’t make me never want to run again. A break from running didn’t intimidate me.
What the break from running did do for me was make me want to come back strong. My break from running will hopefully lead to a half marathon PR and getting to run with my husband and daughter. My break from running was exactly what I needed to let myself know that it’s ok to take a break. You never know what greatness my break from running can lead to.
Totally agree! That break after having a baby was the perfect break so that it made me WANT to run again instead of feeling like I had to! You go mama thats great 2 miles! I started with a HARD 1 mile for my first one back…haha!
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I think breaks are completely okay and at times necessary. This whole winter so far my running has been so inconsistent with 4-5 days between a run but you know what, it makes me appreciate each run even more. All summer and fall I felt like I HAD to run and it was bad if I didn’t. I’ve loved the carefree-ness of the winter and know I will get back into a more consistent routine once the weather gets better. I’m proud for even getting out there at all in the winter!
Way to go girl! I agree, breaks are necessary sometimes and thankfully it usually helps out in the end!
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I actually took a break from blogs for a while because I got the feeling that I “should” be working out (like mad). After discovering that I hadd adrenal fatigue, I finally (finally, finally!) listened to my body and let it heal (exercise caused me stress at that point). Now I don’t have an exercise schedule. I know that I benefit from doing exercise that I love (yoga, body pump) so whenever I can do it and my body is fit, I make an effort to work out! And whenever I get to meet a dear friend instead or need some down time, it’s ok, too. Letting things go loose here has done AMAZING things to my body and mind!
I’m so happy to hear this!! I bet your body was so happy when you did that!! I think hanging out with friends counts for something better anyways!!
My body was basically singing Hallelujah!
I am just really happy when I read on blogs that people acknowledge their bodies’ needs to rest and recover! It depends so much on the individual (what workout do you choose and like, how much, how long, work situation, constitution, goals …)! So you go girl! 