We runners could talk, tweet, chat, and blog about running every day all day in addition to #runningalltheraces. Sometimes though we have a hard time listening to our inner athlete about when enough is enough or too much is too much. After months of trying to get my running back on track I recently made the tough decision not to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October. A break was definitely in order so today I am offering a few tips on when you should take a running break, no matter how short (or long):
1. When something hurts. Little aches and pains or a nag here and there is sometimes to be expected. Typically taking off a day or two to calm whatever is ailing you can be enough though you might need more time. However if you are experiencing frequent discomfort or pain – get yourself to a doctor or specialist, STAT. It always surprises me the stubbornness of someone in pain who refuses to see a professional. Google is not a licensed practitioner 😉 Seriously, is your longevity in running worth whining about missing a run?
2. When you’re not in training. Sometimes we runners just run and race, race and run without giving ourselves time in between. It is important to incorporate a recovery cycle after a big race. Even the elites like Meb have an off season where they focus on cross training activities, gain weight, and just enjoy life. You should to!
3. When running isn’t enjoyable. Most runners love all things running but if you find that lacing up the shoes to hit the pavement is a chore, or you aren’t excited about that next race or chatting with other runners – perhaps a break is in order. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? This doesn’t mean you will lose fitness or the ability to run – spend time on other favorite exercises or discover a new one! After my awful spring and subsequent Vitamin D deficiency diagnosis I took some time off then focused on shorter distances. I also discovered my love of spinning! 
4. When you’re feeling fatigued. We are not all runners by job description or definition. Life can get in the way be it work, stress, family or other time commitments. Just because you love running doesn’t mean you should ignore signs and symptoms of tiredness and fatigue. If you are actively training make sure you are adding rest days to the schedule (talk to your coach if you are working with one). Not allowing yourself adequate rest doesn’t make you a hero. Listen to your body.
5. When you’re mentally exhausted. This point is near and dear to me because quite frankly, I was in denial about how drained I really was this spring. Running is my therapy but it seemed like therapy was no longer working. I was not feeling it, all my runs were cumbersome and my performance suffered. I finally realized I needed to stop putting undue pressure on myself. Running is just one thing I do – not my entire identity. It’s important to put things into perspective and we all need to set aside time to recharge no matter what we do.
All these points have resonated with me at some point or another this year. Sometimes a few days or weeks (or even months) might just be the thing you need to reset and refocus or in some cases, heal.
Runners – how often do you give yourself rest days? Have you ever taken a running break?
Posted with Permission from Mar On the Run