Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week we’re talking about taking a break from running. Sometimes we need to take a break from running due to injury or just because we want to try something new. Right now I’m taking a break from distance running – let’s discuss!
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I haven’t completed a double digit run since I ran the Charlotte Half Marathon back in November, and I’m actually okay with that! I knew that I would take a break from distance running after the Chicago Marathon. Now did I expect it to go this long? Not really, but it’s for the best and here’s why.
Strength Training
I have more time to dedicate to getting stronger, which is something I have always wanted to do. Because my runs are shorter (“long runs” usually 6 miles or less) I’m able to spend more time doing bodyweight exercises or lifting weights. I can’t begin to express how much I enjoy this. I also know that stronger legs and a stronger core with both be helpful when I go back to running longer distances.
Orangetheory Fitness
So what have I been doing since I’m not clocking lots of miles? Orangetheory of course! Im able to run for 15-25 minutes during each class so I’m still getting in a good amount of shorter runs during the week. In addition to that, I also get to spend time on the rower machines and lift weights during the floor section of class. I feel like it’s such a full body workout which is more beneficial to me at this point and time.
Mental Health
I needed a mental break from distance running as well. During marathon training it was pretty brutal having to wake up at 5am or earlier on the weekends just to get in my long run before the temperature got too hot in the summer. I also needed a break from the stress of marathon training too. It’s SO hard to fit in all the training while maintaining a job and still trying to find time for family and friends.
I still plan on getting back to half marathon training sometime this summer to prepare for a few races this Fall, but for now, I’m enjoying my break 🙂
Have you ever taken a break from running?
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Topic for next week – Trail running – yes or no? Feel free to write about this or any running related topic.
I’ve unfortunately taken a break for injuries.
Orange theory seems tougher than marathons. Lol.
LOL sometimes OTF seems harder than running but I still oddly enjoy it.
I haven’t taken an ‘intentional’ break from running–all my breaks have been due to injury, illness, and pregnancy, lol. I did step back over the winter to focus on that heavy strength cycle–that is something I’m going to do next winter as well. I think it’s good to wind down.
Totally agree. This is actually my first intentional break that has lasted more than a week, lol, but I’m still really enjoying it.
You are totally rocking all that work at OTF!!!! As you mentioned, full-body workouts benefit every aspect of fitness, as we;; as you general well-being. Kudos to you 😉 With all of the non-running fitness you’ve been doing, I doubt it will take long to get your endurance back for distance running, so enjoy!!
Thanks Kim! I’m definitely loving that I feel so much stronger than I did 6 months ago. I know that working on my full body will be a benefit when I go back to logging longer distances.
I don’t consider single digits “a break” from running. Maybe a break from long distances. That said, I think I’ve given distance up permanently. I’ll always run a few miles…up to 10k…but I never planned to run long distance forever. The 6 majors were my goal and that’s been accomplished.
Honestly, like you I feel so much better when I focus on strength/intensity.
I can totally relate to this! While I still think I have a few half marathons left in me, I’m done with the marathon distance. It’s just too much stress on my body and I don’t love the training so no need to do something that doesn’t bring me joy.
Well, you’re still actually running. 🙂 Much more than the average person, in fact!
I haven’t run double digits in many, many months. Not exactly my choice though. But sometimes you absolutely need to shake things up — running will always be there if you choose it, and if it’s time to move on from the longer distances, well, the shorter ones are still there too.
The most important thing is finding what lights you up inside!
Haha I guess that’s accurate – I think I’m just so used to running more miles that this does feel like a break in a way.
I think it’s healthy to mix-up your focus from time to time. I know running takes a back seat to cycling in the summer when I’m trying to build up cycling endurance. Now I’m not so excited about cycling (it feels great when I’m out there but convincing myself to go is harder when I need all the layers!). I know OTF is keeping you in great shape and giving you a strong base.
Totally agree and I always enjoy seeing your cycling adventures during the summer!
Your last point about needing a break after marathon training… I hear you. I’m mid marathon training so can’t take a break now…. but what I’ve realised is the time that goes into running is crazy. That. Job. Kids. Life. I’m getting it done. But it’s tough and after my marathon in May I’m going to happily focus on Halves where the mileage is less.
Yes! It’s not really the marathon that’s the hard part – it’s all the endless hours of training. It really takes a lot of dedication.
I think you should always enjoy your fitness routine. Right now, OTF is your thing and you are rocking it. I am absolutely impressed with your workouts! And hey, running is still part of your fitness, just not as much as when marathon training.
Doing a race in autumn sounds good – by that time you might be ready for longer running sessions, who knows?
hanks so much Catrina! I’ve realized that it’s good to mix things up when possible, especially when it comes to fitness.
It sounds like you are loving OTF and everything that comes with it! Enjoy it!
That being said, I am on an extended break and I hate it. However, we are getting closer and closer to back to running, and I can’t wait!
I’m glad that you will be able to start running again soon. You’ve been such a rockstar through all of your physical therapy sessions.
I have had to take a break recently. I’m training again and doing so much better. I would love to try orange theory, but I have never had the opportunity.
OTF is great! I hope that they will open a studio near you so that you can try it out.
I’ve given myself a break from distance for a little bit, as I withdrew from having a reserve running club place for London Marathon. I’ve had a bad time with anxiety recently and although I’m feeling a lot better now, it was making long runs almost impossible (I was unable to eat much for a while, which was distressing in itself but also didn’t work for fuelling) and too fragile to cope with the resilience needed. I did do 10 miles on last weekend and that was good but it was all I wanted to do. Basically, I need running to support me right now, rather than flinging myself around to achieve it, if that makes any sense at all. We will be back out there when the time is right! And your OT stuff is amazing!
I am sorry that you struggled with anxiety recently. I know how difficult that can be and I hope that you’re feeling better now.
Sometimes it’s really good to not train for anything and to just run for fun.
I think its great that you are taking a step back from distance running right now! It seems like you are really enjoying your Orange Theory workouts.
Thanks Lisa! I’m definitely enjoying the break a little more than I thought I would, lol.
I cut back my running late last year and it really did me so much good to “just” run 3-6 miles for a while and take some time to chill out and relax. Now that I’ve ramped up to higher mileage for spring races, I feel fresh, and I plan to cut the miles down again this summer. I bet that when you do start racing again you’ll see the payoff for all of those OTF workouts.
That’s awesome! I think that my body responds better to a balance or running and strength training, especially during training.
I never really consider myself a high mileage runner. Each summer, I scale back on mileage and focus on swimming and biking more. This is mostly because I really hate the heat and summer running. Gives me a chance to regroup. I think it’s really fantastic that you are loving your strength training and feeling stronger.
Same here. I really hate the summer heat so running long distances has always been a turn off for me during that time. But I guess that’s why I’m also such a huge lover of the treadmill lol
After Boston I think I will stick with shorter runs too. I want to focus on strength training and would love to join OTF but the cost keeps holding me back.
I totally understand about the cost with OTF. Luckily I was able to get the founders rate since my studio was new and just opened up last June.
Apart from injury, I’ve definitely taken breaks from running longer distances. I haven’t done a run of more than 8 miles since Chicago and I’ve really enjoyed the break! Mentally I think it’s so important to change things up every now and then.
My half marathon the month after Chicago was rough so that’s when I knew an extended break was on the horizon, lol
I have taken several breaks due to an injury or being burned out. I remember one summer it came to a point that I hated running and even emailed my coach. I didn’t want to run anymore and didn’t want to continue training for the Chicago Marathon. Right now i cannot remember if I did run it or not. Another time I took a break and ran again just for fun..no time nor distance.
Oh I’ve definitely gotten to that point. When running is no longer fun or something I look forward toddling, I know it’s time for me to take a break.
It doesn’t really sound like you’ve been taking a break from running, just opting to run shorter runs and switch things up 😉 Which is never a bad thing.
LoL, very true. I guess technically I am taking a break from distance running.