I’ve had a couple people mention how little I ran in May and it’s true: I ran less than 90 miles this month (which isn’t much for me).
In April I did 4 marathons, a 41 mile ultra relay (you can read about the races here) and ran over 300 miles in a month for the first time.
So I knew it’d be prudent to take this month a little easy and when the blog crapped out for about 10 days, I took it as a sign to take some rest.
The ironic thing is that as soon as I started not running, my left hip/piriformis area started aching a bit – I took that as a sign to take more time off.
So I did. I kept working out, taking a few new exercise classes, walking my dog, trying to be active in different ways. Surprisingly, I didn’t die like I thought I would.
![120424_ODA_DP_026[1]b](http://skinnyrunner.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/120424_ODA_DP_0261b.jpg "120424_ODA_DP_026[1]b")
These are the things that I learned while taking some time off:
{These are my thoughts so don’t get all butthurt if you don’t think the same way}
1. Running isn’t that important
Running is just a part of life, not life itself. Regardless of whether you run, the stuff that’s really important is still really important. You still have the same struggles, the same heartbreak and the same joys.
There might come a day when you physically can’t run because of pregnancy, injury or tragedy, but you’re no less or no more of a person for it. Running doesn’t define me; it’s just something I do.
And in the end, life just goes on.
2. Running is something I really love
When I don’t run, I miss running. hard. There isn’t another workout out there that gives me the same “high”, that sense of accomplishment and pride, that “Man, I feel good” feeling.
I love a pointless slow 7 junk miler or a hard 26.2 PR attempt, I love it all. I just want to run and hope I can run for the rest of my life. I certainly won’t keep up the 4 marathons a month pace forever, but I’ll be content running any pace for the long haul (life).
Some other less Let’s get all philosophical with life points…
3. You won’t (necessarily) gain weight while taking a running break
You might have to pay a little more attention to what you’re eating: running is a very efficient exercise and a big calorie burner so when you switch to another exercise, you might not burn as much and need to readjust your intake.
Remember when Lance Armstrong said that one hour of running was equivalent to 2 hours of biking? Same thing applies: that 60 minutes on the elliptical isn’t going to burn as much as 60 minutes of running.
Lance and Matt going for a shirts optional run.
4. Do something, anything active
The worst feeling is not running and then sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and like a lazy blob. Do another workout; try something new, get uncomfortable, just do something to work your body and get the endorphins going. Ditch the “All or Nothing” attitude (If I can’t run, I’m not doing anything because nothing’s as good as running!) and do what you can.
5. If you want to tone up, lift some weights
It kills me to say this because I hate strength training, but I’m starting to think that the experts are onto something when they say to lift weights. I’m no expert and have only taken a couple classes, but I feel like it helps strengthen you in a way running can’t. Blasphemy, I know.
My superlame attempt at showing my non-existent muscles
That’s all the points I have for now… brain hurts… must go watch trashy TV…
Any lessons/takeaways you learned from taking a running break?
LINK LOVE
**It seems like a lot of people are either I FRIGGIN LOVE CROSSFIT!!!!!!! or No thanks, not for me, but if you’re on the fence about it, Sierra has a great post about some Crossfit myths.
**If you be working hard for your summer beach body, Fitnessista has a post about 20 moves to do a stability ball; I bookmarked it.
**Beth has a good post on how to deal with an injury like a man instead of whiner.
**If you read the sports bra fitting post and need a new one, today is the LAST day you can use this coupon for 10% off and 20% off for VIP members.
Coupon Code: CX12B216
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{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never taken a prolonged break from running, but I used to do a lot of lifting when I went to a gym and you definitely get stronger than you would just running. At the same time, I have a problem wanting to be AMAZING at every physical thing I do. So I tend to lift too much and “bulk up” which isn’t what you want to do if you want to stay speedy running. It’s a tricky balance, so I just run and don’t deal with it. I’m ok with weak noodly arms.
you rock. i agree with all 5 of your points, and have also recently (and reluctantly) started lifting more as well. I think point 4 is super important though, especially in the world we currently live in. Just get up and freaking move!
Thanks for the link love!
I think you make some very valid points. At first when I can’t run I think life is ending. But, after I’ve not been doing it for awhile, I realize life goes on and that there are other things I enjoy. I think it’s easy to walk around with blinders on. Taking a break opens us back up to the rest of the world.
I love the -don’t take yourself too seriously- approach. As with everything, listen to your body and your instinct.
Totally agree on the weights. With our without actual weights. Push-ups are my exercise of choice. I did the 100 pushup challenge and I was able to actually do 100 real life push ups at the end of 6 weeks…just last week in fact. It was pretty cool. I’ve done 80 – 100 every other day since then. It’s amazing what your body can do if you just listen to it!
Thanks again for the insights, SR!
Just shared this post with a friend who is completely devastated that she can’t run her first half marathon this weekend because of an IT band injury. Totally puts it in perspective.
“Running is just a part of life, not life itself.” – Amen.
Oooh thanks for the coupon code!!
I love your points, and I totally agree. I took a running break for awhile and it was great for me! Granted I am not as ‘into’ running as you are, but I do enjoy a good run outside
And yes, the experts ARE on to something. Weight training is the bomb!!
Ah, when I was pregnant my doc advised me NOT to run, and I didn’t listen, and my husband would come home to find me sneaking in miles on my treadmill! I never said I wasn’t stubborn!
(and see, the baby is fine, she’s 1.5 and tearing my house apart as I write this)
Yo girl, those muscles aren’t make believe either!
Suns Out Guns Out.
I loved this post. I needed this post. Thank you so much.
Sometimes I get so caught up in my “runner” identity that I avoid any activities (strength training – squats, lunges, etc) that will tire out my legs and make my legs unable to run as fast or far the next day. At the Pilates Studio I’m known as “arms and abs” girl. As having sore arms and abs does not inhibit your running!!! I get stuck in my “gotta run” rut! Point #1 = Awesome.
I needed this today. After my XRay last night I was banned from any cardio (running, cycling, etc.) for 7-10 days and I seriously cried at the thought of gaining weight and losing my fitness.
I will focus on you know the arm and ab stuff to preoccupy me in the mean time. Thanks girl for lifting my spirits that I probably won’t gain that 20 lbs in 10 days.
Great life lessons. And they’re all true but hard to remember when you’re not running, especially if it’s a forced break due to injury!
How is your hip/piriformis doing now?
im running a marathon on sunday so we shall see how it holds up…. i dont really know!
Great post! Running is amazing, but it is also nice to just fall in love with being active.
I’m on week three of a four week break from running. I’m not injured and had no reason to do it other than I just felt like it. It has allowed me to do some other things and I agree 100% with everything you wrote about! I miss it like crazy and can’t wait to run again, but for now, I’m enjoying the break!
Rest is so key for the body and mind. Good on you for resting when you needed it!
i really so much am in tune with your on your comment #2. it’s such a feeling of accomplishment. i love to run so much.
on another note, i have to watch housewives as well. it’s something my brain desires….crappy drama..lol. alexis is such a fakie….
I agree with all your comments! So true! I’m slowly recovering from an injury and am realized that there are other cool things out there that make me happy too. I’ve been doing spinning and taking classes and all are fun. While nothing is like running for me, these come close. And it makes me appreciate running so much more!
i run a lot less now….because I stream really awesome/hard/sweaty workouts from this thing:
http://thegymbox.com
(it’s only $10 a month!!!)
running less (only like once a week now) means that i like it more and run faster….and it means i’m doing a lot more of that “do something different everyday”-ology. it’s honestly way more fun this way.
YO SKINNY – what’s up with fishing? are the halibut on vacay?
I agree with you about the strength training – dangit!! I have only taken a couple of classes these past two weeks but definitely notice a difference when I run – feels like my torso is staying more in line with my legs.
Awesome post today! Running is such a great outlet for me on so many levels, I started because my best friend started running and I am basically a follower
I didn’t realize how much I would really like it and how it would overflow into other aspects of my life. I feel like I am pretty normal about it, I keep a 10 min pace during my “races” and feel good about that 
I’ve had weeks where I ran once or sometimes none at all and it does take a motivational talk to remind myself that I am not a complete loser at life because my LIFE got in the way of my favorite activity. Thank you for sharing with us that you also take breaks!
Also love the post about Crossfit Myths! I am going back and forth about trying out a class and her blog post definitely cleared up some things for me! OKAY I will stop taking up your entire comment section…sorry
I am less hungry when I don’t run. Buttt I still manage to gain weight
Thank you so much for this post! I am a runner and nothing else gives me that high either. My hip has been bothering me for 2 weeks now and I haven’t been able to run and I miss it a lot, this helped put things in perspective!
I took 6 months off running. I didn’t die either. I did enjoy walking my dog. and yes, strength! good job SR! And thanks for linking up Beth. SHe is a trooper for sure.
I am currently on a forced break from running due to a misbehaving IT band. I took me a while to realize that even though I couldn’t run there are still plenty of other worthwhile and enjoyable workouts. Just because I can’t run does not mean I should sit on the couch and eat ice cream.
When I am training for a race, it’s like the end of the world if I miss a run. (Not really, but it’s what I think.) This year has been the least I’ve ran because of an injury and surgery. You know what? I didn’t gain weight, actually lost weight. It wasn’t that hard to get my fitness back. Life goes on!
I hate taking days off (besides weekends). I feel like i’m doing something wrong! But I’m currently in the middle of moving so I’ve been taking a few days off here and there and after 5 days off, yesterday was a horrible run. But in the end the hard runs are what makes me stronger. So I think it helps mentally because I push myself after the breaks and I feel better about myself.
And by the way I HATE lifting weights. Someday when I can afford a gym membership… MAYBE I’ll try it.
Great post. I felt like I could truly relate! Thanks!
This post is awesome. I feel like I say this every time I comment but you truly are my inspiration. Creepy? Nahhh I didn’t think so. I’ve recently gotten over an IT Band injury and it was so so hard for me to take off and rest, in fact, I cheated…a lot…and it probably prolonged the darn thing, but I felt so weird not running. You are right though, running isn’t life and it doesn’t define me it’s just something I do and love it so that’s the most important thing.
Great post!
thanks so much and i (seriously) cant believe that i inspire others but im glad to be a part of something positive.
We just had baby Ryder and while I really missed running the last couple of weeks of pregnancy, I loved my nightly walks. They were a little “me” escape and I couldn’t run because I was so pregnant at 40/41 weeks. It’s always a great way to make future goals, reflect and enjoy a different season in your life.
congrats on your new addition to the family!
I love running and I love strength training. However, when I am training for a race I neglect the weights because I don’t want to be too sore for my running. I just started training for my first marathon and am making strength training a priority. I really think that it can help me get through 26.2 miles!
Great entry….rest is so important and extremely beneficial. A lot of runners are afraid of lowering mileage and taking longer rest periods.
I have learned my lesson on running through minor injuries -not necessarily the brightest idea. They usually fester into something way worse if you don’t give your body a break. Granted I am 46 years old and got the worst injury of my running career last year which required me to take 3 months off. And recently was plaqued with a delayed back injury after a fall on ice in January -it was a no brainer this time to give my body a rest and let whatever broke – repair itself. You are right, life does go on and there are many other activities you can do if you put your mind to it.
I am visiting California for my next holidays (SF-LA by car). I live in Urguay, South America and believe it or not you can`t find compression socks or any running gear (apart from the basics) here. I love your blog (never comment, I am the silent kind of reader) and I would really appreciate if you could recommend me which kind and brand of compression socks should I buy.
Maybe you have already done it and I haven`t read it, but a post about a runners must haves could be interesting.
Sorry for my English!
all my compression socks are from procompression.com, a small local company out of San Diego.
http://skinnyrunner.com/2010/11/12/you-askedi-answered-all-stars-running-gear/ this post is about all my running gear. besides my compression socks, i LOVE my BIC bands (bicbands.com), mizuno waveriders and my garmin 405.
What about compression shorts? I`ve checked the website and found only socks. I think I have seen you with shorts too. Are they good? Thank you!
I’m a new(er) follower of your blog and I LOVE it. I aspire to be a runner like you one day. Knee conditions have kept me from my goals before, so your points are very comforting!
Thanks so much!
k
Very inspiring post. My first post. I am a runner, run every day. I don’t do it for any other reason than “because I can”. I am really not interested in gaining muscles or looking fit, I just like to be outside and part of nature. What other sport (apart from cycling) allows for that??? I am trying to cross train (because apparently it’s good for you) and I started rowing. I love it, it complements the running, but does not replace it. I, like you, hope I can run until I die (at 110
) _ i try to make myself like weight training, but there is something almost too obvious about it (wanting to look fit and acquiring muscle mass) that bothers me. Running is more organic to me. What if one day I cannot run? Well, I will take my prothetic leg and find a way to run with it.
I had piriformis issues, kept icing and stretching like a good girl, and nothing really made the lingering pain go away. I could run through it but it wasn’t comfortable. Then I went to a massage therapist that used active release techniques on my butt/hip/thigh muscles and it fixed everything.
I really enjoyed your post today. My favorite part of what you said is this:
Ditch the “All or Nothing” attitude (If I can’t run, I’m not doing anything because nothing’s as good as running!) and do what you can.
I totally agree and it’s really helpful to remember!
Thanks
My left hip/piriformis has been bothering me lately too (I even have a numb tingly feeling on my skin, which means the sciatic nerve is probably being aggrevated). Just wondering if you did anything else other than rest (duh), ice, foam roll and/or sit on a tennis ball?????
ive been doing a lot of foam rolling, resting and icing like you said and some hop stretches specifically for piriformis, but ive done those daily for the past 3 years. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/qt/Piriformis_str.htm
Thanks so much!!! Hope your hip feels better for your race this weekend!!! I find that mine actually feels better while I’m running but then when I’m just sitting or walking around it’s painful.
I love everything you said. Especially about the part that running isn’t THAT important. In my mind, working out is great, but it shouldn’t consume your life. Life is too short to spend half your day in a gym (in my personal opinion).
Not running forces me to reevaluate what it is that I place that I base my identity off of and what my priorities are in life. Why must I feel the need to run? Is it to be fast? To stay thin? To be athletic? To stay sane? What if I got permanently injured and never could run again? If it would destroy me, then I need to re-evaluate what my priorities in life are, you know what I mean? In my church small group, we were asked to consider how we would react if we were stripped of our athleticism, intelligence, beauty, or whatever “temporary attribute” we put too much pride in. Was pretty eye opening, at least for me.
Sorry for the above typo. Should read: “what it is that I base my identity off of….”
I’ve had major piriformis issues and have learned that while using the foam roller (a lot!) and “releasing” the muscle by sitting on a tennis ball can help, I need to also strengthen my outer hip muscles to prevent this problem from re-occurring. I use some of the exercises at http://www.youtube.com/user/FunctionalFitnessPT and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=108IEEJW2UE&feature=related and have found these helpful. Good luck, that butt pain can be a real bitch!
I soooo feel all your points!!! Love this post. I’m taking the longest break from running I ever have and knew I needed it after literally being in tears not wanting to run the last race I was signed up for. I am having an awesome time learning more about nutrition, weights, swimming, spin classes, HIIT, and changing things up for a couple weeks. It’s funny how I can see a difference in my body so quickly from switching things up. Like you, I know nothing will ever replace running for me, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I needed that absence from running for a short time. Loved reading this post, makes me feel better about how I’ve been feeling
Isn’t it about time you go fishing?
I took a break when we were on our honeymoon…I mean I had to give the hubby all of my attention!
and it was great because I’ve jumped back into it with more energy and an appreciation for all of the different things I do. And no, Running isn’t everything..spinning rocks..kayaking is super fun…and being active in general is the key…to burning off the sweets we eat 
I’m on a break, too, and I’m not losing it like I thought I would. I’ve been doing some circuit workouts that make my muscles nice and sore, and that’s been a pleasant change. I am slightly injured but hope to be back running in 3 or 4 weeks.
I completely agree about feeling niggles when I run less. I find that to be the hardest thing about marathon tapering. I’m fine while I’m runnining 60-70-80km per week but as soon as I drop down to 30-40, I feel little niggles. Weird.
I also agree that strength training is crucial, as annoying as it is. Although you don’t need equipment or classes to do it. Good old fashioned body weight resistance exercises are great (push ups, lunges, squats, situps, etc), and you can do them while watching TV. About 18 months ago I decided to finally do something about my spaghetti arms. When I started I could not do any full push ups, now I can do 50 in 1 set, and 100 over 3 sets (50,30,20). Same for tricep dips. And I can definitely notice that I have muscle definition where there was none previously. I only do my little 15 min resistance workout twice a week. Its all about consistency of effort – a little bit adds up over time.
Gaaaah! I’m sorry you have having the pain in the ass problems.
I did read that piriformis is one of those things that doesn’t necessarily get better with rest (though I’m sure this is specific to each person). Not that I’m saying to run through it. But maybe that’s why the time off flared it up or something.
I hope it doesn’t bug too much on Sunday. Say hi to Pam for me
I’ll be leading the 4:25 pace group at O2O (kind of freaking out just a smidge).
whats 020?
thank you for the shout out, lovely! xoxo
I had some time off (something like 2 week) about 2 years ago when I fractured my metartarsal and during that time, my BFF was strength training, the elliptical and yoga. Reaffirmed my belief that running isn’t and will never be everything; life is more than just pounding the asphalt.
You mean you only ran 90 miles in May??!!? Slacker! WOW-I’m impressed with your April running! I have TRULY been slacking in the running arena these last few weeks of school and have got to get back on it! I have run a total of-sit down so you don’t faint-8 miles this week!
But I’m liking this running streak that Runners World has started-#RWRunStreak on twitter. It’s keeping me accountable to run “something” every day!
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpess.com
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s
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Superb work!
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