The Reasonable Runner

Rest! When I use that word, I am not referring only to sleep, but physical and mental rest as a whole. Both are essential, and can easily be overlooked in the busy-ness of every day life and the desire to be a great runner or athlete.

No matter how long or how hard you are training, always be sure to make time for rest. Running is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be real, it is exhausting, and it is not weakness to need rest. Building a full-night’s sleep into your schedule consistently and slowing down when you need to will help create long-term success in reaching your goals, and lessen the likelihood of injury and burnout.

If you have ever felt guilty for skipping a run, slowing down, or even taking a few days off, DON’T! While long term breaks from running (studies indicate this can take up to 4-6 weeks) can begin to ‘de-train’ your body, short term rest is good, don’t fight it! It is always far better to be more rested than over-tired, over-trained, and flat-out exhausted.

Having recently come out from a time of being sick, I took a week off running (which I haven’t done in at least 2 years!), and that was okay. Did I have to tell myself that a few times over the course of that week? You bet. But, I will be back at running this week, and I know I didn’t lose those 2 years of work in 1 week of rest. My body needed the rest, and I know I will benefit from it in the long-term.

Whether it is taking time off during an illness, making sleep a priority, or taking a day off to read, lay around, or go for a walk instead, let yourself rest. Rest is not weakness, and you and your body will be much better for it. You will not lose everything you’ve trained up to, and you’ll be back up to speed faster than you think, rest assured!