I have been on a running hiatus since November 23, thanks to a freak accident and some bad luck. Since I started running seven years ago, I have not taken any kind of extended break. There may have been a rest period of a week or two, here and there, but that was about it. Now that I’m unable to run and have lost months of miles, the only thing on my mind is getting back to it.
Breaks and rest are incredibly important for the body, and I don’t want to discount that. We need to use other muscles and make use of other skill sets in order to be well-rounded and stay healthy. It’s just fact. However, when you really love something, it’s hard to let it go.
A forced hiatus definitely changes the perception of the rest period. This break is to heal, quite literally, a break (two, actually). While my body is spending pretty much all its time and energy on that pursuit, I suppose the rest of my muscles are benefitting from the R&R. I wish I was cleared for things like yoga or barre, but my right leg isn’t ready for the twisting or flexibility required at even the most beginner level.
On the positive side, not running means more time dedicated to other activities. I’m reading more, crafting more, sleeping more, and spending more time on this blog. I have pushed myself to cross train and strength train in different ways, and fill the void with low-impact cardio. My PT told me that my hips will be so much better off when this is over, and I will admit I am excited about that.
I’m not sure what I’m expecting once I get the all clear. There will surely be some self-doubt and anxiety about my abilities. However, there will also be a newfound appreciation for my favorite sport.
Clearly, I’m not on board with this running hiatus. I worked hard to get to a certain level of fitness and “expertise” and losing that stings. Bad runs aside, I love running. I miss getting up first thing in the morning and joining a friend (or not) for some miles and conversation. This isn’t for everyone, I know, but I really thrived on that routine: it was like my coffee.
Like all challenges, however, the goal is to overcome and learn some lessons. The best thing to come of this hiatus is the perseverance and dedication to get it all back. And, one way or the other, I will be back.
It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Thoughts with KookyRunner and Zenaida!
Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!
Have you ever taken a break from running?
How do you fill your time during that break?
I always think about all the things I could do if I didn’t run, if I didn’t blog! When I was having health issues last year, I had much more free time. But I wasn’t very happy!
Right? I don’t think I could give up the blog, even if I had to change focus. I would be happier if I had more independence. I can drive a little but I’m still super scared of the highway and we haven’t had a chance to test it out yet. It’s hard when you have to rely on someone to bring you things and get you places.
That is so true that you have more time if you don’t run! I never read so many books like I did when I was injured! And it’s nice to discover new workouts as well.
It was hard in the beginning to get reading in because the meds really messed with my brain and my focus. I could barely concentrate on a tv show, let alone a good book. That’s been one of the worst parts of this experience: I’ve never experienced anything like a brain fog or loss of concentration long term before and I hated every second. I’m almost med free (I think I have another ten days) and then I hope to never deal with that side effect again.
Have you ever considered some chair yoga? Just throwing it out there. Although it does sound as though you’re keeping yourself plenty fit & busy as it is!
Good job finding a silver lining in an enforced “break”. As hard as it is to go through things like this, we do come out the other side even stronger — really.
I do have a chair yoga flow from a friend who teaches a course in it, but I think I have another week before I am confident enough to try it. Even with the support of the chair, I’m worried about some of the movements that rely on leg strength (plus that memory of how I used to do things). On top of that, there are so many exercises I HAVE to do, I’m now struggling fitting in new things. I’m lucky I work from home because I spend so much time on PT moves and stretches during the day.
Sorry you’re on a unwanted break. I hope you’ll be back doing what you love soon.
Me, too!
I like that you have found the positive during your break from running. Like you mentioned, it’s nice to focus on other forms of fitness.
It is. I wish I didn’t have to, but I have to deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.
You will definitely appreciate running more. Eventually. Not right away you will be as good as or better than your own self.
I knit.
I imagine the first few months are going to be miserable.
You won’t mind being slow. You’ll be so excited to be out there and running.
I know sometimes we don’t want a break. I like how you are looking on the positive side. I agree that you will be back and that calls for a celebration!!!!
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