Is it ever ok to skip your run or workout? When is it the right time? Will skipping a run ruin your training? Inquiring minds want to know!
It’s ok to skip your run when you’re injured.
Running, or working out, through injury can be incredibly harmful and damaging. This should really go without saying, but I think we all know how runners can be. Give yourself sufficient time to heal from injury, so you can avoid hurting yourself worse or injuring something else, and you’ll be glad you took the time away from working out.
It’s ok to skip your run when you’re sick.
Especially now, in the time of COVID-19, give yourself permission to rest when your body is fighting something. Weakening yourself through exertion when you don’t need to never leads to positive results. I tend to lay off physical activity if I have a fever, or if the illness is in my chest or stomach. It can be ok to work out through allergies and sinus issues if you’re up to it, but please listen to your body and your medical professionals and focus on getting better!
It’s ok to skip your run when you’re tired.
Exhaustion is a great reason to skip your run or workout. There is zero point to skimping on sleep if you an avoid it, and these days, fatigue is so very real. Moving a body that’s already too tired can lead to unnecessary strains, breakdowns, and burn out, which is certainly a path to giving up. Sometimes, let the snooze button win and give yourself a break.
It’s ok to skip your run when you have a better offer.
While I am a person who takes her run and workout schedule pretty seriously (consistency is key for me), I am always happy to let it go if I have a better offer. Sometimes it’s date night with a few cocktails the night before a race or long run. Maybe your kids want some extra snuggles in the morning. It could be that your puppy has cuddled up on your lap and is too adorable to move. Take the better offers. The run will be there later, but cherish those precious memories in the now.
It’s ok to skip your run when you feel like it.
Seriously. It’s ok. Unless you are a professional or elite athlete who needs to hit very specific training milestones in a very specific timeframe, it’s 100% ok to bail on a run or workout if the mood strikes. Moving your body shouldn’t be a punishment or hardship. Sure, we should love to do it, but sometimes, the stars just don’t align in that way. If you’re not digging it, then peace out every once in a while, guilt-free.
Do you give yourself permission to skip runs and workouts or do you stick to your schedule no matter what?
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So many runners have a hard time skipping their runs for any reason! I’m guilty of this too. I will skip a run if I’m injured or sick, but’ that’s about it. I’ve adjusted my workouts when I’m tired, but if I have time I usually try to still get something in.
Right now, staying on track with my runs and walks is really the only thing keeping me sane so I haven’t felt super compelled to skip. I know that if I’m not feeling well or if I’m hurting, I can let it go and not feel too too badly about it.
I agree with all of these. Running is here to stay, we are in it for the long haul, so skipping a run is bound to happen and is okay. Last week, I just wasn’t feeling it and I’m so glad I listened to my body as I feel stronger this week.
Yup! I think it’s great that you were able to give yourself a break!
Running with a nagging injury is my nemesis – I tend to ignore injuries as long as possible and then it blows up in my face. There’s no harm in skipping a run to stay healthy in the long run!
Thanks for the reminder, Jenn!
I think most of us are the same way. I try to be a lot more careful with that now, just in case.
All legit reasons. I have used them all.
But sometimes if I make myself get out the door, running was the right choice. I always feel better.
I agree with you. I love when I make it out the door even when I think I don’t want to. It’s usually just a matter of doing it.
I used to feel so guilty if I skipped a run or workout like the world would come to a stop. I have learned the hard way a few times that it’s better to skip a workout if you are feeling off or suspect an injury coming on
Absolutely right.
I pretty much stick to my schedule no matter what- which an be good and bad. Consistency is important, but there have been many times where I ignored the warning signs, pushed to hard and ended up with an injury. Still working on that!
I like your t-shirt in that first picture where you’re on crutches, ha ha…(btw I’m assuming it’s an old picture, otherwise I wouldn’t be laughing!)
I really try to stay consistent, but sometimes it’s ok to let it go. It’s going to be a struggle in the morning when the temps drop again. Ugh.
It’s ok to laugh, for sure. I had the shirt specially made because at that point of my injury, what could I do but laugh. The surgeon and staff and at the ortho office got a kick out of it.
All solid points 😉 I especially embrace the final one, and have often pointed out that I am NOT an Olympian, so I do not need to train like one LOL
I think that’s true for a lot of us! Sometimes I do feel guilty when I slack, but meh. I don’t have anyone I need to impress.
Well, obviously I’m ok with skipping runs at the moment. I am less likely to do it if I’m training for a race — the upside of not training!
When we were in UT I traded almost all my runs for hiking.
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When training for a race it can feel tempting to not want to miss a run, but I agree that you have to listen to your body and remember that it’s not the end of the world if you miss a workout. I’m currently battling an (annoying) cold and haven’t run or worked out aside from some light yoga, and that’s good enough for me!
I think occasionally skipping a run can be key to long term consistency. There is no predicting when burn out could strike so it’s best to gauge how things feel constantly and take a day off when needed.
I love this! The older I get the more I give myself grace if I need to skip a run (or two). I took more than a week off when I had covid, then started back slowly.
Having COVID is an excellent reason to take some time off! I’ms o glad you’re back at it.