The running rest week is hard. After my injury and surgery, when I was off my feet FOREVER, I never wanted to take a rest week again. For an athlete, that’s not reasonable, and taking a break every so often is actually such a healthy way to
Schedule Your Rest Week On Vacation
I knew that I would be unable to run at Scout camp. Not only is running against the rules at camp (for safety reasons), I would be unable to accomplish it safely in the woods and on the hilly, rocky trails. It wasn’t the perfect time for a rest week, but it was a good time, so I figured I could make the best of the situation. Vacation is a solid time to take that break, so you don’t have to worry about scheduled training while trying to enjoy yourself.
Focus Your Energy On Something Else
Runners who aren’t running are infamous for being less than pleasant. In order to keep my mind off the fact that I wasn’t running, I filled my hours with other physical activities. I made sure to continue my run/walk/jog streak, getting in one mile of dedicated walking every day. Sure, that was what I timed on my Garmin, but the truth is that most days, I walked more than ten miles around camp. I also did some swimming, and even played a round of (terrible) golf.
Try Something New
Just because you are taking a running rest week doesn’t mean you can’t focus your energy on something new and different. Maybe try out a trial class at a nearby gym. Do some dance challenges on TikTok. There are so many options for fun, active things and now would be a great time to try them.
Enjoy Yourself
Just because you’re not running doesn’t mean you need to punish yourself. Indulge a little. Treat yourself. Go to bed late and sleep in, if it feels right. Having a rest week means giving yourself a break from all the “rules” and offering yourself grace. Take advantage of it.
Look Forward To Your Return
Sometimes, the best part of coming back is the return. Take your time to plan your first run back. Maybe go to a new location, or get a cute new outfit to celebrate. Bask in the awesomeness of the comeback and use those miles to remember what you love about this sport.
How do you get through your rest weeks?
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These are great tips, Jenn!
During my last break from running (forced due to injury), I discovered Pilates, spent more time on yoga and did longer bike rides. It’s a great opportunity to explore and try out new things!
Catrina recently posted…We Did It And Things I’ve Seen On My Runs Lately
It’s great to find those opportunties.
I enjoy getting a little more sleep during time off from running! Its nice to have a mental break as well as a physical one. I took a full week off running last August and went for alot of walks instead, which was nice.
More sleep is always a good thing!
I know what you feel like. When I was injured I always said that when I could run I would.
Of course life gets in the way.
Luckily I always can run even if I am tired or rundown or feel off. And feel better after.
Good tips for when it’s impossible.
I am the same. I always feel better after a run.
It really can be challenging to schedule a rest week! It is good for all of us to have one every once in a while. It is always fun to try new activities while on vacation as well
I’m glad I had the break. I was still super active, but just no running.
I’m glad you had some fun things to do during your rest week! That’s so strange you aren’t allowed to run at camp, though. Is the terrain really rough and uneven?
There are a lot of safety issues in play. The ground was very rocky and uneven. However, they also don’t want us off by ourselves, and alone in the woods. If I were to fall and hurt myself, cell signal was poor, so I might not get help right away, etc. Plus kids on bikes not paying attention, shooting ranges, etc. Adults and kids are subject to the same rules, and I was prepared for that.
I think you did it perfectly- you had such a busy week you probably didn’t even miss running. And now you’re back at it with renewed appreciation! Great post.
I did miss it, but I was also so hot and I couldn’t pack enough clothes to make sure I wasn’t a sweaty mess.
It’s so important to take a rest week and these are some great ideas to keep our minds off running! The next time I have a break, I’m going to make sure I engage in other physical activities like walking or pilates. My mistake has always been to not do anything and then sulk that I’m not running!
I am an EXCELLENT sulker. I also get just a teensy bit cranky. oops.
I would really struggle with a total rest week. I don’t need nonstop action, but I do like to have some activity on the daily. I’m glad I have biking and walking when running is off the table.
I was definitely glad to have walking. I would go crazy otherwise.
I don’t think I’ve ever taken a week without any running except when I had surgery (twice) and when I cracked my patella. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be good at it. 🙂
Great tips! I always go for walks during down weeks (and regular weeks!). Even when I was off for six weeks after my C-section, I walked starting the first day in the hospital. I also let myself sleep in on those weeks.