For the first time in months, I’m taking some time off from running. It was really strange to wake up on Sunday, my usual long run day, and not get up to go run. I was really looking forward to sleeping in. The weather was even cooperative: cold and rainy. But, alas, my brain was awake at 6:30. So much for those plans!
I did go for a 4 mile-ish run/walk with my fellow Pink Nation coaches on Tuesday last week. We ran through The Fan to see the fancy houses on Monument Avenue decked out for the holidays. We also got to see the progress they have made in dismantling the pedestal that once held the Lee monument. There were lots of stops for pictures! I was feeling pretty good after the ultra until I ran that day, though. On Wednesday, my body cried mercy, so I’m trying to listen.
Why are rest days important? We need that time off from working out or racing to allow our bodies to repair and recover. If we don’t, we set ourselves up for injury. Marathon and ultra training are really, really hard on our bodies.
So, what’s a girl to do when running is her means of stress relief? I’m going back to my taper activities. I have a pile of books to read. (I can’t resist a thrift store bargain. And I found a bunch of really interesting new books!) And I’ve completed yet another loom woven wall hanging. This one is for me!. My interest in weaving has led to a new round of hunting and gathering of yarn. I’ve found several partial and full skeins of yarn while thrifting, and I just bought some beautiful yarn for a new project.
I will start back into workouts this week. I have a home gym, and will likely take advantage of it. With the new variant running rampant, and our hospitals dealing with yet another Delta surge, it’s too risky to go to the gym right now.
Hopefully these few days of rest are exactly what my body needs. I will then transition, finally, to my winter maintenance running schedule. I’ve got a few half marathons coming up this spring! With my maintenance schedule, I’ll be ready to jump into a half marathon training plan at any time!
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Do you take breaks from running after big races? I’d love to hear about it!
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 
Sometimes, it takes just as much discipline not to do the things you love, as it does it pursue them with gusto. And that time away can create a greater sense of appreciation and gratitude. It’s good to take time away.
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Agreed! 🙂
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