The roads were calling
After a disappointing Spring marathon training season that ended in a canceled marathon as we were running it, I decided to take a break from running. I found myself completely unmotivated to run or work out, so I listened to my body.
And life, as happens sometimes, got in the way of running.
Work became really busy as census picked up and I was needed more. Long work hours also left me too tired to run. But recent patient interactions have been highly rewarding, and for that, I’m grateful.
I’ve also spent a fair amount of time deciding on a new vehicle since my 15-year-old car has finally waived the white flag. My poor girl is tired. I keep telling her she won’t have to go much longer, and that she has served me well. I have a car on order, though, which should arrive in June. I’m definitely not looking forward to a car payment.
After three weeks off, the roads began to call to me, so I listened again. Mother’s Day was my first run back, and I only ran 3 miles.
It was a group run, and I surprised myself with my ability to keep up with runners who I know are faster than me! And as we returned to our cars, my brain was like, “That’s all? We normally run farther than that on Sunday!” But I didn’t want to overdo things after taking so much time off.
Did I lose my aerobic base? Probably not. I do believe that I helped spare my body a greater risk of injury by giving it a break. And I certainly needed it, because I was feeling a bit burnt out.
Running should be fun, not tedious. I don’t have to do this. I get to do this. I have to remind myself of that every now and then.
The next couple of months will be weird fitness-wise. June begins marathon training season again for fall races. And I will return as a coach for my team. But I will also be traveling to London. I’m not sure if I will run on vacation or not. It’s a school trip, and I have no control over the itinerary. They have also encouraged us to only take a carry-on bag for this 10-day adventure, so that limits what I can bring. All problems for another day. But I’m certain we will be walking a ton!
I will focus on finding a workout routine again, with no pressure to adhere to a set schedule. I just need to return to the simple joy of movement, the meditative time on my feet during solo runs, and the therapy of conversation during group runs.
___________
The lead photo is on my last run, where I was greeted by the neighborhood horses. They even came over to say hello after snapping this photo! They seemed disappointed that I didn’t have treats for them.
Have you ever battled exercise burnout? How did you cope? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 