So here I sit on day 6 of nada. Granted, I was at Disney World for 4 of those days, and I just gave myself the free pass for that so I could enjoy an anniversary with my DH (and in GREAT news, I had NO issues with my Achilles post-race, even though the couple days before it was a bit sore).
I'm starting to feel all soft and squishy, though, and definitely getting restless. I'm thinking just enjoy the weekend (but not sure I can without feeling lazy and guilty) and then pick up on Monday with some classes and lifting. But I'm worried about not running and my weight. I seem to have lost all my willpower and self-control, but it was okay, because, you know...running. My hope was to maybe get my eating reined in and lose those extra five pounds before starting to run again, but jesus, here come the holidays. And will I actually be able to get good workouts in without running? I'm so scattered right now, and frankly, not really sure what the point of this post is, other than hoping you guys have great stories about taking a break and getting healed and healthy.
Also to share that mixing coconut vodka with Diet Dr. Pepper is effing brilliant. (hot) (see? no willpower.)
I have been in SUCH a slump this month. I am supposed to be building a base for ironman training, but since my plan hasn't officially started, I keep picking beer and or chocolate over going for a run.
I do think taking breaks is great for you mentally and physically, though.
I think you will come back really rejuvenated. Maybe after a little time you might even enjoy the rest! I really do understand the fear of what will happen to weight when you stop running, but I think that because you're in such a great place physically, you will be able to maintain pretty easily, and even drop down as you may not feel as hungry.
Also - so glad WDW was such a fun week for you two And, if you're anything like me, coming home from a vacation where the food is good and never-ending, you probably feel softer/heavier/whatever than you will in a week when you're back to normal habits. It's the law of vacations.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Nov 16, 2013 16:29:29 GMT -5
I plan to take a running break, too. I need my achilles to heal. I'm also running a Disney half, and I want to be healed and healthy by then.
Wait, are we the same person??
I'm going to try to go to some spin classes, do yoga, and a couple of body pump classes every week. I'll still run, because I need to be ready for my half, but greatly reduced mileage.
I'm on a unplanned break. It's been kinda nice the last week but wish it didn't take breaking my toe to force me to take a break. I do miss it and can't wait to start again.
Enjoy the break, you sometimes need it to regroup.
Post by mrsjthompson on Nov 17, 2013 10:45:12 GMT -5
Well, first, I don't think you have too much squishy to worry about. But being on an unplanned break myself I totally understand your worry. I just keep reminding myself that I can't eat like I do when I run. And frankly, I'm not as hungry sitting on my butt all day long as I am when I get to work out. Thank being said I cannot wait until the doctor releases me to pool run or ride the bike. I'm even seriously considering doing the arm cycle machine at the Y. I'll have to kick the 80 year old ladies off of it to use it, but I'm just about to that point.
You may even lose if you end up not so hungry! I am glad I had a forced break. When I started running again, I wanted to run and I enjoy not having the stress of maintenance mileage. Plus, the pudge I did gain over my break is quickly shaping back up. I'm not really losing weight but I'm in much better overall shape by focusing on other H&F things. Hopefully, the same will happen for you, and you'll kick butt when you get back to running.
It can be really uncomfortable to just suddenly stop running. There are definitely other things that you can do to get a good workout, but most other activities do not feel as taxing to me as running does. Like I can feel worn out from them, but it is different and it takes a lot more focus to make that happen. I hope you find something that works for you.
We've been traveling so I haven't been exercising either. I don't graze/binge when I'm traveling though, so I ate pretty well but have only been on the elliptical (which I give the side-eye to, anyway) once LAST Friday. I am dreading going back to serious work outs and am definitely squishy but whatever.
'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather, to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming 'Woohoo! What a ride!' So every day is a holiday and every meal a feast."
I'm feeling the same way as you. I still have another month before I start a new training program, so I'm running a little, lifting some, taking classes here and there but not really feeling like I'm getting good workouts in. BUT I know I need to rest a bit too. Then again I can't seem to stop eating like I'm still training for a marathon either….*sigh*.
also slumping over here. it's been 35 days since the chicago marathon and I have run *maybe* 35 miles and drank approximately 35 bottles of wine. I can feel my muscles atrophying and also see my belly bloating.
I blame the lack of sunshine. it's so dark and cold all the time. fuck fall.
soon enough it'll be time to get cracking for the spring racing season so I'm hopeful that will get me back in gear.
I'm still relatively new runner, but I can relate to your fears. Try to enjoy your break. I agree with mrsjthompson, you have no need to worry about being squishy.