Any runners not go back?

[spedrunner]

So after a pretty bad injury and being out of commission (running) for about 4 months, I finally got the ok to go back.......except I have NO desire to.  I have found other things I enjoy so much and it feels so much better and less stressful for my body.  I love hot yoga, hiking, biking, walks, etc

I used to get up before work at 4:30 and run, I think all these years ive been forcing myself to do something and now just really need a break from it

Have you ever been injured and NOT gone back to your sport that you thought you loved so much?

The first month was torture, I beat myself up for not being able to run, it got much easier

I feel happy but a little bit guilty.  Maybe one day  I will want to run again, but I know I will NEVER push myself like I did  and get injured again.  I have finally learned that balance is what I need in my life

Share your story please!

[texassmith]

It wasn't because of an injury, but I did take about 3.5 months off after my marathon in January (so if you're doing the math, I just started running again this week). I was TOTALLY burned out after marathon training and just had no desire to run. Unfortunately, I wasn't really doing anything else like you are with yoga and hiking, so I put on a few pounds But mentally I just needed the break. I think it's totally fine to leave something behind without guilt. You never know if you'll want to pick it back up next year or in 10 years, or never. And that's OK. The most important thing is to do things you enjoy. Don't run because you feel like you're "supposed to." I think that will just lead to resentment.

[Susie]

Apr 30, 2014 11:35:09 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

I feel happy but a little bit guilty.  Maybe one day  I will want to run again, but I know I will NEVER push myself like I did  and get injured again.  I have finally learned that balance is what I need in my life

I stopped swimming at a high level because of college graduation, not an injury (at least the final time that I stopped swimming!), but it more or less felt the same.  Someone or something else decided for me that I had to stop, and I could no longer do what I'd been doing forever.  I'd been doing the morning workouts, the doubles, the swimming = whole life thing.  I pushed hard and achieved a lot, but I had no balance and was not well rounded.  When I got out, life outside the pool was kind of exciting to discover, once I got over the initial shock.  It was a new and different phase of my life, not better, not worse, just new.  It made me better rounded.  I think I am a better person for having done both.

About 5 or so years out (after law school, bar exam, and settling into life as a practicing attorney) I started creeping back.  Open water swims, tri's, running.  I've been out 10 years now and still don't do pool meets.  I am happy with this.  I will never again swim at the level that I did, and that is ok.

[dragonfly08]

I used to run pretty much exclusively, and loved it. One day I just realized I had too many aches and pains and didn't feel like doing it, so I decided to take a break. Subbed in other things like yoga, kickboxing, interval training, etc. That was over two years ago and while I'll still hop on the treadmill for a short 2.5-3 mile run every once in a while, I've never really gone back. I now use running to break up my other workouts, instead of using them to break up my running. And I don't feel a bit guilty. I'm still exercising regularly and happy with what I'm doing.

[hannahb]

No personal experience from this but don't feel guilty! There are so many ways to stay healthy. Running isn't the end all to be all

[spedrunner]

I love all the positive and inspirational stories ! Keep em coming!!!

I am realizing how obsessive I was with running and it feels good to do and enjoy OTHER things But the runner in me feels like a failure. That too will pass with time

[emsumm]

I feel guilty when I skip runs, even when I work out still. I guess bc running is harder for me? I much prefer, well, everything. I totally force myself to run. Once I'm out doing it, I usually enjoy it, and god do I love being done!
Anyway, I sprained my ankle and it took me a month to go back. I've cut my mileage by a third and I'm definitely enjoying the change.

[Brit]

Don't feel guilty. I stopped running for about five years once. I was just over it, then one day it just struck me that I would like to go for a run so I started back up. Life is too short to force doing things that you don't feel like doing.

[ebeth]

it's never happened to me yet. I've taken extended breaks (sometimes for years) before, but I've always returned eventually.

[labbie]

Apr 30, 2014 14:12:05 GMT -5 Brit said:

Don't feel guilty. I stopped running for about five years once. I was just over it, then one day it just struck me that I would like to go for a run so I started back up. Life is too short to force doing things that you don't feel like doing.

This is me, but it was eight years. I had overtrained for a marathon and suffered major burnout. I did spinning and boot camp class and hiked, etc. With no running for years. A year or so ago I fell completely off the h&f wagon for various reasons and one day just decided I wanted to run again. Humbling cuz I had to do c25k but I'm back up to 9 miles. I am different this time I think because I'm taking it slow and crosstraining . I am enjoying it and that's the point. If I stop again at some point that will be OK too.

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

[policegirl402]

Hi... I don't usually post here so I hope it is ok that I comment. I too was working myself too hard. I was going to a gym that focused on obstacle course race training. The classes were very intense and grueling. And the result? A torn rotator cuff. Surgery is in my future, but since I felt limited with the classes at my gym, I decided to do something completely different. I signed up at Pure Barre about a month ago. ( franchise type barre classes) and I love it!! It is so different from the classes I was taking at the gym and just the change I need. The best part is it really toned me up in weeks!! Yippee! So enjoy your new activities! Change is good!

[sugarbear]

I identified as a rower. I competed for a DI program in college, coached another DI program for years after I graduated, and competed as a master for seven years, doing 2-a-days and traveling all over the country to race with my team, well into my thirties. All of my teammates were my best friends.

Then I blew a disc and had a fragment surgically removed, with the additional warning that future spinal fusion is not unlikely. It was an overnight decision, and even if I'd not opted for surgery, I'm not sure I'd be able to row.

Honestly, I don't miss it a bit. I'm still part of the local scene, and will likely remain so forever. But I like sleep, I like trying to lift heavy, I'm thinner, and I'm not planning every day around two workouts.

[Deleted]

It's happening to me right now... I had a break for 2 months and have recently gotten back into running, except I don't feel the same passion. Partly because I don't have a marathon on the horizon now and am too scared to plan for one in case I get pregnant again, and partly because I have bought a bike and I am loving riding right now. Loving it.

I understand the guilt thing. I will probably push myself to do the half marathon in a few weeks then focus more on cycling this summer. Don't feel guilty. All exercise is good - running is not everything.

[Deleted]

Just to echo everyone, don't feel guilty, just stay active. I burned out on swimming last year and haven't gone back. It'll be there when I want it.

[woowoo]

I am on the 2nd year of what I thought was going to be a one year hiatus from CrossFit. After Crossfitting exclusively for over three years, I just got burned out. I kept injuring myself over and over, and was beating myself up emotionally when I wasn't seeing the progress I wanted to see any more. I just needed a break.

I've been focusing on endurance sports (running/swimming/biking) for over a year now and have learned so much about myself, my body, my recovery needs, stretching, foam rolling, etc. etc. and I'm ready to go back to CrossFit with a new perspective. Hopefully after this summer I'll be ready.

Sometimes taking a step back or a break from anything (job, friendships, running, etc) helps you reprioritize and gain perspective. Don't feel bad. Just stay active and find something new you enjoy. You might also meet new people, which is always fun!