Anyone ever take a week off?

[Deleted]

I think the longest I've gone without a workout is 3 days, and that's been probably... 2+ years. Usually I take 1 rest day per week, and that's it. My body is constantly tired, but not really injured. Sure I have aches and pains, some lasting more than others, but nothing that has sidelined me for an extended period. 

I've got a vacation coming up, and while it's pretty easy to exercise there, I'm thinking about just.... not. I worry about losing fitness in the week (crazy) and losing momentum (crazier). I've heard that taking a week off every once in a while is really good for the body and mind. It's not that I have to sit on my ass, there will be lots of walking and stairs and I can pretty easily talk some people into beachside yoga if I wanted to. 

I have an amazing summer ahead of me. I'm not training for much besides a handful of 10ks and as much CrossFit as I can manage. A few things that concern me more legitimately are 1) I have a 10k the sunday after I get back from vacation and 2) I'll eat more on vacation than at home, which could add on a few lbs and make me crazy.

Thoughts? Anyone do this?

[clseale]

Yes, I have, when I've felt burnt out, or been traveling for work. It's glorious. I think, more than physical, it will be good for you mentally. You need to get past the block. Taking a week off is not a huge deal, and you shouldn't feel anxious or guilty for doing so. Enjoy your vacation!!  You can still stay active, but not be on your usual schedule. 

[bostonmichelle]

I took a week off in February due to a really bad head cold and just feeling exhausted. I was only training for a 5k, but I nailed a huge PR about 5 weeks later (apx. 3 mins), so I would say if you are that tired, take a week off and relax!

[CallingAllAngels]

I do, like every 4 months, but you probably don't want to use me as a model for anything.

[shoeless]

I take a week off probably twice a year (at least). I need the mental break and I love not worrying about trying to fit in a workout.

[kams]

Oh yes!

[Mushe]

Yup! I took a week off this last Christmas, and came back rejuvenated. I'm currently on a week off, but on doctor's orders...hoping I'll be cleared tomorrow and can do a Mother's Day long run.

[sadlebred]

I take a week off usually twice/year. It does no harm, and you won't lose fitness.

Last fall I took off nearly over a month between my knee surgeries--4 months if you count I was limited to "riding on my local rail trail slower than a snail for an hour or less."

I also took 4 months off a few years ago in 2 month blocks for major surgeries. I came back stronger than I've been in a while. Rest does you good!

[Deleted]

I think I am sold. I am hoping it doesn't make me super anxious, but only one way to find out I suppose.

[clseale]

If it makes you feel any better, I fully plan on doing this when we're in Italy (12 days), and we'll be smack in the middle of marathon training. We'll front load the week we leave to a point, and get back at it as soon as we get home, but there will be a full week in between where there will be little to no running. We'll bring our shoes, but I'm writing our schedule around those 12 days, and if we don't run, we don't run. We'll be walking a ton, hiking the Pathway of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast, swimming in the Mediterranean, etc. Training will always be there, 12 days in Italy with my DH might not. I refuse to feel anxious or guilty about that. Plus, if you're in a constant state of tired, listen to your body.

[joenali]

Like a full week of doing absolutely nothing? Like not even a walk? Rarely. I'm on activity restriction until at least the end may but I'm going on walks almost daily and aqua jogging.

[emsumm]

On vacation I've done 5 days. It's amazing. I don't want to take the time away from friends/family!

[AAM2012]

I take a week off of running every 3-4 months unless I am training for a specific race. Usually my break(s) is between Feb-June/July and then I start training for winter races. I'll still go for walks, lift weights and do the elliptical even during a break. However, if I was on vacation I would have NO problems not doing much that week other than the occasional walk, this is especially true when a vacation involves the beach and fruity alcoholic drinks.

[spunkypenguin]

I took a week off (more like a week & a half) right after the Cherry Blossom 10mi last month. It was awesome! I also plan to take a week off before I start Marathon training and again after my marathon in October. I was the same way - hadn't taken a good break in 2ish years. I am now sold on breaks One week will not completely derail all your fitness efforts. If you're anything like me, you'll be itching to get back to your routine

[Deleted]

I take more weeks off then I care to admit. I usually don't work out while we are on vacation but we generally walk... A LOT, so I don't consider it a total loss.

[clseale]

Ummm....I think you can go for a walk, guys. LOL She mentions walks & beachside yoga. I think she just means a break from her normal routine.

[cinco]

Yes! With the amount of running I do, I think it is a necessity. I carved out a good bit of time in my next cycle b/c we are camping (damn do Italy and Napa sound better clseale @vtcupcake) I also sometimes take off a full week post marathon. I still walk and do active activities, but no planned exercise.

[starburst604]

I've had trainers who recommend doing this every 3-4 months.

[Velar Fricative]

Sure! A week won't put a dent in anything and since you mentioned you feel tired, I say go for it.

[foundmylazybum]

Everyone I know does this.

It's in every single training plan I've ever done lol.

[clseale]

May 9, 2014 6:50:32 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

May 9, 2014 5:46:03 GMT -5 clseale said:

Ummm....I think you can go for a walk, guys. LOL She mentions walks & beachside yoga. I think she just means a break from her normal routine.

Oops, I guess I glossed over that. Yeah, that's fine. I just need to have some form of activity daily. 

Reading these replies actually made me giggle at all of us, because our views of what's exercise & what's not is skewed from the average person. Like, "Sure! Take a week off. Rest. But totally still go for long walks & maybe some beach side yoga." That's our version of resting. 

A couple of years ago, I was sidelined with a hamstring injury. The PT finally gave me the go ahead to get active and instructed me to "get some walking in over the weekend." Our conversation that following Tuesday went like this: 

PT: Did you go for a walk this weekend?
Me: I did!! I got 8 miles in on Saturday.
PT: 
Me:  (huh)
PT: 8 miles?? That's not really what I meant when I told you to go for a walk.
Me: Oh, yeah, see, you're going to have to be more specific than that when you tell a runner to go for a walk. 

[gt7301b]

May 9, 2014 7:13:59 GMT -5 clseale said:

May 9, 2014 6:50:32 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

Oops, I guess I glossed over that. Yeah, that's fine. I just need to have some form of activity daily. 

Reading these replies actually made me giggle at all of us, because our views of what's exercise & what's not is skewed from the average person. Like, "Sure! Take a week off. Rest. But totally still go for long walks & maybe some beach side yoga." That's our version of resting. 

A couple of years ago, I was sidelined with a hamstring injury. The PT finally gave me the go ahead to get active and instructed me to "get some walking in over the weekend." Our conversation that following Tuesday went like this: 

PT: Did you go for a walk this weekend?
Me: I did!! I got 8 miles in on Saturday.
PT: 
Me:  (huh)
PT: 8 miles?? That's not really what I meant when I told you to go for a walk.
Me: Oh, yeah, see, you're going to have to be more specific than that when you tell a runner to go for a walk. 

Hahaha I love this.  When I was "resting" after my last two half marathons I went for a 2 hr walk and painted my deck.  We are not normal folks.

[wambam]

I took 10 days off in September for a vacation and I'm glad I did. It felt great.

I took 2 weeks off completely in February for surgery and was on modified workouts for an additional 2 weeks after that. That didn't feel as good. I was itching to be back.

We have a programmed deload week every 8 weeks, and that is always a welcome change of pace.

[Deleted]

May 9, 2014 2:09:45 GMT -5 @kirkette said:

May 8, 2014 22:51:08 GMT -5 joenali said:

Like a full week of doing absolutely nothing? Like not even a walk? Rarely. I'm on activity restriction until at least the end may but I'm going on walks almost daily and aqua jogging.

Yeah, I'm a no.
I would go crazy, and be hellish to be around it I didn't do anything. 

Definitely not planning on 'nothing'. Walks, there's a casual bike ride I'll go on, some yoga, probably some abs. Just no crossfit, no running, no hard-core cycling. Plus the beach houses are like 4 stories and you walk up and down stairs ALL DAY LONG.

[Deleted]

May 9, 2014 5:46:03 GMT -5 clseale said:

Ummm....I think you can go for a walk, guys. LOL She mentions walks & beachside yoga. I think she just means a break from her normal routine.

Yes this exactly! You got me.

[jchokie79]

Umm, I haven't ran since Sunday so... yes.

[hannahb]

Yes. I'm doing it now. Just a week to recharge. I've swam a little, walked with the baby, and I did a little yoga but breaks are necessary! Enjoy the vacation!

[Raggedeannie]

I've only done that one yoga class this week post-half. Granted it's been a tough work week getting ready for this trip and then 24 hours on planes, but it was good timing for a break. I'll hit the pavement tomorrow!

[osulori]

Yep! And it was lovely. Enjoy it

[blndsnbrdr]

Yup -- sometimes your mind/body really needs that down time. I've found I've actually ended up coming back with strong runs/workouts after I take more time off.