Time Out

A year ago I wasn’t enjoying running, and felt I was going through the motions with both my training and racing. It became a clear to me that running had become a chore and had ceased to be enjoyment for me anymore. I no longer felt that fresh, focused, accomplished feeling I’d always felt after a run, instead I was tired all the time and dissatisfied with my performances.

A friend suggested I take six months out the sport to refocus, and I took my friend up on that advice. I am so glad I did because the time out gave me chance to recover, and try out new things whilst running was put on the back burner for a while. Family commitments meant six months turned to twelve – and I’m not going to lie, it’s been a bumpy road. But I honestly feel the break from running what was needed in order for me to return with greater strength, energy, motivation, and discipline.

I should mention that I have been running now for over twenty years, so it’s no surprise i’ve needed the odd break now and then!

So my advice would be take time out if you need to, listen to your body. Listen to your mind. The demands of training and racing can catch up with us eventually. Sometimes it’s good to miss things to make you realise how much you love it. Time out can be a day to a year! I wouldn’t recommend much longer than that, as it can often be harder to get back after a long term layoff.

I am enjoying my running so much now and feel more motivated than ever before. I have set up ‘StreetRunner – the road back’ blog as an informative journal to not only document my own personal journey back to fitness but to help inspire others to get out there and enjoy the wonderful sport of running.

Thanks for reading 😊

#RunHappy

Suzy.

Suzy Street-Hall BSc(hons) Sport & Exercise Science & Level 2 Gym Instructor.

Follow me on Instagram @suzy.streetrunner