I am a runner. It’s one of the only forms of exercise I tolerate and even enjoy on certain occasions. It has been something that has defined me for the last 7 years and will hopefully continue to be a big part of my life for many more.
But six months ago, I had just finished a Master’s degree and turned 25. I was feeling burnt out. The months leading up to my exam had been intense and stressful–the most stressful period of my life yet–and I had been exercising like crazy to keep the stress at bay. After successfully passing my exam, my body and mind collapsed.
And thus began my three month break from running.
I have always had a strong aversion to taking breaks from exercise, as being overweight runs in my family. Don’t get me wrong, I would take a week break here and there, but never more than that. So when I began this break, I didn’t call it a break. I just kept telling myself, “Tomorrow I’ll run.” Even when I went on a two month vacation across Spain and then South America, I brought my running shoes. And even ran once. But after that time, I came to the realization that I did indeed need a break.
And so I called it what it was, and put running out of my mind. Or tried to at least. I worried that I would lose my ability to run longer distances, that I would get out of shape, that I would gain weight…so many things I worried about. Granted, I was still walking long distances every day, but I still worried. I worried that my love and passion for running wouldn’t come back. What would I do?
So I pushed it out of my mind and continued on my way. Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru…and then back home. Where I still didn’t feel like running. Indiana, Pennsylvania, Florida…even when I was more or less settled in Florida, forcing myself to run took all of my motivation. And even then, I was forcing myself. Which led to another short break…
Now I am in Spain again. And on the road to running. I say on the road, because my motivation for running still has not completely returned. So instead, I joined the gym. I still run two days a week, but not nearly as much as I had been running before. And you know what? The first time I went to run, I completed three miles with ease. All my worries and anxiety about getting out of shape had been for naught.
And even though I run less, I am in better shape. I am mixing running with weightlifting and biking, and feel really good. The moral of the story for me: take a break. When your body is begging for it, take it. And don’t feel bad about it. The motivation will come back, slowly but surely, but only if you treat yourself with care.