It’s been more than a year since my last marathon. This was the first voluntary (not injury-induced) break I’ve taken from at least one marathon per year since 2006. I lived to tell about it. Here’s what I learned:
- Time flies. Maybe even moreso without marathon training in the mix.
- It’s still really fun watching friends chase and achieve and their running goals. Truly it is.
- When you’re not training for a marathon, you shouldn’t eat as though you are.
- There’s something to be said for not having to get out before dawn for 8 miles with pickups in the middle when it’s 80 degrees with 90% humidity.
- Everyone needs a break from the Garmin now and again.
- It was awesome to do non-running workouts without worrying how sore I’d be and whether that would compromise my training run.
- I really do enjoy strength training.
- I’ve gotten SO much more confident on the bike.
- Not sure if anything will ever get me in the pool. Maybe another Chicago fire?
- Although I hit pause this year, my days of marathoning are not over.
I’m coming for you NYCM 2014!
Have you ever taken a voluntary break from something? How did it go? Safe travels for everyone on the move for Thanksgiving!
Kari @ Running Ricig says
I’m loving my current break from the Garmin. It’s liberating! I’ve also taken a break from listening to headphones on runs, too. My runs feel much more relaxed.
Andrea says
I took a break from marathons injury induced and have not gotten back. While on break I rediscovered biking and then swimming and as you know triathlons. I would rather spend my long hours biking biking biking. And during the season doing tris. I am even thinking I won’t do as many halves next year.
Kate says
No breaks yet, though the first half of the year is always slower race-wise bc of finances. Totally agree about how fun it is to watch others chase their dreams and goals though. I love hearing and reading about my friends’ races and training.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl says
That’s the part I hate about not training for a marathon… you have to be much more cautious about your eating. I’ll see you at NYCM in 2014!!
Erin says
Yay! Josh and I will be in NY for the marathon in 2014 too. It would be great to finally meet up! 🙂
kilax says
Great list! The hardest part is not eating like you are training! Hee hee. The past two years I have said I do not want to do a marathon and have done one both years. I hope I stick with it next year, and don’t. I like the training part. Just don’t need the race.
Elle says
Wahooo. Will look forward to reading about your NYCM prep!
Jill says
I think sometimes you appreciate things more when you distance yourself from them awhile. Woohooooo, bring on NYC Marathon!!!
Lisa says
Sounds like a healthy break from marathoning. I bet you will be refreshed in 2014!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I’m on a break from zumba currently. It was a forced break because my instructor went out on a medical leave. She’s coming back in January, though – THANK GOD.
misszippy1 says
And I’ll bet you are fired up to train for it, too? I am thinking of taking a break, too, even skipping Boston this spring. I’m just burned out from marathon training…
Karen@ La Chanson de Ma Vie says
I take a break from the Garmin when I’m not marathon training. It feels really nice to reconnect with the leisure side of running.
Meghan says
NYCM 2014? I am SO excited for you – and totally jealous! 🙂
I’ve been on a 10 month hiatus from training for anything, but I will say that this break has made me grateful that I can run at all. I never used my Garmin when running while pregnant, and now I feel like I have less concern for time/PR’s/etc. We’ll see how next spring shapes up, but I have a feeling I will be doing a lot of racing for fun!
Char says
I take regular breaks from strength work – but that’s really no sacrifice because I don’t like doing it and I only do it because I know it’s a necessary evil especially as we age.
Terzah says
You will love NYC! And I hear you on breaks from marathons. I think it’s smart on many levels.
Kovas - Midwest Multisport Life says
Happy Thanksgiving! I bet the break means you’ll do doubly well at NYC!
Joe Troyer says
Good luck in 2014! Breaks can be nice. Mine has been forced upon me but am glad yours is fulfilling.
“When you’re not training for a marathon, you shouldn’t eat as though you are.”
Oh so true.
Carla says
You run so much that I didn’t even realize that you hadn’t ran a marathon in the last year. LOL about not eating like your training for one. I can’t wait to hear about your training and the NYCM. I’ve come so far that I know that what NYCM means without asking. That’s progress. 😉
Kim says
So glad that you have a marathon lined up and plans to train for it!!
Kim says
So glad that you have a marathon lined up and plans to train for it – can’t wait to follow your training!
Sandy says
I totally agree with everything you said. I think that taking a break really brings you back refreshed and ready to retrain again. NYCM is a great race to get back into marathoning!
lindsay says
#3 is the hardest!! It’s been tough for me being sidelined but now that I’m getting back into running I’m nervous about whether or not I can still make it! Got any tips for bringing back confidence?