3 felt like 13

Running isn’t always easy. Sometimes you go out for a run during the week after work and your legs feel like 2x4’s. Last Wednesday I was running and thought geez this 3 mile run is hard! I was running with Elway which is always a little more challenging because he pulls and gives me an arm workout as well! He also likes to stop and smell things which isn’t ideal for keeping a good running pace. But when the weather is nice I try to take him because I know how much he enjoys it! Anyway this particular day was hot and windy. It really wasn’t HOT per say but after running in negative degree weather all winter, 80 degrees feels hot! As I was running my last mile, I realized that I hadn’t taken a break since running 13 that Saturday. Whether it was running or the gym, I had kept busy all week. Sometimes when you’re tired running makes you feel more energized but sometimes when you’re tired running makes you feel more tired. This is how you know it’s time for a break. Sometimes taking a break is just as important as pushing yourself. As a runner, you fear taking a break because you don’t want to lose any of the hard work that you’ve gained. Despite that, breaks are necessary both to repair your muscles and restore your enthusiasm to run again. I recently read that you should take at least one 3-4 week break each year because this is how long it takes for your muscles to truly rehabilitate after hard training. I welcome this break in October after hopefully completing my first full marathon.