After my somewhat peppy and upbeat post from yesterday, I kind of made a big decision last night. I am going to take a whole month off from running—don’t worry I will still be writing about it a lot! I talked to my coach last night, and we talked about the fact that it has been almost a month and the injury hasn’t improved significantly.
Because I am your typical obsessive runner, I have continued to run a couple of times a week for the past two weeks (about 2 miles), and I think that this is definitely not helping my injury. Since I have no pain or discomfort on the elliptical, I am going to continue doing that for the next month to keep up with my cardio.
I feel a bit conflicted with my decision. I am so desperately going to miss the feeling of a good run, but I know deep down inside that I am doing the right thing for my body. I want to be in top shape for later in the spring when I get to hit the roads again. In the words of my coach:
“In short, my advice is to not run because I don’t see the benefit (to recovery or fitness – what does running 2 miles slow accomplish?). I think it’s smarter to be safe and let your body tell you when it’s ready to go. Does that help?”
Yes, it does! I think that about sums up my feeling on the issue. So here’s to a month on the elliptical while simultaneously trying not to die from boredom! Anybody have any good playlists or gossip magazines they want to send me? 
Good on you for checking your ego and listening to your body- it’s an incredibly hard thing to do! I’m cutting down on my miles while I have a sore knee that threatens to get worse- I just don’t want to make it worse (while at the same time it’s killing me not to get out there and run). Good luck, and enjoy the month off!
It is SOOO hard, but worth it in the end I know…Hope your knee starts feeling better soon- is it time for new shoes? 🙂
Only, we know our bodies the best. A few years ago, I took 6 weeks off because I had a double achilles injury. I tried running through it and was in the middle of a half marathon when I realized, I was done if I wanted to continue running for the rest of my life. I quit the half marathon and walked to the finish line with my head down. I pool ran for the next 6 weeks. I did Disney’s Goofy’s Challenge only 4 weeks after starting to run again. I wasn’t as fast as I was before the injury but I was running pain-free. You are making the right decision Jessica, hugs to you!
Thanks Robin! That’s exactly what I am thinking! I know the speed will come back when I am healthy again. I want to enjoy my runs not feel like I am slowly breaking my body down 😉
I have to give you a big standing ovation for this one – it is SO hard to give something up that you love but if it means coming back stronger and healthier than ever? The sacrifice is worth it *and* your body knows how to run, what it takes, etc., so you don’t need to fear that you’ll lose out on any running fitness in the process. This is a great move for you!
Thanks Jess! It means a lot! 🙂 I am going to keep the cardio up and prepare to rock the late spring/summer racing season! 😉
I once had to take 6 months off … and I did … and I healed … and I continue to run today (injury free). It is a smart decision, very hard to do, but I am sure it is the right one. Smile, time will pass and you will be stronger than ever.
I’m sorry you’re having to take the time off since I know thats no fun…but glad you are playng it safe and listening to your body. Hope this does the trick to get you 100%. 🙂
You are absolutely making the right decision Jess. It sucks that you have to approach in a way of giving up running for an entire month, but you’ll be so much stronger and happier when you’re healed and you can run again.
I look forward to you being healed up so we can run together again in the spring and summer.
And I have TONS of playlists I can send your way!
Oh, that’s tough! But definitely sounds like the right call. Isn’t it funny that we want to hang onto running even if it’s just a mile or two? Your coach made such a good point– even though you’re running, what is two slow miles really doing for your overall fitness? A month of maintaining cardio in other ways will keep you strong and ready to come back. Hope you get lots of playlists and gossip magazines!!
As hard as this will be, it does sound like the right decision. I hope the time passes quickly for you, and that your injury heals up once and for all!
My husband’s is also taking a break from running because of an injury and he is very depressed about it. I will share your blog with him. I really think it will help. I love running but I also love the elliptical. Have fun. 🙂