For the first two weeks of the month I did not exercise once. Two weeks is NOT LONG AT ALL in the grand scheme of things. In fact, I will be taking much more time than that off from running (update soon). But when you go from marathon training to literally nothing (and I mean less than 1,000 steps a day), it’s a bit of a shock. At least it was for me.
I’ve never been one to get “antsy” from not running or working out. Anyone who knows me knows I can win a couch-sitting contest. For a few days over the summer my sister and I practically glued our butts to the couch and only got up to eat, but we preferred when food was brought to us. My point: I like lazy days. I like rest days. If I wasn’t marathon training, I wouldn’t plan my workouts at all, other than maybe scheduling a group exercise class once a week if it’s a place where spots fill up in advance. However, I genuinely enjoy exercise. No one forced me to go to the dozens of fitness classes this summer in NYC. I really love being active and I feel better, mentally and physically, after moving my body.
I am admittedly frustrated having to take time off because of my foot. Not only can I not run the marathon, but I can’t run at all. Kind of a double whammy. Earlier this month when the injury first hit I was feeling defeated and uninterested in other forms of exercise. So, I did what any smart college student would do…I traded running marathons for Netflix marathons. Kidding. The truth is, I was tired. I decided to use the immediate weeks after my injury to take a break from all exercise. More than two weeks later and I didn’t gain 10 lbs (or any…I have no clue and don’t care), die or lose part of my soul. Dramatic enough for you?
I went to bed without setting an alarm, which is an amazing practice that we all should do more often. I read more. I took more naps (I didn’t think it was possible…it was). I ate normally. I caught up with the Kardashians (pun intended). I spent time with friends and family. I enjoyed time in the sun. All good things and, more importantly, all things I normally did on days I worked out. This means, not working out didn’t change much of my life.
It’s crazy to me how often people in both the blog and real worlds complain about taking rest days. It’s a freaking day. Most people in the world don’t exercise as much as people portray online or on social media. We act like it’s the worst thing in the world to lose an ounce of running fitness or muscle strength. If we aren’t being paid to perform, then it shouldn’t matter too much. Sure we “worked hard” to get to a certain point, but setbacks happen. Actually, I think the challenge of “losing” fitness and gaining it back is alluring.
By NO MEANS am I saying I’m done running half/full marathons, quite the opposite actually. Like the saying goes, “you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone,” I truly value and am grateful for my ability to run. It’s a passion and hobby that will be welcomed back with open arms. But I know for certain that running is a want, not a need.
So, there you have it. A long-winded result of some much-needed and guilt-free couch time. I’m not giving up fitness entirely during my injury recovery, but everything will change. I’ll fill you in soon, because I’m sure you’re curious. I am fully in-tune with what my body is telling me and I respect what it needs at this time in my life. That is what’s most important.
*Linking up to Amanda for Thinking Out Loud*
This. I feel the exact same way. When I got hurt this summer I took two weeks completely off. I’m sorry that you’re going through your injury right now, but soon enough you’ll be good as new and on your way towards your goals!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Baltimore Half Marathon – Race Recap
Thanks, Sam! I feel the same way. Time off and I’ll come back better. Hopefully :)
I don’t get antsy on rest days either. After a few days I just need to run, but I never had a problem taking 1-2 rest days a week. I’m glad you are resting up and taking care of yourself. And netflix marathons are way more fun than running marathons haha.
Lauren recently posted…Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats {Mighty Nut Powdered Peanut Butter}
Haha I’ve nailed the Netflix marathon thing this month.
I’ve had to take a month or so off of running because of injury in the past and it was during my track season so I was definitely antsy to get back into it, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely become more relaxed with my running and taking time off wouldn’t worry me nearly so much!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Happy 1st Birthday, Lil’ Bloggy!
I would get antsy too if I felt like I was missing out on my team. Glad to hear you’ve become more relaxed with running. It’s supposed to be fun!
I definitely think rest and relaxing comes more naturally to some than others, but it’s always good to hear about a runner taking good care of themselves. I hope you continue to enjoy your rest and healing!
Margaret @ Youngandrungry recently posted…Weekend Running and MRTC 10-miler
Thanks, Margaret! You’re right, relaxing does come natural to some.
Great post! We’re on the same page and wavelength I think :) Keep getting better girl!
Seriously mind-twins this week. I don’t mind :)
I never took off exercise for an injury, but I did take 10 months off while recovering from my eating disorder. Let me tell you, it was the most humbling experience. I realized how tied down to exercise I was. It was eye-opening, and I now have a newfound appreciation for the exercise I do now. I would have never had that had I not taken time away from it. I’m so glad you’re being self-aware about the whole situation. :)
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…WIAW: Typical College Eats
Thanks, Julia :) Time off from exercise, whether forced or intentional, can teach us a lot. Time off from anything can be a lesson for that matter!
This just proves that while you’re physically healthy you’re also mentally and emotionally healthy which I think so many people neglect on their fitness/health journeys
Georgie recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Let’s Have Fun!
That means a lot to me. I’d like to think so!
I’m in a super weird place with exercise because of my health issues. I work out because being still too much results in a spike in my pain problems and moving helps a ton. I also love exercise, and I make sure to only do exercise I enjoy for as long as I’m enjoying it, so I never feel like I’m forcing myself to work out. I can be really bad about taking rest days because I feel so much worse physically when I haven’t worked out. I know a lot of people with problems similar to mine can’t work out, so I’m extremely grateful to be able to… but I’d also like to feel good when I don’t. It’s such a strange balancing act. Sorry for the ramble. So glad you’re resting up and taking care of yourself!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Day in the Life #7
I like rambles :) It seems like you work out for the right reasons (it makes you feel better!).
Half marathon training has taught me to love taking rest days. I used to get antsy taking a rest day, but now I have learned to love them because I can be lazy and because I come back stronger the next day. I used to be in the mentality that I had to workout every.single.day. and that really got me nowhere. Having rest days, and even having weeks with minimal exercising, has only done me good in the long run.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…A Day in the Life #5
I agree that minimal exercise weeks can be very beneficial too! Lots of yoga and walks can help us reset mentally but still provide that movement we crave.
Good for you! I’m not good with taking time off, when I was sick/injured/idk last year for weeks, I pushed through, modified a bit, but yea, I kept doing everything I could as normal as possible. Maybe not so great, but I felt worse doing nothing. The one time I did have to take a few days off for real, it was so hard to get back and my body felt so stiff (but I guess not moving from bed…not moving at all, does that! Haha!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Recipe ReDux #24 Lemon & Mint Hazelnut Chicken
I have a feeling it’ll be rough getting back into running/cardio but it won’t be impossible. Another challenge :)
Wow I agree with this so much. I also love being active but love doing nothing :) I think it’s important to give our bodies a rest as well as our minds. I want to always be excited when it comes to running, working out, etc. and I think resting and taking breaks is one way to make that possible. Great post!
Amanda recently posted…A City I Fell in Love With: Part 2
I sometimes say that I’m the laziest active person. I freaking love lazy days! Plus, I always come back feeling stronger (mentally and physically).
Injuries are NO fun but rest is so critical! I am actually taking a rest day today because my knee has been bothering me quite a bit so this was the perfect article to read :) I have also enjoyed many extended rest days this summer during time off from work. I decided that vacations usually aren’t very restful in general because I always seem to be running around places so I took a real relaxing, butt on the couch, netflix marathon watching, “staycation”. It was amazing to do nothing and chill for once. :) I hope you recover fully soon! xo
Amber @ Awakened Nutrition recently posted…9 Amazing Benefits Of Starting Your Day With A Glass Of Warm Lemon Water
I hope your knee pain goes away ASAP! Your staycation sounds right up my alley.
Emily, I loved this post and it actually comes at such a perfect time for me. I wholeheartedly endorse taking rest days…in theory, but I’m one of those people you talk about who has a really hard time doing it. As in, I don’t ever do it. EEEEK. And I know better. BUT I’ve been feeling especially run down from all my running (ha) and think taking a break would be exactly what my body needs. Thanks for the nudge I needed and hope your foot heals soon! XX Katie
Katie | Honestly Nourished recently posted…Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups (vegan + paleo + gluten free)
Thanks so much, Katie! I hope you are able to rest and come back even more motivated :)
Loved reading this! I actually felt like I ate MORE last week without exercise because I was just hungry. It’s definitely a drastic change going from working out like crazy to doing nothing, but in some ways, I didn’t miss it because my body needed a break. It’s a good mental exercise though for people like us who are active and I hope everything turned out okay with the doctor!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…what got me to the starting line healthy
I feel the same way. I KNOW when my body needs a break because I don’t miss running. But now that it’s been 3+ weeks I’m getting the itch. It is a good mental exercise to try every now and then :)
Great read, Emily! I go in bouts of taking a few days off. And I’ve finally come to terms where I don’t “feel bad” about it. It has been a great switch in my brain from previous years of getting down on myself for missing a day. Thanks for sharing! :)
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Chocolate Chai Protein Bars [with hemp hearts + a giveaway!]
Glad to hear you have a healthy balance with time off :) I go through seasons of exercise too. Different things feel good at different times in my life/year
This was something I definitely needed to read. Resting is so hard for me, even when I’m injured. But, I have to remember that in order to avoid getting injured and having to take a longer time off, I should just incorporate rest in the first place. I love your attitude and I can’t wait to see your come back!
Sami recently posted…Week in Workouts 10/12-10/18 – Taking it Easy
I’m glad it resonated with you. I try to focus on the longterm rather than what I want now. I want to run/workout happily forever. A few weeks now will prime me for the future.
Props to having guilt free couch time! Recovering is so important. I have to be honest, I fall victim to the guilty feelings sometimes. It is, like you said, kinda crazy. I’m super hard on myself… and unlike you, I have problems with couch days! lol.
Honestly, I’ve recently been considering taking a week or two off, as well. I’m not injured, but I feel like I just need a reset, you know? I spent a long time (a few years ago) abusing and depriving myself, and I still feel like I haven’t fully restored balance since. But seriously, thanks for sharing the sense that it’s OKAY to take a break! <3
Thanks, Em :) It is more than ok to take a break when needed! Forced or intentional I think we can all benefit from one every now and then.
Great post and and interesting way to look at the situation. I’m a personal trainer, but I also have a day job that’s not fitness related so sometimes I just run out time and energy for fitness and you know what, I’ve decided that’s okay too. My main goal in becoming a trainer was to help other people changes their lives and if it’s changing from sitting all day to walking around the block each day then I’ve actually set out to do exactly what I hope to do. You don’t have to be working out every minute to be a success in fitness. It’s perfectly fine to take breaks, rest days or even rest weeks. I fully agree that being in-tune with your body is a good thing. Kudos for highlighting that it’s okay to take a break when needed.
Ali recently posted…Peanut Butter & Jelly Oats and a Giveaway
Thanks, Ali! I love your approach to personal training and I’m sure your clients benefit from having a balanced approach.
AWESOME post. I just two weeks off while I was on vacation in Italy.. and I feel the same way.. a day, two days, a week, a month.. whatever time you need to take. Take it. You have your whole life to workout.
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bites
Your last sentence. YES. Exactly my point. I took off when I went to Europe a few years ago. Plus we walked ALL day so I was too tired to do extra.
I’ve had to take the past couple of weeks off running due to an ankle injury and a chest infection and I definitely miss it. There have been a few stressful moments when I knew going out for a run would be a wonderful head clearer but by not being able to, it brought home to me just how much I love it and I will be a lot more grateful when I am up and about again. xx
Charlotte recently posted…Currently… September 2015
Sorry to hear you’ve been sick/injured too. I feel you on both aspects. Time off really reminds me how much I love running and how grateful I am for the ability (when I’m healthy).
I’ve never had to take time off from injury, but I have had to take several months off when I was severely underweight. It was incredible to see how much my body truly needed the rest, in fact it was begging me for it, but I was so out of touch with my body I had no idea. I definitely respect exercise now much more than I used to. I’ve always been active and love to run. I am so happy with the progress I’ve made in my recovery journey. I now enjoy working out because I love moving and challenging my body to be the best it can be. The difference now is I allow myself to take a rest day, granted I’m not 100% mentally “okay” with rest days yet, but I know it is part of the journey.
It is part of the journey and I’m so glad to hear you have made tremendous strides. It sounds like you have the right mindset behind why you exercise (you love it).
As you know I’m on vacation and I brought a couple outfits for running here at the hotel, despite the fact that we are walking and hiking everyday. I went for a run on the treadmill Monday morning (in my hiking shoes no less) and after being exhausted I thought, why the hell am I even doing this? After I realized I couldn’t come up with an answer, I went and got some coffee, sat outside and watched the sunrise. I feels ya.
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That happens to me a lot, especially when I’m in Tampa because that has been my “vacation” from school for the past few years. Your morning sounds absolutely perfect. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
I’m glad you have such a positive attitude about your time off! I love my rest days, but I get really frustrated if I have to stop running completely. (I guess I like knowing I could run if I wanted to, while I laze around on the couch.) I’m sure whatever you end up doing until you heal will make you even stronger when you do get back into running.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Weeks 11 & 12
You phrased it perfectly…I’m frustrated by knowing I can’t do something I like (I want the option!).
You know, there are some days when I’m not into fitness at all and I will willingly take the day off. But if I’m injured, I get antsy and just want to do SOMETHING. I believe it’s my incessant need to be in control :)
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…Five Minute No-Bake Cheesecake
I’m starting to get antsy now (going on 3 weeks of no running) but more so because I have extra time and don’t know what to do with it!
“It’s crazy to me how often people in both the blog and real worlds complain about taking rest days. It’s a freaking day” <– I seriously lol'd, because that's what I think a lot of the time when I hear people complaining about rest days. I stopped working out completely when I was recovering from my eating disorder, and it really made me realize how unhealthy of a relationship I had with it. I don't work out anywhere near what I used to these days, but I do love it a whole heck of a lot more.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #153 .
It gets annoying to hear people complain about them! Even though I’m not in an unhealthy mindset, sometimes I have to distance myself from what other people are saying about their workouts.
Rest…what is rest? Haha I loved reading this as this is my current struggle. I work out 6 times a week and feel guilty on Sundays when I don’t workout so I end up working anyways…so I pretty much work out every single day now. I am a girl that deals with an eating disorder of sorts and giving myself a relaxing day is so hard, especially since I have this mind set that says if you don’t work out you will gain weight. It’s an awful mind set to have.
I am glad that you wrote this post as this is one of my many goals that I am working towards. It is very inspirational to read things like this and try to tell myself it’s okay if I don’t work out today or just feel like sitting around and being lazy. One day I will be able to do this and feel no guilt!
XO,
Kat
Katerina recently posted…Thinking Out Loud: Life Ramblings #1
Hi Kat! Thanks for your comment. Although I’m just a girl behind a screen, I would love to support you on your journey. It’s really really OK to rest, especially if it’s what your body needs at this time. Take one day at a time and try it once!
WOW i need to get to where you are mentally ! i am a bad rester/relaxer. i feel a little guilty when i dont exercise in some way even if its just walking. i also think its my biggest stress reliever. i kind of grew up in a house where there was a lot to do and if one person was working we were all working type thing. there were certainly fun thing to and movie watching, ice cream eating, etc but in general i look back at it now and realize that for a really long time i rested when i was told to like by my parents who said the chores are done or a coach who said there is no practice today or a work schedule that said today is the day off etc. in my adult life i need to learn more how to decide internally if i need a rest day and give myself permission to let the house be messy when i need a day to catch up with the kardashians. my tivo is 70% full right now….ahhhhhh. i love your post. i want to more like that…i just dont know how. good for you !
Oh no, you need to get on your Tivo watching ASAP :) Hope you find time for some relaxation this weekend!
YES. A thousand times YES to this.
I’m sorry for your injury and that you won’t be running your marathon (major bummer!) but I LOVE your attitude about this. I genuinely enjoy exercise, but as a working mom, I have a hard time fitting it into my schedule. A time and a place for everything…right? You just reminded me that 1) it’s OK that I got a late start reintroducing exercise postpartum and thus have to regain my “lost” fitness and 2) couch/cuddle time is something to cherish, not feel guilty about. Thank you for this reminder. :)
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…Motherhood Unfiltered (+ Revisiting “Mom Guilt”)
YES to everything YOU said! There is a time/season for everything and if it’s cuddle time now (so sweet!) then take advantage of it :)
Not working out is good for me, because it shows me that I DON’T have to workout. And I’m still the same size after not working out… Now I try to do it because I like it, not just out of an obligation to burn off calories or be considered as ‘fit.’
Emily recently posted…Why I thought I was ‘Fat’
Exactly. A day or two (or more) off won’t change our size. So many other things in life are stressful so exercise shouldn’t be one of them.
If I wanted to say everything that’s on my mind regarding the topic I’d write a short novel. I’ll try to keep myself from that.
So … After stopping to run early this year due to an injury I’m now off of any exercise to properly recover. I won’t lie: it’s seriously hard and I miss running like crazy. All I ever do is go for walks or ride my bike to the town nearby. And honestly: many people I know don’t do anything else, either. Like you said, the blog world – while absolutely amazing – has screwed up our idea of the right [amount of] exercise. The majority of the population does not: run/lift/formally exercise 6-7 days a week, eat less on less active/rest days or even call the latter that. For the people I’m surrounded by rest days just happen intuitively. They occur when life gets busy or a friend spontaneously suggests going out.
I can attest having learned the same lessons from my workout break(s). Right now, I’d start up running to run, not burn calories again.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Do you dare to go naked?
I took off close to a month this summer for personal reasons. It was extremely hard to get back into it (especially the 5am alarm clock) but it was really beneficial to me to step back and take a look at why I workout and run 4-5 days a week!
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This post truly resonated with me. I just finished my first full marathon and I had quite a few minor injuries during training. I felt like the world was going to end every time I took off more than one day of rest. Even after the marathon was over I felt guilty for taking 3 days off of exercise. While my head wanted to get right back to the gym and running, my body was not ready so I have been sticking to yoga for the past two weeks or so since the marathon. I realized that it’s not the end of the world as well. Thank you so much for sharing this and I hope your injury heals fully and quickly!
Kellen recently posted…20 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Marathon
I LOVED this post and how you’re serving it straight up. While I haven’t had to take time off from fitness due to injury, I definitely go through seasons on my fitness journey that are less active than others. In fact, I’m in one right now – and I know it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes (especially on the highlight reel that is the internet/social media/blogging) there can be so many comparisons and feelings as if we need to do more because others seem to be “doing more”. Cheers to listening to your body, and I hope your foot heals soon!
Les @ The Balanced Berry recently posted…Protected: Fall Into Fit: Week 4 Schedule
Thanks, Les! The social media/blog highlight reel is tough. Sometimes I step away to prevent comparison but I’m *trying* to feel confident enough with my (forced) decision to rest.
Traveling for the past two years has taken a toll on my exercise routine that is for sure. The horrible thing is that when I don’t work out, I eat more because I’m bored leading to weight gain which can be frustrating.
I’ve learnt to just go with the flow and not to fuss so much over it because really, there are SO many more things in the world that are more important. I actually recently joined a gym and am psyched to get back into the flow of things!
Well said! There are so many more important things and fitness should only ENHANCE your life. But after an extended time off I do get excited to get back into a groove.
I am on day 6 rest day and I just had to stop as my body was really screaming at me. I felt bad for stopping, but I had to take a break just to recover mentally and physically. I realize that missing the past 6 days is not the end of the world and I have come to peace with it :) The anxiety isn’t there really, but I know when I start back, I will be 100% mentally there
Janene Dixon recently posted…Can You Freeze Granola?
I agree that people need to just relax a bit and not get uptight about taking a rest day. Rest is needed and is when your body adapts! I know that I always feel so refreshed after a rest day and more eager to do my next workout!
Awesome post! Whenever I go on vacation I pull way back on exercise and I always come back from the trip happier and healthier.
Needed this. Blunt and true. <3
It’s a good reminder for anyone :)
Absolutely… I got a injurie in my left knee..
I was training 3 o 5 days a week.. Working hard and gaining great results
Now I have personal trainer, my exercise are complete different, we get together twice a week.. I have more time to do different activities.
After my injurie I decided to have a paleo diet… I hear great things about it..
Geez! I hope you have a quick recovery! In the meantime enjoy your time off! I hate taking rest days, not because I get antsy, but because the next day at the gym SUCKS. how can it get that much harder from 1-2 days off?! I was actually just talking about this to my friend today lol I still take the time off and I enjoy it, I just know my work outs probably going to kick my butt when I get back to it =(
Lexi @That Fit Fam recently posted…on-the-go breakfasts
Hi Lexi! There’s no doubt that getting back into exercise is hard. I’m half dreading it half REALLY excited. When it comes to regular days off (when I’m not injured) I just remember that rest is necessary for muscle growth. Plus a kick in the butt isn’t an awful thing :)