16 Comments
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Nelda Rupprecht's avatar

This hit home but also made me give myself a break and realize I'm not alone in the struggle.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I'm so glad to hear that, Nelda!

Michelle Tenzyk's avatar

I was so glad to read this...although my running is going fairly well, the last few weeks have felt uber-hard. I gave myself off one day last week, and ran less miles this weekend. So happy to did that and will continue it if needed. I need to give myself a break!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I hear you, Michelle. I go through times like that too -- definitely give yourself a break 😃

Sandra's avatar

The timing of this post is on spot for me. Due to the significant change in my routine - 100% working from home vs pre-COVID - commuting, combined with not being able to run with friends, I have discovered that my workouts and running have taken huge negative hits. Earlier, I struggled with aches and pains and then motivation went way down due to no races. I haven't consistently run or worked out for about 4 months now. Today I started back to running because I miss it. But oy! is it difficult!!! The whole time I chastised myself for letting me get out of shape. Not a good mental state to be in when trying to get back on the fitness wagon. Again - without having my fellow running friends to help me push through - I'm left with my thoughts! I have resolved to take it slow in order to avoid injury and frustration though. But I'm not a happy camper right now!!

Karen T. Gault-Welt's avatar

I needed to read this SO badly!!!! Thank you Terrell -- I need to incorporate more rest into my schedule (I don't think 7 days a week is good) and I have to do some strength work, although I don't have a lot to work with at home.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

So glad it resonated with you, Karen!

Howie's avatar

Really, really timely, Terrell...& thanks for what you shared with us!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Right back at you, Howie!

Rebekah C's avatar

Thank you for such a timely article! While I've been fortunate enough to keep a normal work schedule and routine there are many other things in life that have been turned upside down. Many times we are unaware of the toll of stress till it knocks us on our butt and leaves us wondering what on earth happened?? I have felt this more often the last month or so I think than most of last year. Its important to be mindful of the physical as well as mental effects of stress in our life and give ourselves a break. A great reminder!

Gara Doll's avatar

In the colder weather, my runs have slowed considerably, and I'm adding yoga and strength training more regularly. I'm not crazy about my pace, but I'm happy to be outside in the cold,

As I'm pretty sure the cold weather builds immunity. 18 degrees!!❄🤪🧦🧥🧤

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Wow! 18 degrees!! My goal this year is to add strength training -- I used to do it, but it's been years since I did it in any sort of consistent way. Turning the page 😃

Bren G's avatar

Very relevant, thought provoking article, thank you Terrell! I found myself nodding agreement until the final paragraph...the phrase "not be too fit for no reason" caused me to stop nodding and say "what?!?" out loud. Is the implication that as runners we stay fit just for races instead of for our overall well-being? Did I misinterpret...what interpretation do others in the group have?

Ruth Beardsley's avatar

I thought she was just talking about peaking for a big competition like the Olympics (pretty big!). Can't keep up that level of fitness all the time, etc. Not that I have to worry about such a big race -- ha ha!

Gara Doll's avatar

Agreed, I want to chase my youth into the 90 year mark!