We must slow down to get faster.
Even more, absence makes the heart grow fonder, with anything that we love so dearly.
As fun as it is, runners must take a break from training and racing to reset, reboot and reflect.
Only then can we return stronger and ready to continue our journey of running for a lifetime, not just racing for today.
After running 11 races from distances 5K to 50K in 12 months and winning first overall female in four, second overall female in four, third overall female in one and first in my age category in the remaining two, I am ready for a running break.
I had my second son, Grey, on April 2, 2017 and began running 20 days later. Read how I made it to the start line injury free and happy: From Birth to 5K: Running My First Race at Four Months Postpartum and Five Tips to Get There.
Since then, I have been so utterly ecstatic to be a healthy, running mom of two boys, that I just could not get enough of the racing love! Mingling with other racers, pushing my limits, experiencing life on the run, ah, it has been MAGNIFICENT!
Yet, now, my body, soul and mind must restore itself.
Below I give you a list of five things to do to keep your little running heart content while taking a break from the trails (or roads if that's your jam).
Even more, absence makes the heart grow fonder, with anything that we love so dearly.
As fun as it is, runners must take a break from training and racing to reset, reboot and reflect.
Only then can we return stronger and ready to continue our journey of running for a lifetime, not just racing for today.
After running 11 races from distances 5K to 50K in 12 months and winning first overall female in four, second overall female in four, third overall female in one and first in my age category in the remaining two, I am ready for a running break.
I had my second son, Grey, on April 2, 2017 and began running 20 days later. Read how I made it to the start line injury free and happy: From Birth to 5K: Running My First Race at Four Months Postpartum and Five Tips to Get There.
Since then, I have been so utterly ecstatic to be a healthy, running mom of two boys, that I just could not get enough of the racing love! Mingling with other racers, pushing my limits, experiencing life on the run, ah, it has been MAGNIFICENT!
Yet, now, my body, soul and mind must restore itself.
Below I give you a list of five things to do to keep your little running heart content while taking a break from the trails (or roads if that's your jam).
1. Build Trails
On Sunday, August 19, my oldest son, Avie, five years old, joined the Ohiopyle Biking Club to break trail for the Upper Canyon Edge Trail, which will connect to McCune and Canyon Edge proper, eventually connecting a system of trails on Sugarloaf Mountain in Ohiopyle, Pa. The new trails will make for non-stop, long, flowing, single track fun on foot, bike or skis.... a dream come true! As a native Ohiopylian and leader of the all-female trail running group, the Trail Run Tribe, it touched my heart to build trails for the ladies with whom I run as well as our future generations of young ones.
Contact your local parks to learn about trail building opportunities.
Contact your local parks to learn about trail building opportunities.
2. Watch Running Documentaries
Running World magazine posted a list titled Best Running Documentaries. Trail Runner Magazine posted 11 Inspiring Short Films About Trail Running. A friend sent me a short, sweet award-winning film, For The Love of Mary, about a 98-year-old man who runs to remember his late wife. Watching others LOVE what you love just feels good and brings me back to the main reason why I and many others run and race... for the connection to others and the community.
3. Cross Train - Running breaks truly fly by when you have other physical passion pursuits. Mine include biking (mountain, rail trail and road), white water kayaking, swimming in the river, hiking, rock climbing, strength training and, of course, yoga. Getting back to some of these activities and increasing the amount of time spent with others (yoga!) has has been quite nourishing. Variety is definitely the spice of my life!
4. Volunteer
For several years I have been teaching yoga for runners to the cross country team during their end-of-summer mini camp at my alma mater, Uniontown Area High School. Sharing yoga with other runners is the reason I became a yoga instructor, and I love giving back to the school that fostered my joy of racing.
5. Write, Reflect & Create
Make a collage of your race bibs, create a photo album of your recent races (I'm making one for my Ragnar team, who won first place female team at Ragnar Trail Appalachia on August 10!), write out how you feel about your races and dream races for the upcoming years, compose a poem about your first 50K (it's on my list!), create a running playlist for when you return to the trails... in other words, let your creativity be free!
All in all, a running break allows time to ponder and absorb the experiences from which you have just emerged as a stronger, happier, peaceful, more connected and confident runner. After all, that's why we do this crazy thing we runners do, right? To become a better human being by expressing our talents, passions and hard work in a positive way.
So, runners, fill your running break with fun, fulfilling, productive activities, and before you know it, you'll be returning refreshed and ready for the next running adventure :)
Here's to running for a lifetime!
xo,
Brynn
All in all, a running break allows time to ponder and absorb the experiences from which you have just emerged as a stronger, happier, peaceful, more connected and confident runner. After all, that's why we do this crazy thing we runners do, right? To become a better human being by expressing our talents, passions and hard work in a positive way.
So, runners, fill your running break with fun, fulfilling, productive activities, and before you know it, you'll be returning refreshed and ready for the next running adventure :)
Here's to running for a lifetime!
xo,
Brynn
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