You are surprised to see an article on a running news website telling you to have a rest from running right? Sometimes though, it is better to be safe than sorry so we had a deep dive into the 5 signs that it is time to have a rest from running.
Just a quick note though, we don’t meant that you should quit running forever, maybe to just take a short break and obviously, always seek medical advice!
Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it can also put a lot of strain on your body if you do not take proper care of yourself. Overdoing it with running can lead to injury, burnout, and decreased performance. Here are five signs that it may be time for you to take a break from running and allow your body to rest and recover.
Persistent Pain or Injury
If you experience persistent pain or injury while running, it’s time to take a break. Running puts a lot of strain on your joints, muscles, and bones, and if you continue to run through pain, you risk making the injury worse. It’s important to listen to your body and take the time to rest and recover before returning to running. This can help prevent further injury and allow you to get back to running at your best.
Decreased Performance
If you have noticed a decrease in your running performance, it may be a sign that you need to take a break. Decreased performance can be due to a variety of factors, including overtraining, fatigue, and injury. Taking a break from running can help you regain your energy and focus, allowing you to return to running at your best.
Mental Burnout Mental burnout
This is another common sign that it may be time to take a break from running. Running can be a great stress-reliever, but if you find yourself feeling unmotivated or uninterested in running, it may be a sign that you need to step back and give your mind and body a break. Taking a break from running can help you recharge and refocus, allowing you to return to running with a renewed sense of excitement and motivation.
Decreased Sleep Quality
If you have noticed a decrease in the quality of your sleep, it may be a sign that you need to take a break from running. Running can be a great way to improve your sleep, but overdoing it can lead to increased stress levels and decreased sleep quality. Taking a break from running can help you get the rest and recovery that your body needs, allowing you to return to running at your best.
Lack of Progress
If you have been running for a while and have not seen any progress in your performance, it may be time to take a break. Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it’s important to avoid overtraining and allow your body to rest and recover. Taking a break from running can help you refocus, regroup, and return to running with a new sense of purpose and drive.
Remember a First Aid Kit
If you are doing a long run, a first aid kit is a good idea. There are loads of marathon and sports first aid kits on Amazon that will be delivered next day. Our pick of the bunch is the Lucywey 2 pack First Aid kit which is just £8.99 and available to be delivered straight away.
Taking a break from running is important to avoid injury, burnout, and decreased performance. If you experience persistent pain or injury, decreased performance, mental burnout, decreased sleep quality, or lack of progress, it may be time to take a break and also make sure you seek medical advice.
Taking a break from running can help you get the rest and recovery that your body needs, allowing you to return to running at your best. Whether you take a few days off, or a few weeks, taking a break from running can help you recharge, refocus, and return to running with a renewed sense of excitement and motivation.
Andy Barr – Jogger.co.uk Editor
