I hate to say it, but for the first time since I started running in 2018, I’m finally on a break. I finished my 7th NYRR race last weekend. I ran two races back to back last weekend and they were both only 4 miles but for some reason lately my runs have been feeling difficult and I haven’t enjoyed a good run in a while. I’m not quite sure if it’s because of the heat or because I’ve been burning myself out doing so many back to back, despite them being short distances. I realized I really don’t enjoy these races either as much as Disney races. The Central Park ones are the same route almost every time and the hills there are killer. The Brooklyn Half route I wasn’t crazy about either. I just can’t seem to get into them. And I feel like my regular workout/maintenance runs at home have been suffering too. I find myself going slower and it feels really discouraging. It makes me feel weak. But I know I’m not. I’ve been doing this for a while so I should be getting stronger and faster but I’m not. And I haven’t been having as much fun as I normally do with my runs. The post run endorphins and feeling of accomplishment are lacking and the motivation isn’t there. So for once, I think I am ready to admit, I am suffering from burnout.

So for the summer I’m going to slow down a little and take a break. I feel like my body needs it to fully recover from the burnout I think I inflicted on myself going too aggressive the first half of this year. I never really allowed myself to take a break after Dopey, it was just back to back races since then. I suppose this is what happens sometimes when you climb way too many mountains at once trying to do it all. I really do enjoy this hobby and I don’t want to hate it so I feel the best decision right now is to back off a little so I can enjoy it again. I only need 2 more to qualify for next year’s NYC Marathon to secure my spot -should I choose next April to go through with it since that’s a different issue I’ve been grappling with (do I really want to run the NYC Marathon? I’ve been feeling conflicted with this lately and my heart is honestly not 100% in it so I’m giving myself time to decide but I’ll continue with qualifiers for now so the option will be there)- and I have plenty of time in the remaining 6 months of the year to get it done.

I also successfully registered and signed up to do the runDisney Princess Half weekend again next year so I would rather dedicate my energy and time into that. I want to recover and regain my love of running back in time before training starts for that event. I’m excited because 2 of my coworkers are participating in this weekend with me! I’ve infected parts of my pharmacy with the run bug, with different coworkers looking at different race goals and reasons to run, hahaha! It does feel good to share your different passions and reasons to run with a community. The girls run for the beautiful Disney medals and the fun of a runcation during Princess weekend, while my other coworker who did the Brooklyn Half with me, is working on a bigger goal to run his first ever marathon. I’m excited for each and every one of them to conquer their goals. I’m also excited because I signed up for Princess Yoga again as well. I’ve already started brainstorming race costumes and can’t wait to put some of them together. I haven’t finalized them yet but these were some ideas I was tinkering with.

Until then, I’m looking forward to this break and slowing down. I’ll still do some runs here and there whenever the mood arises, but nothing crazy, just 5-10ks if anything. I’m going to walk more to get steps in at least to maintain activity but I look forward to getting back to more Blogilates to help tone and a more consistent schedule again with the gym and lifting. Sometimes your body needs a break and sometimes you need to listen. This is one of those times. Rest and recovery is part of the process.