How do you deal with skipping a run?

2019-04-24T12:51:38-04:00

I’m skipping on a run today because my legs are crazy sore and i’ve had a total of like 10 hours of sleep for the past 2 weeks.

For some reason, i’s hard to come to terms with it and I feel real bad for skipping but also my health needs to come first and I already know it’d be a bad run.

How do you guys deal with this? It’s like i know it’s fine but also like I really want to run. But sometimes I need to stop myself.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 24 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-04-24T12:56:50-04:00

If you want to go run.... go run!

Just go out for a LIGHT run - shorter distance at a more leisurely pace. Working those muscles lightly may even help with the soreness. 10 hours of sleep in 2 days is certainly not preferable, but not such a big deal that you have to immediately cease all activity and go to bed.

Go run and enjoy yourself. Unless you have an injury which running will aggravate, in which case practice self restraint and make yourself understand it is so you can run more and run BETTER once you recover.

Response by SGT Nicholas M. made Apr 24 at 2019 12:58 PM

2019-04-24T12:58:18-04:00

You need to conduct PCC's (Pre Combat Checks) and PCI's (pre Combat Inspections) on yourself at all times to stay in top fighting condition. Your body is a machine, and without proper maintenance you run the risk of taking yourself out of the fight. You have identified that you are sleep deficient and possibly close to muscle overuse in your legs. That should be all the justification or rationale you need to take a down day and focus on complex stretching and recovery.

Hell, go for a walk if you really feel that you need to get some movement in today.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2019 12:59 PM

2019-04-24T12:59:31-04:00

Sounds as if you need to sleep first, before you can focus on anything else. If you get enough sleep your entire body will recuperate enough for you to run again.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Apr 24 at 2019 1:08 PM

2019-04-24T13:08:50-04:00

First and foremost you need too take care of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, your no good on the battlefield. Take care of your body and your body will take of yourself. That is the most important!!!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 24 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-04-24T14:08:56-04:00

Occasionally a random rest day will improve your performance, especially if you have not recovered from your last session. You could also try and alternate activity like swimming or cycling.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 7:16 AM

2019-04-25T07:16:25-04:00

Your body isn't a machine and you have to program deload days and weeks into your schedule or else you'll end up over training and incurring overuse injuries. Your body gets stronger during the recovery phase. If it's telling you that it needs to recover longer, you should listen to it. When I am on a heavy lifting schedule I do the same thing. If there's a day that my whole body is aching, I get extra sleep that day.

I suggest you find a good recovery day activity. Yoga seems to be a favorite for a lot of runners, do that instead.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Apr 25 at 2019 8:38 AM

2019-04-25T08:38:45-04:00

It sounds to me (and I mean absolutely no offense here) that it isn't actually the run that is the issue. It's your need to have absolute control over your fitness. Anything, even healthy living can turn into an obsession once it starts to cause you stress. If you feel guilt and anxiety over your body telling you to rest, that is a problem. Fitness, and the agency it gives you over your life can be very addictive. You can actually see your body change, feel stronger. Likewise, people around you notice and provide loads of positive feedback. Your career also benefits greatly. But when it goes from being a healthy lifestyle choice that reduces stress to being a obsession that causes anxiety and guilt, it is no longer healthy. I have seen many, many peers and good friends go down this path, passing their PT tests with perfect scores only to be done in by stress and anxiety. You really have to look at things holistically: Mental well being is just as important, probably more important in the long run, than physical well-being. Your fitness should not cause you guilt or stress.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Apr 25 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-04-25T12:22:52-04:00

Sounds like a rest a recoup day, totally acceptable.
I used to go at it hard 5 days a week every week. I found better gains by adding in a periodic "off-cycle" week to my regimen.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made May 28 at 2023 11:27 AM

2023-05-28T11:27:22-04:00

It is okay to take a break once in a while when your legs are sore, but go back as soon as possible! You can do it!