Running Hiatus

on April 13, 2009

A few weeks ago I made the conscious decision to force myself into a running hiatus. My last race of the season was this Saturday’s Crooms 15.4 Mile Trail Run (check out the recap if you missed it over the holiday weekend!). Crooms was an excellent and very enjoyable race, and it was satisfying way to close the season.

My self-induced running hiatus is due to several factors:

My knees really suck, and they are only getting worse. To read a description of my knee condition, check out this post. When I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia, the doctor told me I needed to stop running to see any improvements. I ignored his advice completely and continued to run 20 – 25 miles a week. I now recognize that the only way I’ll see a positive change in my knees is to actually stop running for a significant duration.
I’m experiencing training burn-out. I’ve run 11 races since last June. Running is beginning to feel like a chore, not something I do for fun.
My schedule is changing. I have picked up more hours with my family’s holistic clinic, and I will be working about 12 hours a week (in addition to my full-time job + blogging). Running is very time-consuming, and I won’t have as much free time.

I plan to take at least 1 month off from running. I reserve the right to go on two short runs during this month, but overall, I will NOT be running. PLEASE yell at me in the comments if I suddenly start ‘sneaking in’ runs. I have a feeling my habit will be hard to break!

To maintain my endurance and strength, I’ve put together a non-running workout plan that gels with my new schedule. Generally, this plan will include:

Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
Cross and Strength	Shred or Rest	Cross and Strength	Shred or Rest	Spin Class	Bike, Swim, or Active Rest	Spin Class

I’m probably not working out again today. My knee still feels icky, although it does feel a lot better than yesterday (the Husband gave me acupuncture).

Breakfast

Enough about that, let’s get to FOOD! 🙂

Unsurprisingly, I was not the least bit hungry this morning. I guess eating ginormous dinner will do that to a girl! I drank a coffee while checking blogs and getting ready for work, and then I took a little break about an hour into my workday (yes, I start working at 7 AM) to make a scrumptious breakfast.

I made Egg White French Toast.

I don’t normally make Egg White FT because it’s more expensive, but it’s soooo much better and results in crispy, chewy FT. Loves it!

With melon and some Cracker Barrel maple syrup for dipping…

Have a GREAT DAY!

{ 44 comments }

VeggieGirl April 13, 2009, 5:15 am
Sounds like a great plan for your body and for yourself – embrace the hiatus!! 🙂

FRENCH TOAST!!!!!!!
Nicole (anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com) April 13, 2009, 5:21 am
I hope your knees start to feel better! I've got shoulder problems (3 surgeries, yikes!) so I know how it feels to have to take a break from your favorite activity because of it. It sucks but it's important. I was stubborn and kept trying to get back into my sport and I totally ruined my shoulder which resulted in those 3 surgeries. Booo! Take care!<3
Mica April 13, 2009, 5:23 am
Ooh, I hope your hiatus helps your knee. Enjoy the time off, busy lady!
Michelle April 13, 2009, 5:26 am
I thinkt that’s a good plan. Have you thought about doing some yoga?
Moran April 13, 2009, 5:29 am
I think its amazing you have managed to reach such a significant decision! I cannot imagine my life without running, even for a day, but sometimes it is absolutely necessary!
teacherwoman April 13, 2009, 5:42 am
Looks like a great plan, Caitlin! Way to listen to your body!
jenngirl April 13, 2009, 5:43 am
Good luck with your new plan Caitlin! I think you are such a healthy inspiration to us all, and listening to your body sounds like the RIGHT thing to do right now!

Yummy breakfast 🙂
Ali April 13, 2009, 5:45 am
Hi Caitlin. I’m definitely a supporter of taking a break from running. i am just coming off of 6 weeks off and, while I didn’t approach it in the right way (I didn’t exercise at all!), I feel more motivated and excited to run than ever.

Have you ever aqua jogged? Aqua jogging is a great way to maintain a lot of the muscles used for running without any impact. It can be a great workout if you add intervals in also. Just a suggestion.

Have a great day!
Tami April 13, 2009, 5:55 am
i hope you enjoy your time off, i’ll keep up your miles for you. i love spinning, here’s a blog to check out for spinning podcasts http://trihardist.blogspot.com/

look to the right side for the podcasts
Meghann April 13, 2009, 6:03 am
As much as I am going to miss my running buddy, I would rather you be safe then sorry. Try not to get too stir crazy with the hiatus and remember I am always up for a nice bike ride!! We can be biking buddies 🙂
iowagirleats April 13, 2009, 6:03 am
Ooo I never thought about getting Maple Syrup from CB! Is there anything particularly special about it?
Susan April 13, 2009, 6:05 am
I think taking a break from running is a GREAT idea!! Just be careful with the spinning and your knees. It can still be tough on them.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 13, 2009, 6:08 am
mchelle – i’m only down with yoga when there’s a class, and i won’t be able to make it to class anymore.

alli – yes! i have all the water jogging equipment… except no pool thats really deep enough.

meghann – yay for biking.

tami – thanks!!

iowagirl – the only thing special about it is that i stole it from cracker barrel (it came with my meal on saturday). 🙂
Dori April 13, 2009, 6:09 am
I’m excited for you to spin more! Can’t wait to hear how this month goes — I actually have a change of workout routine brewing in my mind for NEXT month. The french toast looks delicious!
Alison April 13, 2009, 6:09 am
I’d suggest focusing on using the stationary bike. That’s always been the best form of exercise when I’ve had foot and hip problems. It’s the only thing that doesn’t seem to aggravate my injuries. Even the elliptical sometimes can cause more pain.
RLibby April 13, 2009, 6:17 am
OMG – How did you complete the 30 Day Shred!?!? I just did Day 1 and I am DYING of sore muscles! Jillian really kicked my butt. Ouch.
Angie Eats Peace April 13, 2009, 6:17 am
I think this is a great idea.
Take care of yourself, and enjoy your hiatus.
tfh April 13, 2009, 6:18 am
I just finally caught up on your weekend posts, so I’m a little late to say congratulations, but WOW. Yes, you’re going on hiatus with a BANG and since many pro runners do this too, I think it is sensible. Plus, in my experience a break from running + strengthening my quads/hamstrings have really helped my knees in the past– since you’ve got the personal acupuncture, too, I bet this is going to be even better for you! 😉
Betsy April 13, 2009, 6:20 am
I haven’t congratulated you yet on your run this week, so congratulations!! It sounds like a hiatus is the smart thing to do, I’ll be anxious to read about how your new plan is going.
Rose April 13, 2009, 6:30 am
I think the hiatus will do you good – both physically and mentally. It’s good that you have a plan set for the rest of the month. Good luck!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous April 13, 2009, 6:49 am
Caitlin, I definitely think this is a good idea and I think it’s great that you can listen to your body! You do not want to injure yourself and put your knees at risk for when you get older!

Have you noticed some changes in your bod since starting to Shred? I think I might try to pick up a copy today to prep for the wedding!
Adi (oatonomy.com) April 13, 2009, 6:52 am
Thanks for reminding us all that listening to our body is so important to stay healthy. You deserve a break, and so do your knees!!

Lovely French toast, by the way. Mmm.
Leah @ Simply Fabulous April 13, 2009, 6:52 am
Sorry, just checked out your shred page… my bad!! Looks GREAT!!
K from ksgoodeats April 13, 2009, 7:03 am
Enjoy the running hiatus! Ugh – I feel you on the knee problems. I haven’t been running but mine have been flaring up like CRAZY lately and it’s driving me insane! Take it easy 🙂
Brandi April 13, 2009, 7:04 am
I think your plan sounds great and doable – and I think you’ll keep finding other activities that you love to keep you on your break from running for a while.

glad you had a great race, a great weekend, and hope your knees feel better soon!
Julia April 13, 2009, 7:10 am
Just wanted you to know that I really enjoy reading your blog, and I think it is awesome that you are able to listen to what your body is telling you and do what you have to to stay healthy! and that french toast looked amazing!
Stephanie April 13, 2009, 7:27 am
Have you ever tried L-Glutamine for muscle recovery? It’s amazing…sometimes after I’ve run a significant distance and taken this, I don’t feel sore OR like I’ve run at all!!
Lindsay April 13, 2009, 7:37 am
I rested for 6 complete weeks to heal my knees from Chondromalacia. I did absolutely no running. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I counted down the weeks. At times I couldn’t even walk because the pain was so bad in my knees. But in the end it was worth it. Cause now I can run and going for my 2nd marathon on Sunday!!!!!!
Hallie April 13, 2009, 8:00 am
Ok I know you didn’t do this because of me, but I made French Toast awhile back, and I decided that I was going to try to get everyone call it FT from now on. So thanks for helping with the trend LOL. Yay for FT 🙂
nibblesandwiggles April 13, 2009, 8:07 am
I’m glad to hear you are taking a hiatus…. it is so important to honor our bodies. Good luck!
Learning to Cope w/ Eating and College April 13, 2009, 8:18 am
I am hoping that your knees get better soon, but I have a quick question. Are you worried about having to change your meal plan now that you are not running or exercising as much as you were??? I know for me whenever I stop running I tend to cut back alot of my calories in the hopes of not gaining weight. Do you think I should do this when I stop running or should I try to keep a stable meal plan at all times??
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point April 13, 2009, 8:21 am
learning – i am dropping down to 1800 calories a day except on spin days or long workout days because if i continue to eat the way i do now, i would definitely gain weight on the running hiatus. i eat abotu 2300 – 2500 on many days with long runs, so i have to make a change.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) April 13, 2009, 8:40 am
Good for you! I’m glad your blog isn’t SEE BRIDE RUN anymore. SEE BRIDE NOT RUN isn’t as catchy.
Niki April 13, 2009, 8:43 am
I think the plan looks great! It’s always a good idea to take a break so you don’t get hurt or burn out! French Toast looks great!
Kailey (SnackFace) April 13, 2009, 8:57 am
I think it’s awesome that you’ve recognized you need to take a bit of a break. So often we ignore our bodies’ cues and carry on as though nothing as wrong. You are setting a great example by taking a break from something you absolutely love in order to prioritize your health. Thank you for that!

Mmm french toast is incredible! I love just egg whites- you’re right, they’re better that way!

Good luck with the work day!
Run Sarah April 13, 2009, 9:07 am
11 races since last June? Wow! You definitely deserve a hiatus.
almosthealthychris April 13, 2009, 9:21 am
I think it’s a great idea to take a hiatus is great! I have the same problem in my knees and I kept running on them for while. Now that I have embraced a break my knees feel great and running seems like something I eventually actually want to do not torture myself through.

I LOVE French Toast!
*One Step at a Time* April 13, 2009, 9:30 am
Good for you to listening to your body!! Your knees and body will thank you! 🙂
eatingRD April 13, 2009, 9:59 am
I respect the fact that you are listening to your body’s needs and taking a little break, especially how busy you are going to be! Plus, if you start feeling better, you’ll realize how much you miss it and get back to really enjoying it again. Love the french toast!

-kristen
eatingRD April 13, 2009, 1:27 pm
also, I’ve been reading the ‘Lore of Running’ for my one Human physiology class and it maintains that a reduction in training by as much as 2/3 may still maintain a decent level of fitness if the intensity is maintained. The elevated mitochondrial enzyme contents from training decrease from 4-8 weeks, and those that have trained for a long time have a more gradual decrease. So go and rest up those knees 🙂
Oh She Glows April 13, 2009, 6:05 pm
Your plan sounds like a good one! I am wondering though if you felt that the 30 day shred was hard on the knees? I found the polymetrics (if that is what they are called) to be very hard on the knees! The jumping, kicking, leg lunges and everything. I am anxious to know your thoughts because I suspected that I injured myself partly due to those moves on the shred in combination with the running.

Goodluck with your non running goals…I will personally yell and scream at you if you sneak in runs. hehe.

Angela
melissa April 13, 2009, 7:56 pm
Way to be true to your body, no exercise is fun if it becomes a chore. I took a good two months off running after my marathon, and to my delight, I discovered new things, like one of my huge obsessions Physique 57.
bhealthier April 14, 2009, 8:46 pm
good for you for taking care of yourself! I know it will be hard for you but i think the month off will really help your knees!!

oh by the way, I just got ENGAGED!!!! Ahhh! What is the next step?
Lisa September 12, 2010, 4:30 pm
I’m in the same boat as you…I hope I don’t have to take a permanent running hiatus… 🙁

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