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Mar 17, 2021

It’s Time to Switch It Up

How many times have you went out for a run and was simply like, UGH, here we go again?

 I’ll raise two hands and both feet. Often times during training season you can simply just get burned out. Your body is tired of doing the same miles, same routine, same route and your body is like, “Can we please do something else?”

This is what happened to me last year while I was training for my first marathon. By the time I got to my race my body was in the state of, “Finally we are here.” My body was also in the state of, UGH I have to go run 26.2 miles now, I am sick and tired of running.

Often times as runners we get so focused on the task at hand which may be to train for a specific distance or race. However, we forget about what our bodies need. Our bodies need variety. it needs change. In order for our body to perform efficiently we need to take some time away from that specific sport or activity.

So how do we avoid being burned out or tired of our activity/sport?

Here are some key things that will let you know that you are burned out or simply you need to just take time out to switch it up:

  1. Your body isn’t performing at the level it should (the feeling of fatigue, tired, overwhelmed)
  2. When your body starts to shut down (injuries occurring, soreness that turns into pain that eventually puts you on the sideline)
  3. When you simply do not enjoy it anymore

So how can we avoid not being burned out?

  1. Plan ahead your routine so you know exactly what days and how many days you are investing into your activity, training or sport.
  2. Take time to schedule other activities within your training (work different muscle groups, change your routine and your body will thank you)
  3. Take Rest periods (if your body is tired from doing that activity just simply take a rest break)
  4. Listen to your body (if your training plan or activity level is too much on your body- readjust your training plan to meet your body needs)
  5. In whatever you are doing make sure you are having FUN (when we start to dread getting up and doing our activity or training then it is no longer an enjoyment to us)

When you get burned out it can take a toll on your body and also cause you to stray away from that activity/training. Take note of what your body is saying to you during your training. Don’t be afraid to try new things and simply to just switch it up, believe me, when I tell you your body will thank you later!

By: Felicia. R. Hall @feliciarhall

Felicia is an educator and motivator at heart. Felicia is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Run & Fitness Coach, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Educator and a doctoral candidate. She is a small-town girl who loves running, nature and helping others become the best version of themselves.