It has been 2.5 weeks since my marathon and I have ran twice since then (in Seattle: 2 miles one day and a 1/2 marathon the next day) and I am going to take a few more weeks off from running just because I know it will be best for me in the long run (that is a fun pun). I can’t think of a time in my running lifetime that I took time off from running for anything besides an injury or the first few weeks after Brooke was born as I was recovering. I just don’t normally take breaks from running because I love it so much and it is just part of who I am but after the marathon I knew that it was necessary that I took a break.
I definitely miss running but this has been a much needed break mentally and physically.
I get kind of obsessive about running so as long as I have something else I can focus my extra brain power on (currently strength training and decorating my new apartment) then I am fine.
Today I went to a sports conditioning class that left me exhausted by the end. The teacher would have us do a few minutes of intense intervals using a step followed by a few minutes of strength training with very few short breaks. I was dripping sweat by the end.
Just a pic with my pump teacher and her little boy that is only ONE DAY younger than Brooke. PS I don’t know why I am not looking at the camera but sometimes that just happens.
The really hard part about not running—> losing fitness that I worked so hard to gain. For instance, today on our walk I saw this sign for a half that I ran/got a pr/and won last year and I realized that there is no way I will be back in time to run anywhere near that speed this year (if I even do it). I also really miss the time in the morning with my girls and that endorphin high that I get afterwards. I do think I have come a long way in my running addiction just judging by the fact that I am able to truly take time away from it and still be happy and completely fine with a break.
Now is my time to get crazy strong from strength training and let my body get back to a place where I can run and feel really good again so I can train hard again and get some new prs.
We took our Walking Club to the next level and decided to wear matching shorts. People on the trail must have thought we were really cool.
I can’t stop. I spend too much time going to different furniture stores (Downeast is awesome because they have awesome furniture with really great deals) and looking online to find exactly what I want.
At least Brooke is enjoying it too.
During nap time I took my siblings to see my new apartment and then we got some lemonade because we like to live on the edge.
Remember how lasagna is my favorite meal ever (you can verify that statement by looking up the past 4 birthdays that I have had on this blog and see that I requested it for my every birthday dinner)?!?
My sis is a good woman:
And after dinner we hit up a birthday party for one of Brooke’s friends. She looks a little angry about the fruit but she loved it just seconds later.
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Don’t forget to enter my PRO Compression Leggings giveaway HERE!
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On a scale from 1-10 (full on addicted).. how addicted to running are you? What about exercise in general?
The meal you typically request on your birthday!?
Longest break you have taken from running? Why did you take the break?
Do you enjoy decorating your house/apartment? Where do you get your furniture!? Links to cool websites/stores/blogs would be great!
94 comments
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I can totally relate to the fear, or reality of losing fitness taking time off. It’s hard to let go of the reigns and just BE and not know if we’ll run a PR again or love running the way we used to. I recently wrote a blog post about “getting married” to running that deals with this issue.
At this point I’m on a 5 on the “addiction scale”, a year ago I was probably at an 8 or 9. It was my whole identity and I ran through all kinds of pain. My longest break from running was 6 weeks after the MCM last year to recover from tendonitis. Of course, I also took breaks during pregnancy but those were long breaks where I completely focused on other things that needed focus!
Scallywag
To running currently about a 3- we’re on a downtime. To exercise in general approx a 7- I feel crappy when I can’t workout.
I request steak, I love it but its costly.
1 year, tore my knee open trail running, went back before it was ready, got a world of ITBS distress as payment.
I like decor but we rent only, so no furniture links sorry! My advice is dont be afraid of freecycle and its ilk!
Hollie
I can relate. There have been a few times I’ve just mentally not wanted to run. After my marathon was one of them. I just had no interest and giving myself that break was the best thing I did for myself. I’m glad you are enjoying it relatively Janae. I think as runners we always fear that our last race was our best but you have many more years ahead of you. :-)
As far as birthday, I should figure that out since mine is next week LOL.
Kristina @ Blog About Running
When I moved into my new apartment a couple years ago now I went crazy on Etsy! I love buying unique things and you can get some really good deals (or just ideas) too.
I think you should find space in your new apt to prominently feature all of your age group trophies and medals! :)
Funfitgirl
on a scale from 1 to 10, I’m probably an 8. If I don’t get my run in, I feel antsy, but at the same time if I need a rest day I’ll definitely take it.
Favorite birthday food – probably steak!
I’m horrible about decorating. We moved into our new apartment in March and have yet to hang a single picture on the wall. I just always seem to have things I’d rather do I guess. At least we painted this apartment so I’m not staring at white, bare walls!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I was just thinking about this (how addicted I am to running/cardio). I think its like a 8. I have been taking super easy weeks like 2x a year but not a complete break from running. I think the last time I did that was when I dropped something on my foot and I had to take a week off.
Sorry, I am terrible at decorating! If it were up to me we would have zero decorations.
Lindsay @ lifting in lilly
i am definitely not addicted to running, but lifting, yes. Part of the whole issue i think is losing confidence, maybe even more so than losing actual fitness? at least for me, it’s mostly mental!!!
i love decorating my house, but i am at the point where i love how it looks on the inside and don’t really want to change anything!! in the past 4 years, though, I have painted most of the rooms at least twice, changed up accent colors, area rugs, etc etc! i love west elm for curtains, home goods for pillows and frames and little things like ceramic white birds haha…. you definitely need to go to a bunch of places and mix and match to find your own style!! your new apartment will be so cute, I’m sure! Can’t wait to see pictures!
Kristine
I’m pretty addicted to working out in general- about an 8. I will run, take fitness classes but I like to do something 6 days a week. I feel better about EVERYTHING when that happens.
I love decorating – it’s so fun! I can’t wait to see pics of your place. Have fun with it!!
Favorite food – birthday, any day = SUSHI. I could eat it for breakfast.
Nicole
9 for running but currently injured so doing RPM which I now love. This ah been my biggest break ever 6 months.
Love so many foods, but slow cooked lamb shanks have to be a favourite.
Addicted to Pinterest for house decorating ideas and I love house shopping. Can’t wait to see pictures as you add things and create your new home with your gorgeous side kick!
Megan
I would say I am a 7 / 8. I am injured and get sad that I can’t run. But that has been the story of my life for the last year.
Birthday = hibachi grill…
I took 6 months off after I had ACL surgery.
I got all my furniture off craigslist! It takes a while but you can find really nice stuff for a steal! I love my apartment.
Kay
Good luck with your new apartment!! I can’t wait to see the photos of all of the fun decorating ideas that I’m sure you have!
Erica
Disclaimer: I love my mom dearly.
My mom’s addiction is 10. Because of that mine had never been higher then 6 and probably at a 4 currently. After watching first hand, I never want something to have that much control over me.
Last b-day dinner I requested was for my hubby to take me on a picnic.
Blaire @ Just Been Running
On a scale from 1-10 I would say I am about a 6-7 and then when race season comes around I am a 9-10.
My longest break from running was when I was injured so I took about 2-3 weeks off!
Bridget
I’m at a solid 10 for running addiction. I literally plan my life around running. I can’t really relax unless I am positive a can get my run in! I’m working really hard on giving myself rest days… No success yet! Running is my freedom and my oxygen.
Jackie
That pic of Brooke is too cute!
Emily @ Fit as a Mother...
I have only ever taken breaks from running due to injury. But I can totally relate to the loss of fitness. I’m still struggling to get back to where I was last fall after an injury break at the beginning of this year.
Alexis Teevens
I used to be VERY addicted to running, but then I burned out real hard in college, to the point where I was relieved to be sidelined with a stress fracture. I was just out of commission again for about 8 weeks with a different injury, and I’m trying to be slow and cautious about getting back into it. But I feel ya…thinking about how much fitness you’re losing is hard. It comes back, though! It looks like you’re finding ways to enjoy your rest/break.
Ann
I am having such a hard time getting the motivation to start consistently running this year. I really need to get that motivation going. Some friends and I are going to be doing a marathon relay ( they have a relay option for the top of Utah marathon this year…how cool is that!?) so I really need to get running again so I can build my endurance back up and train to run the five mile leg that I will be running!
Kristina @ Fast and Foodiest
I had to take 4 months off for a stress fracture, and various other 2-3 week periods for other injuries…
running prior to my stress fracture was my biggest hobby- and the time off taught me a lot about myself.
I lost A TON of (running) fitness. It has been a tough climb back since I have been unbalanced since and have had lots of lesser injuries since the BIG one.
Gracie
My break right now is probably 12 weeks, which sucks, but hey – surgery. I get to start POOL RUNNING today, though!
Woo hoo!
Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere
Hmmm…I think the longest break would be a week and that was bc I was on vacation. I am not injury prone, I’m really really lucky!!
I would say I’m a full on 10!!
Maybe 11?
Erin
I’m addicted to a lot of things–writing, running, sometimes quilting, reading. If I get started on something I can’t stop unless I’m hungry. Which brings me to the next question. I always request to eat at Benihana for my birthday. Yum! I’m full for days after. When I was a kid I always wanted chuck-e-cheese.
Flower
I would say on a scale of 1-10 my running addiction is an 8.
Decorating is my jam! Love it!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
Right now, I’m probably around a 6 or 7. Summer is ALWAYS a struggle for me, both physically AND mentally.
Okay – spill the beans, where are those cute shorts from?! I love them!
I usually request a super yummy steak dinner, because it’s so rare for me to eat steak and I love a super juicy yummy filet!
I got bit by the decorating bug right after I got married this spring, but then I realized how stinkin’ expensive it was so I scaled back a lot. Craigslist has been great for me though, almost all of our furniture is either Craigslist, Ikea, or garage sale find! For now, living in an apartment and saving up for a house, its worked out great for us!
Alyssa @ See This Girl Run
I’m currently on my longest break (since I started running more consistently a few years ago) and it’s probably been a good 3 months now. I had a sad moment a few days ago when I realized a fall marathon would be only 4ish months away and that at this point it’s not looking like I’ll be back for that. So that’s sad. But yup, focusing on strength training! and cardio when I can!
Runner Girl Eats
I’m about a 7. I can skip a workout and be completely ok but if I miss two? I’m miserable. I spent a gazillion hours on Pinterest when decorating our house. Can’t wait to see your finished apartment!
Meagan @ Managing Meagan
My addiction to running has REALLY, DRASTICALLY decreased since having a baby. A combo of being out of shape and just having it be so much more complicated to find the time. I’m a firm believer that if you truly WANT to do something (like run), it’ll come back in your life. Maybe not in the same way it was (don’t think I’ll ever have time to run 18 miles on a random Tuesday again), but it’ll come back.
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I’m a 7! And that’s down from 10 since discovering that I like biking while I was recovering from an injury.
I love tex mex so usually I get someone to take me for fajitas guac n chips and a margarita
Longest break from running just ended this week. 8 weeks. Due to injury. After surfer in 2012 I was back to running in 4 weeks. I have had consecutive days where I didn’t feel like running but never more than a few in a row.
I bought my house 14 years ago and got my dining room table a pier 1. I still love it as much today as I did the day I bought it. They also have cute throw pillows.
Marshall’s and home goods have great deals on picture frames and other accessories like a throw for the couch or area rug.
I just had my whole house painted and went with gray for the bedroom walls so I could swap out bedding and throw pillows down the road if I opt for different colors. Gray is just a great neutral.
Most of all make sure you always have some fresh flowers out. I get mine cheap at trader joes. It’s the best feeling to see them all week.
IKEA is also a great resource for book cases and lighting.
Laura@twinsontherun
I’m not great at decorating in that I can’t piece things together well. If I see a room that’s decorated well I can say what I like or what I don’t like. Basically, I should hire a decorator!
Love the matching walking club!
Alanna
The longest I’ve took off of running was 5 whole months due to an injury. I had no choice and it was depressing and also mentally so frustrating. Although I’m not glad about getting injured, it gave me a new perspective and taught me SO much and I became a smarter runner because of it.
Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl
Oh, it’s hard taking a break from running! I’m currently not runing since I’m 36 weeks pregnant but can’t wait to get back into the swing of things after the baby is born.
LOVE home decorating!! My favorite store is Home Goods! As for online shopping, I love checking out ‘Joss & Main’….. sooo many great, amazing deals! :)
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
I think in general, I’d say that I’m pretty addicted to exercise, and the thought of not doing it or not being able to do it scares the heck out of me. My dad said on the phone the other day that people in my family tend to have an obsessive or addictive personality – I’m glad that my mild obsession landed on something that makes me feel so good and keeps me healthy.
BUT! Good for you for knowing when to say when and taking a break! You totally need/deserve it!
Kaella On The Run
I am probably a 7 or an 8. I enjoy my off days but miss it if I take more than two days.
I had to take 5 weeks off in March because of an injury. I loved it even more when I was finally given the all clear to return to it!-
Just entered your giveaway, those leggings would be awesome!! :)
Abby
I used to ALWAYS request lasagna for my birthday when I was younger! I wish I lived close enough to my mom so she could make me homemade meals every day. Although she is still coming to DC for my birthday this year, so that makes me happy, too.
I am currently on a break from running due to my pesky IT bands. While I’m doing this mostly for the IT’s, I’ve noticed an improvement in my plantar fasciitis, too. Sigh, life proving to me that rest really is the way to go.
Britt
Good for you for sticking with this challenge! It takes a lot of inner strength to step back from the moment and say this is what my body truly needs right now. You’re honestly a role model to me!!
I’m definitely a 10 on the addicted-to-running scale; my days feel so weird if I take a day of not running, and the happiness I get while on/after my run is incredible! I’ve tried other cardio workouts, but running is like no other! I think I’m an 8 on the workout scale though- I probably should focus more on strength training!
The one time I had to take a major break from my running was when I got to the lowest point of my ED. I had to take a year long break while in recovery, and I have to say that was the toughest thing I’ve ever done. I’m a lot stronger for having done it though!
Keep up the amazing work!!! Also that lasagna looks delicious!!
Lindsey C
My favorite birthday meal is one that I don’t have to cook or clean up after!! My birthday was last week, and my husband picked up tacos and served them on paper plates – haha! They were yummy and Mama didn’t lift a finger – perfect!!
Brittnee @ Nebraska Running Girl
I can’t get over how grown up Brooke looks in the chair in the furniture store!! Her bun pigtails are so adorable!!
I’m addicted to running and exercise in general. I told myself after my marathon in May and half marathon in June that I was going to take a running break. I even told friends and family… and it just hasn’t happened. It’s what keeps me sane I think! I am running fewer miles and no really tough workouts, just running for fun and strength training a lot more.
Brianna @ I run He tris
That’s great that you have something to direct your focus towards. I’m sure that really helps with your running break. I would say I’m about a 7 on the addicted scale. I don’t mind missing a day or two here and there but I NEED to get a good sweat several times a week. I love the idea of decorating, but I’m terrible about actually decorating. I’d rather spend that money on fitness related things like a new bike. :) I’m taking our house room by room to get it all finished. Pinterest is my go to!!
BriAnne
I really do love to exercise, but running is not my favorite. But step class, or pump classes…like a 9!
I’ve been in decoration mode too and have been hitting up Goodwill and Epic Thrift Stores for finds that I can customize! I also scored big time last weekend on an entire bedroom set for my daughter on Craigslist!
Question – do you have a favorite brand of sports bra? I am finding that mine start to feel itchy on my shoulder straps in the heat. I think I should probably invest in some quality sports bras (not just the cheapest, ha!). Any suggestions??
Rachel
I’m on a break right now, and have been for the past 6 months — but yoga is keeping me sane! I just keep telling myself that I’m getting stronger (mentally and physically) and that it will be SO worth it in the end!
Birthday = Tacos! Generally from Cafe Rio…I am not difficult to please.
And I LOVE decorating a new place! World Market has great stuff and I love JossandMain for online shopping! (Currently obsessed with these pillows: https://www.jossandmain.com/Artful-Impressions-Willow-Pillow)
Also, where did you get your shorts? They are awesome and I love them!
Sarah
I second the shorts comment! Love them! Where did you get ’em?
Gelsey
3rd! Where can I find those shorts? So cute!
Leah @ goodnight cheese
We loved decoration our apartment, and we did it slowly. I think it’s worth the wait to find things you really love and cheaper in the long run than buying temporary crap furniture. Craigslist is a surprisingly good resource, especially if you have a minivan or another car big enough to pick up. We got a solid wood, lovely antique hutch for just $100. Also can’t say enough good things about the Elfa pantry shelfing system from Bed Bath & Beyond. (Not affiliated, just love it)
Leah @ goodnight cheese
*Shelving
Lynzie
I’m on a 2 week break right now because I was just in a car wreck and have cervical, thoracic and lumbar sprains. After 2 weeks I’m going to start running again and then after 3 start up cross training again.
The Silent Assassin
I’m an 8. It’ll be a 10 if ever there’s a time I absolutely love it EVERY TIME I lace em up. On my bday I always get sushi.
Jenee
On a scale from 1-10 (full on addicted).. how addicted to running are you? What about exercise in general?
Running, probably a 7. I have been a 10 but have mellowed some since my son was born, and a couple of years ago I went through intense burnout. Exercise in general, I’m a 10. Not addicted, I just look at it like eating, which is NOT something I would skip, and I really don’t like to skip it.
The meal you typically request on your birthday!?
Steak and baked potato. Chocolate cake.
Longest break you have taken from running? Why did you take the break?
Months and months… I can’t remember exactly. I had run 5 half marathons (in addition to regular mileage) in 5 months beginning at 4 months post-partum. I got to a point where I was literally in tears at the thought of running, which made me sad in a different way too, because I’ve always loved it. I actually took the rest of the year off from logging miles, I did a couple of short races and ran when I wanted to, but like you I really needed it mentally.
Do you enjoy decorating your house/apartment? Where do you get your furniture!? Links to cool websites/stores/blogs would be great!
Yessss I can’t stop. I’m always telling my hubs I should be a decorator. The look on his face doesn’t exactly confirm but whatever, it makes me super happy. The BEST item I ever got (disclaimer, my family is French and I’m obsessed on a whole other level with Versailles) was an antoinette fainting sofa from Urban Outfitters. It sits in our “reading room” with some other faux-antiques, looking gorgeous. I like their unique stuff. I also really like yard sales and local antique shops. Oh! And ballard outlets, because their catalog puts the whole room together for you to see.
:) Happy Thursday!!
Christina
Ballard has outlets???
Jenee
Yes! Closest to me is Atlanta but totally worth the drive.
Jessica @ Sweat Is My Sanity
Awe, lasagna plus family plus Utah…..makes me miss my mom. She made the best lasagna. I love running, but I love exercise in general. I only get addicted to running when I get training for a half. Then I’m like a border collie that must run everyday or else I go crazy. I look forward to see what furniture you end up with. I trust you’ll share. :D
Sarah
You may be losing a bit of running fitness (although it will come back much more quickly than you think) but it always helps me if I think that I’m now more mentally strong because I’m focusing on building my mind and body in other ways. Sometimes running can be an addiction (no matter how much I love it and how good it is for me) so not letting it control me is a strength conditioning exercise in itself. As runners I’ve noticed we always measure our progress by races “how fit we were this time last year”, “how far we could run 2 months ago vs. today”, etc. The running quote “run the mile you’re in” comes to play here. Don’t worry about where you were last year w/your fitness or where you think you should be…think of how strong you feel today.
Sam @ The Running Graduate
I would say I’m at about a 6 – I constantly think about it and always want to run, but I’m able to give myself breaks to let my body heal. I quit running for 4 years after developing really painful tendinitis and then moving on to college. But now that I’m running again I love it for different reasons!
Lasagna is the best! It’s what my brother always requests for special events – we like to put spinach and mushrooms in ours!
I’m currently kind of shopping for my new house, but I haven’t seen it in person yet to see what I need/what will fit. I’m looking forward to buying things to make my room “mine”!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I don’t look for a specific meal on my birthday as much as making sure the dessert is right…And yeah, the endorphin high is addicting after a run that maybe only a great spin class has been able to replicate for me on the same level.
Leanne
I would say I am an 8-9 right now. I am running more than I should (40+ mile weeks) and I know it, but I keep thinking, “One more week and I’ll drop back.” 7 weeks later and I still haven’t. I am walking a fine line with my torn labrum, so I know I need to cut back, but have a hard time doing it in the summer.
My longest running break was 6 weeks after I pulled my Achilles Tendon and went through physical therapy (6 years ago), but I had just started running, and I missed it, but wasn’t as crazy as I would be now.
My favorite birthday meal is the Vermont Pizza from a local restaurant. It is a white cheddar pizza with apples and prosciutto- yum!
Tantra
I’m about a 9.5! I love running and how it makes me feel and if I’m not running EVERYONE around me knows it… I say it’s not an obsession it’s a lifestyle;)
My birthday is in 16 days and I always equestrian to go out to dinner at place we haven’t been before or don’t frequent…. It’s easy to get complacent and do the same thing over and over so I try to step out of my comfort zone.
The longest break I took was right before I moved to London it was like 6 or 7 months and it was winter and I just wanted to spend as much time with my friends and family before I left…
I love decorating my house… I rotate rooms that I change on a regular basis. I just feel that as I evolve as a woman so does my style and therefore so does my home…
I love target, kohls, tj maxx, potterybarn (on sale) and ikea.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Where did you get your shorts?
I’m fairly addicted to running. It’s not like I feel like I have to run all the time as much as it is I feel really crappy if I haven’t run.
I love a lot of different food, right now it’s homemade hamburgers on the grill :)
My longest break from running was after I broke my hand and pulled a ligament in my wrist, maybe 3-4 weeks. Then I figured out that it wasn’t horrible to run in a cast.
I like Ashley furniture and Costco.
Lauren @ Will Run for Boston
My running addiction is definitely between 8 and 10, but not in a “it completely controls my life” kind of way just an “I wake up every morning to fit it in my day” kind of way… if that makes sense. lol
The longest running break I’ve ever taken was 4.5 months for a stress fracture in my femur. It was the worst. But I also take 2 weeks breaks from running once or twice a year to prevent injury and keep my body healthy and fresh!
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work it Out
I don’t care about the meal, just as long as theres a fudge-y icing heavy chocolate cake!!
Jenn@Mark My Miles!
It makes me sad that so many of us are addicted and controlled by exercise. I used to be but no longer am and love the freedom of not “having” to do it each day. I want to be a healthy example for my son and being addicted to exercise is NOT the same as being dedicated.
Carol
I would say I’m a 4 on the running scale these days. I find the heat and humidity so hard to run in. During the cooler temps I can get up to a 7. Last month I ran a half marathon and participated in my first triathlon so I’m doing a whole lot of nothing at the moment. I’m running a 4th of July race and then I have nothing lined up which I’m looking forward to.
Favorite birthday meal is either swordfish or pizza.
A couple of years ago I hurt my back and was unable to exercise for about 9 months. Prior to that I would have thought it impossible to go that long without any form of exercise so I guess in a way it was a lesson for me. It made me clean up my eating since that was one area I could maintain health and there was no option to work off a ‘bad’ meal.
Home Goods/TJ Maxx are excellent for finding the accents that really make your space your own. I look at pinterest/blogs/catalogs for ideas as I’m not creative at all. We painted a lot of our rooms in shades of grey so we have a neutral start. Then accent with rugs, window treatments, pillows, etc… I also really like to use our own photos to decorate with – we have several canvas prints of photos taken from vacations.
Karen
Probably at least a 9 on the running scale! I’ve been running so long now it feels weird not to do it and if I take more than one rest day at a time I get really antsy and bored. Nothing else really works to give me the same high either, it has to be running! Longest break was 4 weeks due to injury and I HATED it, ALL I wanted to do was go back and run more.
I don’t care about my birthday dinner as much as my birthday DESSERT! Of course there’s usually cake but if we go out I always want either cheesecake or some crazy chocolate concoction (why is it so hard to replicate those things at home?)
I love decorating but it’s hard doing it as a student because you’re only renting places for a year (or less!) and you can’t paint or anything. At least here we have real apartments instead of dorms so it’s a bit more fun to decorate!
Runwright
I love how in that pic of your siblings, I am not sure which one you are. You ladies look so much alike. I wish I had a lookalike sister too *fake pout*
Thanks for the vegetarian lasagna recipe. I just made my vegetarian decision TODAY. Blog post at http://runwright.net/2014/07/03/the-vegetarian-decision/ and so I am counting it as a sign that you have a veg recipe for me on your blog today. Thanks for the validation :-)
I’m a 7 on the run-addiction scale. I don’t run as much as I could but I am always thinking and reading (and writing) about running.
My apt is decorated with a lot of cheap stuff from the college years. I am hoping to get a real home soon and fill it with decor that just screams ME. I saw my friend experience the decorating high a few months ago and I am so happy you get to do it too. Enjoy!
Traci
Love decorating! Haven’t done much of it lately though. I seem to always request some sort of shrimp for my birthday – fried, boiled, cooked in a sauce, it doesn’t matter!
Christina
I love decorating my house! I love pottery barn to get inspired but I’ve purchased many things at Cost Plus World Market their art and super cute curtain panels…I also enjoy going to Michaels and buying burlap and other materials I can incorporate throughout. I decorate room by room. Also Pier 1 imports I purchased many of my kitchen decor like canisters, fruit bowl, wine racks, ….can u tell I love to decorate! Getting inspired now…hosting 4th of July now must shop!
Christina
Just had to add that I like Costco furniture and yes for TJ Max and Home goods for accents and rugs and lamps etc. Some of my mom friends will purposely do a moms night out to eat and window shop so fun! U r gonna have a blast decorating a blank slate…decorating is my therapy!
Amy @ runlikeabird
Hi Janae! I’m taking an injury-related break from running (check out my super fun race review about the race where I realized I was an idiot for running on a sore knee: http://runlikeabird.blogspot.com/2014/06/race-review-snoqualmie-valley-half.html) and feel much more “at ease” with the fact that I’m not getting in that daily intense cardio than I thought I would be.
Strength training is helping, PT is helping, and so are the long daily walks across my campus to class! I don’t think I’ll try running again until I get back from a backpacking trip in mid-late August, and I’m hoping I’ll have enough time to train for the Beat the Blerch half marathon at the end of September. Fingers crossed.
Good for you for listening to your body and heart. You are a warrior!
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl
I used to be a definite 10 on being addicted to running. But it wasn’t a good 10… it was an addiction that fueled an eating disorder for me! Now I’m probably about a 7…I still do love to run and I have a 5 mile race tomorrow!
For my bday this year I requested a pasta bar! Different pasta with white, red, and pesto sauces. Plus garlic bread and the best salad ever!! And the famous chocolate cake <3
Longest break from running was last month after track season. I took two weeks super duper easy and I came back and ran a 5k and pr'd! Rest is key!
Etsy!! So many cute things. And inspiration for DIY's!
Jenee
Pasta bar is such a great idea for a birthday party!
Alex @ Get Big, Go To Work
I’d say I’m about an 8 when it comes to exercise addiction ( mainly strength training). I love the boost of energy I get each morning after working out and a sense of accomplishment when finished.
Annette@FitnessPerks
I’m obsessed with teaching fitness classes — #itsmydrugofchoice
LOVE your shorts!!!
Laureen @PeachyLau
I really stopped running after my marathon as I needed to fall in love with it again after months of training :)
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
I’m pretty darn addicted to running BUT I took a month off recently to give my body some rest and time to heal and did other exercise and I actually handled it REALLY well and enjoyed myself. Now I’m back to marathon training and so excited about it! Taking breaks is also helpful for avoiding burnout.
Congrats on the new place!! I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
Addicted to running = 7. Addicted to any form of exercise = 11. ;) I typically request sushi on my birthday because I hardly ever have it so it is such a treat. Aaaaaand chocolate angel food cake because it is the best.
Polly @ Tasty Food Project
I prefer to have sushi on my birthday and usually do that every year!
I love decorating my apartment! Pinterest has many great ideas but it can be addicting. I bought my furniture from Ashley Furniture. I believe they do price matches so you can find a great deal for excellent quality furniture. I buy my décor from discount stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Those stores are usually hit or miss, but sometimes you can be lucky and find some nice stuff. Everyone always thinks I buy my décor from expensive stores and are pleasantly surprised when I tell them where I got it from!
Catherine
Your sister puts slices of tomato on her garlic bread! Brilliant!
Katie Did What
I’m definitely addicted to endorphins! I thrive off of that feeling after a good workout- there’s nothing like it! :) For my birthday, I usually choose a Mexican place because I looove Mexican food. And for furniture, HOME GOODS is amazing!!!
xo
Megan @ The Skinny-Life
Taking a break is definitely mentally challenging. I was injured earlier this year and thank goodness I had spinning and swimming to fall back on as my fitness. If I only was a runner, I have no idea what I would have done. It’s always good to have a backup fitness. I actually wrote a post on that during my injury.
Home Goods and TJ Maax for house stuff! You can find awesome stuff at great deals.
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner
I would say I am a 10 out 10 of 10 addicted to running/working out. It is my free therapy! Right now I am injured and had to stop running 2 weeks ago, but still could exercise. Well it was only getting worse so I had to stop spin, now I have been swimming which is totally outside my comfort zone. But hey it is a workout!
Being injured is tough and it was really helpful reading all of your posts on how to deal with it. I am trying not to get down about it but it is easier said then done.
Today on my blog I talked more about my injury and how to handle it. I have a race in 2 weeks that I know Im not going to be able to run. Has this ever happened to you? How did you handle? I would love to hear any of your suggestions, recommendations, and or experiences.
Love reading your blog!
Kirtley @ The Gist of Fit
I’m way excited that you’re switching things around Janae! I think it will be a nice refresher for ya, and a good way to get fully charged for when you’re 100% again.
I’m all about working every area of your body anyway, so I hope you enjoy it!
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
The longest break that I have had from running is 6 weeks, and it seemed like a long time for me. I always usually want Chinese food on my birthday because my birthday is in January and I love eating/drinking the warm hot and sour soup :) So good!
Kelli
I am probably an 8 when it comes to running and same with exercise. I really love exercise and the way it makes me feel but if I miss a couple of days I am not going to panic!
IKEA and Target are obviously awesome but I have found some really great stuff just on KSL for really cheap. You have to do a lot of searching a waiting but it is worth it when you get a $100 dresser for $20!
carolinerose
Hi Janae, the longest time i took off was two months, i sprained my ankle bush walking and geez it hurt, i hated having the time off but i knew that if i even tried running then i will be back to square one, so i had to heal and the first jog(not run) felt great, so worth the wait thats for sure and the break did my body great.
I, like you, love decorating my house, i make lots of my own stuff, i decorate and create fruit baskets, flower baskets, photo frames, you name it ha ha ha its my other hobby.
What i love for my birthday is lots and lots of food, im half Italian, french and a million other things, so lets just say that there is a combo of wonderful food laid out for me to eat :) :) :)
Have a wonderful weekend Janae x
Kristen @ Vitamin K Girl
On a scale from 0-10, I would say I’m an 8 (for exercising in general, not necessarily just running). The longest I have taken off from doing some form of a workout is 2 days in a row, which is usually because I’m sick.
Emily
I’m just coming out of my longest running hiatus ever that was not pregnancy-induced. I gave up running after a half marathon last December that sucked beyond holy hell. I just needed a chance to take a break and miss running again. Now I am eager to get back into it and run as long as my now-pregnant body allows.
Favorite birthday dinner? Ribeye at a fancy steak joint. With a killer glass of red wine! I’m done.
Betsy
Those shorts are adorable! Where did you get them? :)
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I’m probably around a 7 or 8 with running right now. I feel so lazy when I don’t run.
I usually like going out for my birthday, but I also love pretty much anything my boyfriend cooks too, (he’s a really good cook!).
I took over a year off from serious, consistent running when I was living in Alaska. I didn’t have a good area to run in, and had some really crummy weather to contend with.
Tammie Brenton
Currently on a break from running. I’m pretty close to a 10 when it comes to running and exercise. For my bday meal I don’t really care I just want ice cream cake. Janae we are on our way to DC and saw a Cafe Rio so I had to stop. It was our first time to eat at one. Very yummy I can see why you race about it!
Ashley O.
Yep- I am asking about the shorts too! Super cute- mind sharing where you got them?
Kate
I’m addicted at like, level 14. It literally stressed me out to the point of debilitation to not run. Taper time is always fun for my coach — because it makes me like, very angry haha
The longest break I can remember taking in the past 4 or 5 years was 3 days when I bruised the fatty tissue under my left knee. I could still run, and wasn’t doing any damage, but it was painful. Three days and a few short runs following and I was cured. Blessed.
Grace
On a scale from 1-10, I vary from about an 8 to about an 11 depending on the other things going on in my life haha.
I always request kabobs and pita with lots of sauces and toppings and grilled veggies–oh and angel food cake with fresh berries and cream! Would love to be eating that right now (instead I am snacking on the only thing I have in my pantry right now–crunched up rice cake remnants–time for the grocery store, i’d say)
Outside of injuries or a few days off here and there, I once took a month off of running because I had dug myself into an overtrained ditch. At first it was hard, but it got easier and that first run back (although slow and labored) felt wonderful–keep up the hard work, girlfrennnn, it’ll be worth it to start with a beautiful clean slate.
I love spending hours on decorating blogs (design sponge is so so addicting especially the section where you get to look at designers houses!) and also pinterest, but I often have a hard time executing because furniture is SO expensive and I’m newly back in school. But i’ve found there are some pretty things you can do to cute-ify spaces on a budget!
LifeAsAConvert
That is a precious picture of Brooke.
Jennifer Lefforge
Sometimes you have to retreat to move forward! I’ve way scaled back this summer to cross train and work on my weak links:). But sadly, I think I’m still a 9 on my running addiction. Nothing keeps my depression at bay like a run – it’s my anti-depressant!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate)
I’m definitely a 10–completely addicted to running. I work at a running store, have a running blog, run a lot of mileage year-round, and coach runners. Yep, just a slight addiction.
I enjoy decorating our house. It takes me a long time to decide on what to buy, but I enjoy the final result. Not that I’m all that great, but I still enjoy it.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
My addiction to running and exercise in general is probably a 9.8 out of 10. I have a routine and have to get in a good workout at least five days a week. Exercise is definitely my drug of choice – nothing like that natural feel good sensation from working the body hard. My dinner of choice on my birthday would be Mexican food and margarita!