You are still a runner even if you don’t miss running.

It’s been 9 days since my last run.  I don’t know if it is because taking time off after a race is necessary for me to avoid injuries or because the marathon just plain ol’ wiped me out but I haven’t really missed running.  I keep seeing on instagram & facebook that people are back to normal programming (aka running) right after the marathon and I am just not there with them:)  

When I first told myself that I was going to take 2 weeks off from running after the race I didn’t think that I would last the full two weeks.  Usually when I have to take even just a few days off I start to really miss running and even count down the minutes until my next run.  Not this time.  I’m sure I’ll be ready and excited next week to run again but maybe Boston overfilled my running canteen because it was such an amazing experience and so I am just living off of that high for a few weeks:)  

I rode my spin bike for 30 minutes this morning while Brooke did her phone call with her dad and then I’ll go to bootcamp tonight.  PS what 2 year old can sit still for a 30 minute FaceTime date and love it?!  She loves her 30 minutes twice a week with her Dad on the computer.  She eats her breakfast while they talk and read books.  Thank goodness for technology so she can ‘see’ him more.  

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I think we have a future Boston Marathoner on our hands.  Brooke told me she wants a ‘unicorn jacket’ too!

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It was the perfect day to get out and go to the park.  I guess I have ran a little bit since the marathon but only during our intense games of tag together.

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During Brooke’s nap my mom came over.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love living close to my family… oh yeah, I have told you that pretty much every day since I moved back 1.7 years ago.

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We got to work in the kitchen and had some successes:

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And some failures.  Why is it that I forget about anything that I put in the oven two seconds after putting it in if I don’t turn on a timer?  It’s like when I put something in the oven I suddenly forget that it ever even existed.  

My apartment will probably smell like burnt coconut for the next 3 days.  

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One flashback picture from when we were hanging out on the bus on the way to the starting line of the marathon.

Candice and I just chowing down on some bagels from our hotel.  

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This picture is inspiring the main question for the day… 

What EXACTLY do you like to eat the morning of a race?  Has there been anything that you have tried before a race that DID NOT work well for you?

Who else is on a break from running?  How come?

What is the longest break that you have taken from running?

Having an afternoon snack today?  What?

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121 comments

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I eat 1/2 a plain bagel and a banana before a race and drink coffee and Strawberry Lemonade Nuun. So far that’s worked well, but I’ve only raced a 10K and two half marathons.
I actually enjoy a break from running for a few days after a race. It’s like hitting a reset button and I think it helps me not get injured.
Afternoon snack: peanut butter and an apple. Best combination!

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I like that you called it the reset button.. SO true! Nothing better than an apple with nut butter. It’s a classic.

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I once had to take two weeks off due to injury.
Snack: popcorn popped in coconut oil…so good!
Preface breakfast: coffee and banana bread!

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What injury was it? Girl, you are already killing it with your runs after the race (and a race on Saturday). Teach me your ways:) Now I want banana bread.

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I had Achilles tendinitis. I always crave banana bread!!

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2 weeks? That’s it? Consider yourself LUCKY girl!

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Definitely lucky! It was two weeks of total rest and about a month before I felt “normal” and pain free.

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Oh man…I had to take MONTHS off. Two weeks. I think you READ about Achilles Tendonitis and got sympathy pains!! LOL Nice!! You did good :)

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I think a break from running is so important sometimes because it gives you the opportunity to physically and mentally rest up and it rejuvenates you to run again :)

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You nailed it Rachel:) I hope you are having a great day!

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Well I’m glad that you are enjoying your time off from running. that was a tough training cycle that you did. probably why you were so burnt out.
I want a unicorn jacket too.!! haha
I took 2 years off from running once. I was just so burnt out from always running. (6th thru 12th grade) plus I had my daughter in between. but now.! I’m back to loving it again :) and hope to always be a runner.
Peanut butter RIGHT before a race is not good.. augh peanut butter burps the whole race. yuck

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Good for you to take off the time that you needed to in order to get back to loving it! Oh….. peanut butter before a race KILLS me too. It makes my stomach feel awful!

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Been on a break since june!! Stupid FAI!!!! Totally miss it!! Looking at Nov before I can attempt to run again. Second hip gets done July 1st. To all of you that can run “enjoy it”!!!!!

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Oh Lisa. I am truly so so sorry about your hips. Please keep me updated on your recovery and I hope that November comes speedy so that you are out there running again. Good luck on July 1st!!!

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I love your striped top that you are wearing on the bike – where is it from?!

I just finished my afternoon snack – a few mini sweet peppers, some cottage cheese, and some whole wheat crackers!

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Thanks girl! It is from Lululemon about 4 years ago! I really like people that love cottage cheese.. the best! Enjoy the rest of your day!

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I try to eat a bowl of gluten free oatmeal with fruit, or some GF toast with peanut butter on race days- I have celiac so I have to be super careful.
I’m on a little break from running for a few days after my 30k trail race last weekend. I went to bootcamp today, and will do a little yoga and then get back to it! Don’t worry girl, I burn stuff too!

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You & your Mom look so much alike. You’re both gorgeous!

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Thank you!!!! That makes me so happy:)

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I need a solid 11.58 days off of running after a marathon and then BOOM I get the fever and need it back in my life.

I eat two plain bagels and a honey stinger (Vanilla fo life) 30 minutes prior!

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I love this post. You’re right, sometimes distance makes the heart grow fonder. I took a full week off after Boston, ran two days, and am about to take another week or so off. I want to fall back in love with it, and I have confidence that I will.
I eat a cup of coffee with almond milk, and a plain bagel… sometimes with honey or jelly. Peanut butter and bananas work great for others (and for me at other times), but before a race they DO NOT WORK. Ugh.
The longest break I took was six months. I was hospitalized for an eating disorder, and though I missed it, it was best for my body at that time. (I’m recovered now!)
My snack today was Teddy Grahams and chocolate chips. Well, my first snack anyway…
Brookers is so cute!!

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I think that is a great idea Stacey! There is no sense in pushing yourself to run when you just aren’t feeling it yet! I hear ya on the pb before a race… no bueno! SOOO happy that you are doing so well now Stacey, you are amazing!

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Brooke is so cute! I love that she wants a unicorn jacket too!

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A few weeks ago I left an entire pan of broccoli in the oven for an hour and a half. Just completely forgot about it. It was… not good.

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I am also on a run break following Boston! It ended up being such great race for me, despite the weather, and my body is still recovering, haha. While I am back to spinning and cross-training (this amazing studio in DC called solidcore), my right knee in particular needs a break from running.

The morning of a race I always eat a plain bagel with peanut butter and a banana. For Boston last week, I also added a Picky bar (Smooth Caffeinator) while waiting in Athlete’s village. Dairy, gluten and soy-free! Nom!!

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I’m glad we are on the same page Krista:) I want to try Solidcore! I hope your knee starts feeling better asap!

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Okay….this is probably the nightmare of every nutritionist out there but my race day breakfast is a chocolate poptart almond butter sandwich. It’s worked like a charm for several races.

It’s been a LONG time since I took a complete running break. Last year, I took a solid week off without running at the end of the racing season. I was burnt out to the maximum. Last week, I had a “rest week” but it was minimal running (like a couple miles here and there)….and that’s more what my running breaks look like now.

Just inhaled two mandarins and will have a banana about an hour before my after work run.

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Hahaha I need to try this chocolate poptart almond butter sandwich… that sounds delicious. If it works for you before a race, don’t change it!

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Good God. Is that even edible? I love that you preface it with “this is probably the nightmare of every nutritionist out there but…”
well heck…isn’t that what makes it delicious? I think it should be a prerequisite. If a nutritionist would be horrified…it’s bound to be delicious.

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I love your posts lately about marathon recovery and mixing in different workouts! I love Instagram too, but sometimes seeing other runners who can immediately bounce back and be awesome can make you feel pressure and feel like you can get right back at it too, when in reality, we are all different! I am EASILY injured, and I’ve had to learn the hard way to just sit back and take the break, because it’s worth it!

I have a Quest Bar for an afternoon snack, every single day… like clock work :) I have different flavors all the time to keep it exciting. Pre-race meal is always cereal, usually dry, but the milk doesn’t bother me if I have a little bit, and part of a Clif bar.

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Pre-race: Cheerios with sliced banana in almond milk, coffee, water + Nuun.

Longest break from running was 4.5 months due to pelvic stress fracture last year (June-Mid October). Gnarly and no fun at all! Been grateful for every run I’ve accomplished ever since.

Snack: Mashed avocado with sea salt and balsamic glaze atop rice cake. Mmmm….

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OUCH… a pelvic stress fracture sounds awful! So glad that you are recovered! Avocado just makes the world a better place.

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Hey Emily!

I just completed my first run outside in 5 months due to a pelvic stress fracture as well (started running on a treadmill a few weeks ago but it took a lot of confidence to get back on the road). I feel the same way about being grateful for every run! If you don’t mind me asking because you have been recovered longer than me, have you ever had symptoms of it recurring again? Are you doing anything different this time around to prevent it? Just getting back on the road after a mentally rough 5 months has me paranoid about doing everything right and there isn’t much information on the web because pelfic sf’s are so rare!

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Hi Jillian :)

I definitely went through some paranoia about re-injury when I started running again, and I think that’s pretty common. Luckily, I had an awesome physical therapist who helped me strengthen all the surrounding muscles (mainly glutes, quads, and core) and assured me that I was fully healed before I attempted running. He advised running on the track at first because it’s more forgiving, and then easing my way to treadmill and finally road running. He also had me do a lot of running-walking intervals to confirm that I had no pain before getting back to consistent running. I have now learned that little aches and pains may happen as a result of the body readjusting to running again (plus injuries kinda send the body into a tailspin–things get tight and inflamed and have to work themselves out). Of course, if any pain persists or feels sharp and “not right,” I’d stop immediately to ice and rest a couple of days. If it continues, then I’d hit up the doc.

Luckily, stress fractures usually heal 100%, so as long as you gave your body ample time to heal, you will probably be fine as long as you strengthen those muscles! Hip injuries often happen due to weaknesses that cause our bodies to adopt poor running form and rely on the wrong body parts to power us. Squats, bridges, planks, lunges, etc. should be your new best friend! You could also have a running store, coach, or trainer take a look at your form and gait and help you identify some weaknesses.

Hope my ramblings helped! Good luck to you!!

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Thanks so much for the reply, Emily! Looking forward to getting stronger and hoping happy running for both of us!

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Great post!

Before a race: 2 cups of tea and a bagel+PB (and sometimes a Clif bar too)

Longest break: a full year (knee surgery that took ages to heal…), but I’m running again now :)

Currently snacking on an apple and honey roasted peanuts :)

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Yes! I love this post!

It’s very rare that I don’t miss running when, well, I’m note running, but when that happens, honestly, it’s kin of nice! I really don’t worry that my love for it won’t return.
Really, after this long…. I think I’m in it for the long haul :)

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Before a race I like to eat a small bowl of oatmeal with PB + banana and a cup of coffee. I can also do a bagel w/ PB + banana if I don’t have any oatmeal. I think I have an afternoon snack everyday, I can never make it to dinner! :)

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Superpretzels!!! I love them. Two before a full. One before a half.
I just finished my marathon Sunday so I am off running for probably 2 weeks. I feel some ankle tendonitis rearing its ugly head and I need to keep it at bay.

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I’m on month 13 of my “break” from running. But not on purpose. Stupid injuries that refuse to heal…so rude! I miss running soooo much especially with the warm weather returning. I keep finding myself thinking “it’s perfect running weather”. I’ll settle for walks though. Those are nice too.

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Oh Alyssa, I’m truly so sorry about all of your lame injuries. Let’s go for froyo to cheer you up:)

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It amazes me that Brooke can stay focused for 30 minutes straight! Before a race or long run, I will eat one bowl of Quaker Brown Sugar instant oatmeal and an English muffin with peanut butter on it. I do not mess around with what I eat before a long run or race, as this combination has worked for me for the last year. I am not on a running break, but will be soon after I run my first marathon in 11 days! My afternoon snack today was a microwave s’more and a cup of coffee.

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It sort of varies, honestly. Usually half a bagel or some bread, toasted with peanut butter. sometimes just a banana. depends on what i’ve been eating the week prior.

no break here! on week 4 of my 20 week training….

the longest was probably a month due to a rolled ankle.

no afternoon snack yet, ate a BIG lunch, im full!

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I took a break at the end of my pregnancy and it took some time to get excited to run again. Now I go for pleasure and enjoy the views.

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i eat toast and coffee. it’s the simplest and most magical combination ever. i used to do peanut butter, but then realized that it upset my stomach. i’ve become so obsessed with my morning toast that i bought a bread maker a while back and now make my own bread :)

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I guess your body needs a running break, as well as the mind. Enjoy it! And I SO wish I lived closer to my Momma! She’s in Florida, and I’m in San Francisco. :( Boo for that!

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Coffee and bagel with cream cheese! And usually a banana. I should prob eat more before races…but my stomach never wants to cooperate :(

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If I don’t have a timer for things in the oven I totally forget about them too.

I’m probably going to make a smoothie for a snack – frozen berries, an orange, and vanilla yogurt.

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I’m still resting post Boston too. I plan to go on a coupe very easy runs over the weekend and then get back into a casual routine.
Pre race I have some coffee, and an early bagel with PB. Leading up to race time I have some water, a plain donut (I am not kidding) and another PB bagel. It works!
There are lots of things that make my belly pretty horrible during a run, luckily this combo has worked well for me :-)

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Just this week I burned hard taco shells to a crisp while cooking my meat and getting the fillings ready. Ugh. Pre race: cinnamon raisin toast with almond butter and sometimes a small cup of coffee. I love bananas but not before a race. I definitely need a little fat with my toast to keep my tummy happy.

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I love to have oatmeal, coffee, a glass of water and then 30 minutes before the race a a banana. It seems to work well for me. Favorite snack lately has been apple and peanut butter. I have only been running 2-3 x week shorter distances of less than 5 miles. It’s been a nice break but I’m missing my long runs already!

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Before races I will have some eggs, 1/2 a banana (maybe a smidge of almond butter)and maybe some of a lara bar. Carbs don’t do me well. I am a protein only girl.

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I’m also on a running break for two weeks after Boston. But I also suffered from food poisoning two days before the race and ended up in the ER getting two bags of IV fluid which got me through the race. Not a great way to carb load/ get ready for a marathon but it worked and I finished. I would not recommend an ER visit 36 hours before a big race. I normally eat a bagel or english muffin with peanut butter and a banana, but not this time. My poor tummy was not ready for all that and I had a few bites of banana.

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Oh PAM! That is awful, I can’t even imagine having food poisoning and being in the ER right before a race!

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Hi Chicas. I’m glad to read that I’m not the only one to drink coffee before a race but only 1/2 cup. I also eat my cereal – granola, with chia & coconut and almond milk, and I carry a little granola with me so when I’m in the corral I can eat again. This afternoon it’s almonds, cranberries & apples. This last race I had take a swig of cough medicine with guaifenesin and run with cough drops. All this upset my tummy a little but it helped my chest congestion. After the race I felt like my chest was on fire but I made it! A few weeks before my last two races I had to take breaks from running about a week each time. The first time because of strained feet, and second because of an outpatient procedure. The breaks allowed me to heal and race!

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Toast with pb and banana is my prerace meal! My afternoon snack was fresh homemade almond butter on 7 grain bread!

Tried a new tactic for my 2 mile race yesterday. Start out with reserved, even laps so I don’t burn out. It WORKED and I ran 12:16 which isn’t my PR but my best this year! And I felt awesome at the end!

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I always have a banana and Wheat Thins before a race. You know what is a BAD idea? Cracklin’ Oat Bran. Don’t ever do it.

The longest break I’ve ever taken that wasn’t because of an injury was two weeks. It’s challenging but sometimes SO needed. You come back refreshed and so appreciative of running. It also allows you to focus on other things that are more important, anyway, like family and friends. :)

I totally understand your issue with burning things. I never have much success in the kitchen–whenever I try to make nachos, the chips come out completely blackened. I have lost count of how many times I’ve set off the smoke alarms at my apartment complex.

I had some Wheat Thins and froyo for an afternoon snack. It was perfect. :)

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Hi!!
Longest break from running is…right now! I haven’t run a step since Dec. 9th.
Had knee surgery on the 16th and I am healing. Started PT this week – yay!!!
Last marathon I ate: 1 plan bagel, 1 banana, 1 honey stinger waffle, a glass of water and 1/2 cup of sports drink.
Worked like a charm. Zero stomach issues.
Last fall I had oatmeal before a 5K and I had a tiny bit of digestion issues.
I am snacking on the yummiest bowl of granola right now!!
Hope the rest of your day is awesome!

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I’m on a long distance break from running… my mileage usually doesn’t go higher than 4 miles, and even with that I throw in some walking breaks! My focus now is strength training, and honestly I probably won’t be increasing my mileage till I start training for another half marathon… which will probably be the fall. I don’t mind it, and I know my knees appreciate the break. But I do miss that feeling of accomplishment after a “long” run!

PS you need to add your Boston time to the top left of your page silly! :)

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I think you not missing the running and training right now is totally normal and I would just embrace it! It won’t last forever and soon you will be back to the love/hate relationship we all have w/ running. Your body is going to come back so, so strong. I know most readers are strictly runners but I personally love having other sports mixed in w/ running so I don’t get bored and burnt out.

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I took some time off after the SF marathon last year and after the 50k I ran in December….I would rather that than to burn out!

You look so happy in that picture with your mom!! :)

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i just got a spin bike! Do you use any specific websites for spin workouts or do you just make them up as you go along?

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I’m on a break!! Sprained an ankle in January and I’m not really a cross trainer so I just quit working out at all for 2.5 months while my ankle healed…then my sudden fitness reduction led to a flare up of osteitis pubis :/ which last time led to an additional 6 months off after limping around and taking “a few days here and there”

I hope this isn’t “it” for my running days :(

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I am also on a break from running. It has been about 10 days since my last run. I am anemic and have had to cut back recently on my exercise. I also just got a new puppy! He is too little to be left at home while I go to the gym. I think it’s a pretty legit excuse :)

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I just ran a 2:59:34 in Louisville this past weekend and while my coach has me in intense “recovery mode” (much shorter runs) I’ve only had one day off since the race. I’m thankful for his techniques — I miss running after 1-2 days! The longest break I’ve had in years is probably about 3 days. #insane

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I ate a plain bagel the morning of Boston – seemed to work well. I also ate a plain bagel DURING my previous marathon because I got sick and couldn’t eat the night before. So by the time I was at mile 3, I was STARVING and yelled to my mom to get me a bagel…which she did and handed to me at mile 10.

My first post-Boston run (and first post-Boston workout for that matter) was Monday and it was rough, but today’s felt a million times better. I haven’t quick kicked the cold from running in the rain yet though :(

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I’m on a running break at the moment. I’m at the tail end though, and I’m starting to feel guilty about not running, and want to get back to it. It’s been about 2.5 weeks since I ran. The first week off I got a bad cold / flu, at the same time as work went crazy busy. The second week I didn’t feel like running, so I didn’t. I wanted to get back into it this week, but then I had my flu vaccination, and I’m sick again! I’m definitely starting to get itchy running feet :)

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I once took 2 months off of running after my first marathon. I REALLY wanted a break. My snack today was an apple with cashew butter.

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Pre race meal: English muffin with peanut butter. :)

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Before a race, I need- coffee with milk and instant oatmeal (which I otherwise never eat). Then, while in transit to the race, I eat a banana. I’ve never tried to do anything else- if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!!

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On race morning, I like toast or an English muffin with TJs almond butter, topped with banana slices and a drizzle of agave nectar. Coffee too. I also bring with me to the start line a Clif bar and a throwaway bottle with VegaOne Pre-workout Energizer in it.

Luckily, I don’t have a sensitive stomach, so I have not had any issues with pre-race meals. Although I imagine bacon and eggs would not go well!

I am on my taper week for my 10 miler this weekend (Broad Street Run in Philly). I am looking forward to recovery week because my piriformis has been acting up again, EXACTLY like it did for my half marathon in Feb, but it’s on the opposite leg! Foam rolling helps, but my last long run indicates that the pain doesn’t totally go away until mile 5. Oh help me.

Gotta tell you about my snack!!! I am having popcorn that I popped in the microwave with coconut oil, rosemary, garlic powder, and sea salt. Oh my goodness this is so good. The lady at TJs told me about how much her kids love it and I can totally see why.

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I finally figured out that milk in my pre-race latte leads to stomach issues. I also avoid gluten. For Boston, I had a smoothie made with UCAN, banana, pinch of salt, and coconut milk. An hour before the race I ate another banana. That was it. First race without stomach problems/multiple potty stops. (On the course I carried UCAN. No gu’s). Yes! I finally figured it out!

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Race morning I have one cup of coffee and an english muffin with peanut butter.

I have taken almost a year off running when I lived in Alaska and had no running friends nearby.

My afternoon snack today was rye Triscuits and laughing cow cheese. And some jelly beans…

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I always love a bagel with almond butter and raspberry jam on race mornings, sometimes with a GU a little closer to the actual start. I didn’t eat it before a race, but I have tried eating yogurt with banana slices before running and I found that felt a little too heavy or something… Hahahaha and I laughed out loud that Brooke called it your “unicorn jacket”! :)

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I like plain pancakes the morning of a race with a bit of Gatorade. This weekend i am doing a triathlon on Saturday then a bike race on Sunday so its time for the pancake breakfast and some post race chocolate milk and Swedish fish!

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I ran a half this weekend and had a pb&j(with the crusts cut off :) about 90 mins before and then a strawberry honey stinger waffle about 15 mins before. My stomach was fine and I PRed so I think ill be repeating those breakfast choices. :)

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Good for you for taking the break you need! Seriously. Your mind and body will thank you.

I have been running roughly 70 mile weeks for a year and a half straight, and I have (big surprise) gotten burned out in a big way. I just don’t want to get out there, and when I’m out I am tempted to cut it short. My races are mediocre and I just plain don’t care. After my race in two weeks, I will take that break!

Pre marathon meal is toast with cookie butter and coffee! Plus a couple hours for that coffee to work its magic! :)

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Are you going to do the Nutrition post you talked about?

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I have two go-to food combos before a run. Either a frozen/toasted Kashi waffle or two BelVita crackers. I top them with honey, a few raisins, and almonds. Then I have a banana or sometimes a little applesauce or small orange and some water. I burn through carbs fast and will bottom out my blood sugar if I don’t fuel with the right combos of carbs, protein, and fat before running.

I learned the hard way that nut butters, especially peanut, are not for me pre-run. I end up burping their taste the entire time and hate it.

Longest running break? Maybe three months? June/July/August in south Florida is running misery and I’ve been known to skip an entire summer of running. Our last big running event is always mid-may and then I take a cross training focused break.

I had strawberries for an afternoon snack today.

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I think that this is something important to remember for EVERYTHING. Just because you don’t want to do something everyday, doesn’t make you love it any less, or make you less of a fan or devotee than someone who does in fact do it everyday or month or hour, whichever is applicable.

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I think it’s great that you are taking at least a couple of weeks off to allow your body to recover and just enjoy all that you have accomplished!
I am back to running now, very low mileage in preparation for NYC marathon training but have not been running since June of last year due to bilateral Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy – the worst.
Even if it is low mileage for now, I am just happy to be running! :)

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* I like a peanut butter clif bar before a race
*I had to take 3 months then another 4 months off in the last 13 months do to ITBS. It got me really well conditioned though with cross training, positive point!
* I am just starting my training (week one to be exact) for my Ultra 50 km in September!! Whoot Whoot!!
*Snack= apples and peanut butter

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My goodness – I LOVE your Boston jacket! One day for me…

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I am currently on my 2nd week of a break (first marathon). I am letting my foot get better- plantar fac. Although, this week, I did return to kickboxing/bike riding rotation. I do miss the challenge of running but want to fully heal so I can train for the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

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love Brooke’s smile, you obv have a great relationship

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I had oatmeal with raisins before I left the hotel and a bagel with Gatorade at the athletes village this year. Worked out great!
I don’t really take a break after a marathon, but I run what I want! So if it’s only a mile and I’m good, then that’s cool! Just taking a few weeks to reset and run free works for me!
Afternoon snack…I love dipping my granola bars in applesauce! Yum!

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– A plain bagel and banana works perfectly for me!
– I’m not currently on a break, but im going to take a few weeks off after my next half!
– My longest break has been about two weeks!
-My afternoon snack is usually a big ‘ol bowl of SkinnyPop :)

I hope you enjoy your Bootcamp!!

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I’m actually coming back from a running break bc when the weather is cold I tend to hibernate w weights. I have a half in less than a month though so I guess I’d better get my butt in gear!

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Pre-race breakfast is almost always a cup of coffee and two pieces of whole wheat toast with a little bit of strawberry jam. I never eat that for breakfast normally, but it has lots of carbs, digests quickly and empties from my stomach in 3 hrs, so has become my go-to race day breakfast. Before a marathon I might also eat a bagel as well…never hurts to stuff a few more carbs in prior to a marathon.

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Before a long run or race, I like to have a bagel topped with peanut butter and banana slices, and a cup of coffee.

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My 2 1/2 year old has been talking about unicorns since the Boston Marathon too. And my husband didn’t even get the jacket.

I had celery with almond butter for my afternoon snack.

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In photos, Brooke looks like she’s four or five years old…I think it’s the hair. Seriously that child and her hair.
#hairenvy

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Small break due to IT Band issues. But i’m on the mend, hopefully another week and i’ll be back to normal. Race day food is always the same: bagel, pb, banana & coffee <3

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Hi Janae! I don’t comment much, but I just want to say that you are a great person. You are so good to talk so positively about Brooke’s dad and that you want her to have such a good relationship with him. If I were in your shoes I think it would be extremely difficult for me to be so positive about their relationship. But that’s what makes you so great. I obviously have some learning to do! ;) Thanks for letting us into your life. I really enjoy reading!

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I am still figuring out my race nutrition but I think for now a simple banana and gatorade/water works well for me. Last year for St. George I tried a bagel 2 hrs before the race and I felt heavy the whole race!

Right now I’m starting up marathon training again for a fall race, so I’m definitely not on a break :)

Longest break from running was 10 months when I was pregnant.

My new favorite snack is “Just Mango Slices” from Trader Joe’s along with pistachios. I love the mix of the two together. Soooo gooood.

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I have been on a break from working out for about a week. I feel like a blob, but I just don’t feel up for it.

Snack… lots of fruit and popcorn. Seriously I went through three bags of microwave popcorn (even though I know people say that kills you.. oh well).

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I always have either a piece of pb toast or half of an Ezekiel english muffin with cream cheese before a race. My stomach is super sensitive, especially early in the morning, so I never change it up.

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I’m on an undesired break due to iliopsoas tendinitis/bursitis :/ I couldn’t run the half marathon I was training for last weekend. Such a bummer. The weather in New England is FINALLY nice and I can’t run, and it’s making me a wee bit crazy.

I eat WW toast with PB and a banana the morning of a race. At least 2.5 hours beforehand as my stomach is kind of sensitive when running.

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Good for you for taking some much-needed time off!

I always eat either a bagel and banana or a clif bar and banana the morning of a race. I’ve never had anything that threw me off, though I’ve had many trial and errors on long runs! I once ate cake before a long run and while I had some great sugar energy, my tummy was not happy!

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Oatmeal, banana and peanut butter. Never going to mess with that combo before a race! keeps me full and sits well in my stomach :)

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My go to meal before a race is a bagel with peanut butter & strawberry jam and a banana. I’m on a break from running, unfortunately due to a tibia stress fracture….coming up to the end of the 6th week….2 more weeks to go. :( Miss running so much especially now that the weather has gotten so nice after such an awful winter.

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My favorite thing before a race is 2 slices of whole wheat/multigrain bread with peanut butter and a banana. Nothing on race day morning has ever left me yucky – but Olive Garden the night before is a no-no for me.

I am on a break from running…sort of. CrossFit has consumed my life and it is hard to get up and run too – so runs have been short and when I can squeeze them in.

Longest break was the most recent past 2 weeks – no running for 2 weeks, that was a biggie. My longest break since I had a minor injury a year or so ago and took about 10 days off.

Afternoon snack – I have been terrible about packing snacks for afternoon lately. So, I brought an apple today to help with those sweet cravings I get late in the day. Wish me luck that it works!

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I have been eating toast with peanut butter since HS cross country. Its a sure win. Before long training ones sometimes I opt for granola in milk or cereal – all of these agree well with me :)

I am somewhat on a break from running – I ran my first marathon middle of January and my body (specifically my knees) needed some rest time. I was hoping a full 2 wks off and I’d be good to go, but no. So I took the time my body needed even though it was sad. A little over 3 months post marathon I am back to 3.5-4 miles “long runs”. I have a 5K in 8 days with my son, and another girl’s night 5K later this month. I’m hoping in June to start getting a more solid base built for my fall half marathon and possible another January marathon. I have also noticed through the years that January-March seem to be the time my body needs a break; I guess its my off season. In April with warmer weather I tend to get back into a running groove.

My longest break from running was Jan 2012 to August 2014. I had a few mediocre and terrible runs thrown in, but this was during my pregnancy where I had pre-term labor, delivered early, then endured a month long NICU stay w/ my son, and a preemie newborn at home – I’m glad that’s behind us.

I’m glad your taking the rest time Janae!

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Still working on the morning of the race thing… Quest bar for afternoon snack!

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I took 3.5 weeks off running after my marathon in October! With school and part time jobs, it just completely wiped me out!!! I think its important to let your body decompress and relax after a marathon… it is a huge stressor on the body and we need to let it rest up and rebuild. Our bodies will thank us for this rest in the long “run” : )

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I like to eat a bagel with peanut butter, a banana and coffee! I felt exactly like you do right after I ran the Chicago marathon. I was happy with my race time and felt completely satisfied. I enjoyed other workouts in lieu of running. I actually don’t have any distance races on the books for this year, but I’m focusing on running 5ks throughout the summer and taking a break from training for anything. I’m kind of bummed about it, but also very excited :-)

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Next time you’re in DC (or if ever), definitely check out solidcore! It’s the best and worst workout I’ve ever done: http://solidcore.co/dc

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Good for you for taking the time off!

I’m going strong on 5 days with no running. I ran the Illinois Marathon on Saturday and wanted to take at least a week off before starting up again. Been spending lots of time in the pool and it’s actually been a pretty nice mental break. Not running is a lot easier when it’s your choice verse an injury that’s keeping you off the road.

Race morning nosh = Peanut butter Clif Bar with peanut butter on top of it :)

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Thank you so much for posting this. It’s important for people to feel ok NOT running. And you definitely need time off after a race – mentally and physically. You burn out otherwise. Thank you for being normal and admitting to it! :)

I have been racing for 12 years and I always have the same thing…cereal + milk and occasionally (a cereal/granola bar) if, like Boston, there is a long wait between breakfast and the start time. I drink coffee every morning of my life EXCEPT race day. Seems to work for me. lol

A few years back I just needed a break and took about 3-4 months off from running. Came back stronger than ever.

OMG, I totally do the same thing…I HAVE to put a timer on…my problem is that I also forget to put the timer on!! lol

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I’m on a break from running because of fertility treatments. This will be the first year in eight that I don’t run a marathon. I’m hoping to get clearance to do some more halfs (halves?) instead; I actually have a lot of potential to get massive PRs in the half if I were to focus on that distance for awhile.

I’m lucky that my RE treats athletes because she knows the difference between the racing distances and can really make informed recommendations for how much I’m allowed to do. The bummer is that our fertility issues don’t have anything to do with my running, but I’m still supposed to tone it down all the same. It’s probably for the best–we’re spending a ton of money!

My longest break ever was six months off due to a knee injury. No surgery, just lots of PT and rest.

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The longest break I ever took from running started in October 2014 because I tore my ACL and had reconstruction surgery. I was able to start pool running again in January 2015, and cried in the pool on my first one because I had missed it so much!!!

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I have no doubt that Brooke will be running Boston some day!

I had to take 3 weeks off of running due to a hip injury. I didn’t like it much.

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My typical eat is a bagel with cream cheese, but really any sort of carb is okay with me. My husband is super particular and needs his bagel with pb, banana and honey and it has to be 2 hours before the race start.
I’m supposed to be on a break from running while I ramp up my cycling for a bike race in May, but for some reason I can’t stop running. This was the opposite problem I had right before my April 12th marathon where I just couldn’t drag myself to run and rode my bike all the time instead. Stupid brain.

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I eat a banana and almond butter before a race. I’m not on a break from running but have been before (last year) because of a knee injury from over-running. I never went to the Dr but after researching I decided it was from too much running. After six weeks I was back in the game. I have learned to listen to my body. When it’s telling me to slow down, stop or take a day off, I do it. I admire you for doing the same because it is SO hard but so worth it in the end when you’re injury free!!!

Baby carrots are on the menu for the afternoon.

Happy Thursday! :)

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ahhh nothing…I know it is terrible

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I love the Skype date part of this post.. I always wondered how a toddler was having “calls” with anyone ;) It is great that it works out & allows her to know him in between their face to face visits. I use FaceTime & Skype to talk to my Grandma who is in her 90s and lives 2,000 miles away from me ~1/week & I’m so grateful for those times. Thank God for technology!!!

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Brooke’s hair is getting so long, too cute!

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I’m on a break due to a hip injury. I miss it but I’m cross training and going to PT.

Smoothies before a long run don’t work for me, even if I wait 90 minutes – 2 hours. I feel like I’m sloshing. I like sprouted grain toast with almond butter or oatmeal with nuts. I’m full, not running to the bathroom and not overly full.

My afternoon snack was cucumber, carrot & hummus.

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I eat peanut butter toast on the morning of a race and usually half a banana. If it is longer than a 10K, I will eat part of a PowerBar about 30 minutes before the start of the race.

My afternoon snack was a Chobani Flip. I love those things!

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I’m not taking a break from running, but take a break from races for the year. I ran 38 different races distances for the past 2 1/2 years and also had numerous injuries so got pissed and decided to take a break. :) I must say, cross train has definitely been my best friend lately, especially weight training. Ah. :)

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I always eat an English muffin with peanut butter and half a banana. Every single time.

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