5 Things Runners Miss When They Can't Run

Last week, I found myself unable to run. I developed what I hope is minor injury and knew that the best thing would be for me to take the week off to rest. I had no idea how challenging that would be!

Honestly, I never thought I’d be the kind of person who was actually sad to not be able to run, but as it turns out, I am. Here are five things I missed during my (brief) running hiatus.

1. Having a daily physical goal and the feeling of accomplishment when I achieved it. I love having a list and a training plan is essentially a big list. Checking off runs gives me a certain satisfaction that I really missed when I took some time off.

2, Having a very accurate sense of what the weather was like each day. This sounds small but running means I’m always prepared for the weather because I experience it on the run. You never get caught unaware in your nice clothes when after you run each morning!

Related: What To Wear During Wild Winter Weather

3. The simple pleasure of lacing up and just going. There is a certain freedom in hitting the road and going places you can’t access via car. Trails, one-way streets, or just off the beaten path hideaways—the city looks different via your two feet. I missed that when I took time off.

4. The relaxation aspect of it all. I ALWAYS return from a run feeling more relaxed and more grounded than I did before I start. ALWAYS. And not running definitely made me a wee bit crazier than normal. Sorry, hubby!

5. The social aspect. Yes. I run with friends a couple times a week. It’s the perfect time to catch up and figure out what is going on in their lives. It’s one of the best aspects of running for me and I missed that time greatly.

What do you miss the most when you have to take a few days off running?

Related: It’s Okay To Take A Break From Running