I’ve been meaning to write this post about why I gave up running for a while…
Although it’s completely unrelated to healthy desserts or recipes, I wanted to publish in case it can help someone out there who might feel like I did a few months ago.
If you were to stumble upon my blog without knowing anything else about me, you might get a picture of this crazy-enthusiastic girl who is always happy, completely carefree, and whose life revolves around food and chocolate and dessert 24/7.
In reality, “blog Katie” is only a very small portion of who I am outside of the computer world.
You might be surprised by how much of my life is entirely unrelated to food and cooking, and I’m definitely not completely carefree.
Related: How I Started Blogging Full Time
Because I choose not to talk about my friends, relationships, or personal life on the blog, most people would’ve had no idea I was anything less than my usual upbeat self early this year…
Yet even as I continued with the cheery chocolate posts, I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted thanks to moving twice, going through a breakup, sorting out issues with the book, and worrying about the future.
In the past, I would have leaned on running to get me through.
It was in college that I first fell in love with the sport, waking up each day excited to get out in the fresh Pennsylvania air before classes. Running provided an outlet for the pent-up energy I was no longer expending on soccer and tennis (sports I’d played almost from birth all the way through high school), and I could think about everything while I ran: school, friends, guys, the past, the future… or sometimes nothing at all.
Running’s meaning in my life would change over the years; when I moved back to Texas it became a comforting source of stability in my crazy and uncertain post-high-school life. Four or five times a week, sun or rain or snow, I’d be out there running, 7 to 10 miles each time. I loved it.
But somehow this past summer, I lost energy and motivation for something that used to bring such joy and excitement. For the first time in eight years, I found myself dreading the idea of going out for a run.
I would drag myself through the miles and arrive home feeling completely drained. Running had never been something I wanted to force myself to do, so one day in early July when I was “supposed” to go out, I just didn’t.
That one day turned into a week.
The week turned into a month.
Then two months.
And I was surprised to find I didn’t miss it. I had much more energy throughout the day, felt happier and less stressed, and even my hair—no longer breaking off from much-too-tight ponytails—looked healthier.
As people have pointed out in a few of my recent posts, I’ve also gained weight, which I’d been trying to do for awhile (I always wanted curves). Not going to lie, I am pretty excited about this.
(To ease your worries if you want to give up running but do not wish to gain weight: I don’t think quitting running directly caused me to gain weight. My personality is such that I naturally tend to lose weight when I’m stressed and overwhelmed, so the change is a physical manifestation of feeling happier and more relaxed.)
Will I ever go back to running?
Maybe someday in the future, but much more recreationally.
If running works for you, that’s great. Keep doing it! But if you’re feeling burned out by running—or any exercise—it might be a good idea to take a step back for awhile. You can always pick it up again if the desire strikes.
That’s not to say I’m advocating giving up exercise completely: I still walk every morning to get out in the fresh air, and lately I’ve been going with a friend to the gym a few times a week (basically he lifts all the heavy weights and I stand there with my 10-lb dumbbells and exercise my mouth!).
When I first gave up running, I feared losing a part of my identity. But the truth is I now have so much more.
2014 Edit: Part Two: Why I Started Running Again
Recipe Of The Day:
Flourless Pancakes – 3 Ingredients, NO gluten, soy, eggs, or refined sugar
Very insightful! I am one of those crazy runners who gets out there nearly every day and doesn’t stop until my body tells me to. I can’t imagine feeling exhausted after a run; I usually feel the exact opposite at the end of a run, so I fully understand why you would discontinue something that was totally depleting. Listening to your body is the only way to take care of it! You know when you feel your best and it is great that you found your body’s “happy place.” Wonderful post and man do I wish there was a way to keep your hair in place and out of your face while running without doing any damage!
I have searched your website, can you please tell me more about the peanut or almond butter and coconut oil mixture? 🙂
Ditto!
I am interested in hearing more about the coconut oil/nut butter mixture as well! 🙂
I never actually measure it… I will measure it the next time I make it, and I promise to post it by February at the latest! 🙂
Yay!! Thanks!!
I believe it’s this recipe
https://lett-trim.today/2013/09/17/chocolate-fudge-jar/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Very similar!
What a wonderful post, Katie! I have actually recently quit running myself, and like you, I feel less stressed and happier for it! I’ve started doing cycling and elliptical workouts at the gym (and Zumba!) to stay focused and fit, but my joints will forever thank me for this.
I have also struggled with body image and felt the need to run/work out compulsively to stay “skinny”. Still working on that one, but reading your thoughts on healthy weight gain is a breath of fresh air. Thank you! 🙂
You are beautiful and honest, Katie. Life is all about evolving and changing and no one ever said you have to remain the same person the rest of your life.
I just recently took up yoga at the age of 53 and I feel like I have found my calling~~at least for now! Who knows what will be around the corner, but just go with the flow and be happy *now*!
Thank you for writing this! I love reading your posts, whether I have time to make one of your recipes or not. But it’s easy to believe that your life–or any other blogger’s life, for that matter–is perfect. Remembering that we’re all human and we all struggle with stress and identity is important. I started running recently, and for me it’s the opposite. I feel stressed and unhappy when I don’t run or exercise. I think it’s important that we all find what works best for us in order to be healthy physically and emotionally, because it is different for everyone.
running is not healthy on your joints. It is better to walk anyway.
I’m sorry, but that’s just untrue. Running improperly (poor form) or in bad shoes can lead to weakened joints. Running too many hard days, or without rest, can also cause a breakdown of tissue in joints, but MOST runners know not to do that.
I’m a kinesiology major and it makes me sad when people claim that a heart healthy, bone-strengthening exercise is “bad for your joints”, or will ruin your knees, or any other false claim.
Our bodies were built to be moved, specifically built to run. No one says, “thinking is bad for your brain, just watch TV instead, it’s less taxing” so why do they claim “running is bad for your joints, don’t try the highest-calorie burning and endorphin-releasing exercise out there”
Admittedly, I don’t know much about it. But running must be hard on the body for most people, as everyone I know or read about who does it for any length of time suffers from some sort of injury or health issue. Surely walking is easier on the body.
Thanks for your post! As I have had an ambivalent relationship with running I appreciate it! What was missing for me is are you still doing physical activity on a regular basis? Part of not wanting to give up running for me is the question of what will take its place so I’m wondering how you think about this question! Congratulations and I’m happy you’re happy!
Hi Katie– I admire your ability to listen to your body’s cues. It’s easy to ignore them when we’re focusing on what needs to be done and trying so hard just to finish.
My 2-mile jogs every other day started to feel like a chore. Now I take my dog with me, and she helps slow the pace and her smiles make me feel happy. I also snack on a spoonful of almond butter and drink a sip of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar (not together) early in the morning which I think helps ease me into the day. Even the smallest shifts in routine can make such a difference.
I know everyone has their own opinions about weight gain, but nut butters are my personal favorite method. 🙂 They taste delicious and don’t leave me feeling overly full.
Life should be more about living in moderation doing what makes you happy. 🙂
Hey Katie i love your blog and i think you are awesome i love reading your posts 🙂 Although i have never been a runner i have always been pretty active and extremely thin and in my search to get healthier and loose my pregnancy weight i came across a website it is called Bodyrock.tv they have awesome workouts and they only usually take about 12 to 20 mins a day 🙂 i have been doing it for 2 years now and i have gained a good bit of muscle i am the heaviest i have been outside of being pregnant of course 🙂 they also have another website called thedailyhiit.com and they also have a youtube channel 🙂
Life throws us so many twists and turns doesn’t it?! Wish you all the best, everyone is different, glad you are focusing on what feels good for you.
Thank you so much for posting. Exercising stresses me out alot, and i had the same experience as you where I just stopped going. I feel so much calmer and happier, but I also have been feeling very guilty. This makes me feel alot better. I know i still need to exercise, but running has proved more stressful than other methods
I’m so happy for you! Running so much daily takes a huge toll on one’s body no matter how fit it is!
I’m going through something similar right night, but I actually need to stop running for my health…it’s relieving to hear from someone who is happier and feeling a little healthier with a little added weight. You look gorgeous and I’m grateful you shared this with us!
Sorry to hear about your personal issues, but really glad you posted this. Beyond just knowing that you’re turning a corner and feeling happier (which I’m sure we all love to hear), it’s great when you use your blog as a platform for good advice. I hope things continue to improve/go well, and you really look lovely in that photo.
Hey Katie, it sounds like you might have been over training, which totally leads to more body (and mind) stress than less of it. Anyway, cheers to listening to your body. If it dreads running, it doesn’t want to go. Take care and hope your stressful year brightens up.