Monday, May 31, 2010

runner's guilt ...

I'm not sure if it's the same for everyone else, but some days I get serious runner's guilt. I see other people hitting the pavement and a little part of me twinges, because I should be out there too (I've even been know to feel that way on days when I have already run.)

It's even worse on days like today when J is home. I feel this incessant need to go on a run. I feel like if I don't, I am wasting the opportunity. Especially, considering that the majority of the time, I am fighting to get my runs in. But, my legs are dead. After racing on Saturday and a rather challenging eight miles in the heat yesterday (and don't forget about P90X), my legs are shot. I know I should take the day off. I know that it's OK to "waste the opportunity." But I just don't think I can do it. I can hear my Newtons calling my name. They want to get out there too. I mean, seriously, what's a few miles between friends?

23 comments:

MCM Mama said...

I'm laughing because I feel the same way. I NEED to be out there. I mean, I have someone to watch the kids, it's the last day of the month, and... I probably won't though, out of respect for a whiny hamstring. Enjoy the miles if you do them.

Carly said...

I know exactly how you feel! I see other people out there and I NEED to go out!

Laura said...

I hear you...this is the only time I listen to my head as it relates to running.

ajh said...

Runners' Guilt is a strong thing!

Katye said...

runner's guilt sucks! but so does overtraining injuries! listen to your body and do what it tells you =)

Tricia said...

resist the urge...and rest those legs!

Unknown said...

Oh, I do that too. Sometimes that guilt will ruin the rest of my day. So I say get a good strech in this morning and then a hot bath with epson salt and then go for an easy run this evening.

MJ said...

It's hard, even when you know you should rest.

Sarah K said...

I tend to get runner's guilt when there's nothing I can do about it...like it's already 8pm and I have an early morning the next day.

the dawn said...

I struggle with runner's guilt...even when I get a run in, if it wasn't my best effort. Then, after a forced or planned day of rest, I run better, stronger, faster and I'm reminded of the importance of rest to my body. I keep hoping that this lesson with decrease the intensity and/or frequency of the guilt, but no matter what it comes back every time. If anyone knows the antidote, that would be amazing.

H Love said...

I am start to think being a balanced/smart runner is more difficult that being a "good" runner. hang in there, you are a rock star.

Monica said...

You have to remember how important RECOVERY is to an athlete. Take time. Let your body RECOVER!! :)

Jill said...

That's how I know I am a little crazy because I feel the same way daily! I have a hard time running on the weeekends when hubby is home.

Anne said...

I guess I'm still enough of a newbie to remind you that listening to your body is super important if you don't want to risk injury and then no running allowed...just sayin' :)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I think that's called runner' envy! I completely have it too considering I am at day 22 of running. Or maybe I'm causing it!?

Happy Memorial Day!

Marlene said...

Soooooo did you run? :)

Unknown said...

Yep, runners guilt bites the big one.

Megan said...

I often feel that way after at the end of race season. It's hard to explain to people who don't race. It's like we've lost a friend when training is over.

Unknown said...

You do not need to feel guilty but it's good that you do. It means that the guilt becomes bottled energy and, then, you can fly away on your next run.

Erica said...

it is a sickness! My mizunos were stuffed in my suitcase all weekend and every time I so much as walked past them they would begin to cry and say things like "who cares if it is 91 degrees, we need to hit the pavement".....damn talking shoes..

Robyn said...

I totally have the same feeling, especially since I'm injured. But even before, and sometimes on days I ran before work I'd see people running after and feel like I should be too.

kilax said...

I feel this way any time I see a runner when I am not running. I always want to be running! ;)

Unknown said...

I'm going through this today. I need to get out there, I haven't run since Friday...