After about 3 days of not running in a row, something silly happens to me.

I start to feel pressure.  Not from anyone else, but just from myself.  Perhaps it is part of the comparison war, or perhaps it’s just another way my American brain has tried to excuse laziness.

Day one is a rest day, and enjoyed at that.  Day two is extended recovery.  But once I’ve laid myself to sleep with the third run-free day in a row, a switch takes place in my brain.

I feel like “getting back to running” is going to be such a chore.  After three days?  So then I put it off, again and I see the number four.  Increased excuses abound as four turns to five, then six, and then seven.

“SEVEN DAYS!?  How did it get to be a FULL WEEK since I last ran?  That seems impossible!” I tell myself.

And then I am busy. (excuse.)

And then I am sick. (excuse.)

And then I need a nap. (excuse.)

And then my running shoes won’t fit in my carry on luggage. (excuse)

And I pull a traveling all-nighter so I don’t have energy to run. (excuse)

And then I am watching LOST, eating a cookie, updating spreadsheets, riding my bike instead, attending a meet up would rather not have to do my hair all over again.  (excusesXonebillion.)

After being inspired by the many runners in Chicago, I didn’t move forward as planned.  I continued on with bike rides and walks every day, but I was letting my fear of “getting back to running” keep me from following through with my desire to hit the pavement strong. 

But after 16 days being run-free, this changed. I had had enough.  I decided that I couldn’t put it off any longer, and this past Wednesday, I ran home from work. Since then, I’ve gone on three other runs.  After each run, I feel strong, accomplished, and motivated to keep running. 

I’ve yet to feel the discouragement that used to appear after runs didn’t go as smoothly, as quickly, or as strong as I anticipated them going.  Instead, I feel thankful after each mile.  I feel empowered during each after run stretch.  I feel eager for my next run and am very excited to tackle my next race, on September 11. 

I’ve thought about this during my last two runs, and I must say that I think I owe a nod of gratitude to that 16-day break from running.  I feel refreshed and renewed, as if I’ve moved into a new season as a runner.  Although a week ago, the time off from running was a discouragement to me, causing me to make excuses and cower away from my own abilities, I truly think it has restored me.   Those sixteen days off have made me a stronger runner. Those sixteen days were the best run never.