Relaxation and Recuperation are important facets to running your best. This week I took off consecutive days from running and I feel my best. It is easy to feel guilty for not getting your daily dose of exercise, especially when we are stuck inside all day with school and work. Taking days off from running though is sometimes exactly what our bodies need and want.

Running is my time to mentally relax from all of the stressors that naturally come with life. This week I did not get the opportunity to run as much as I would have liked but my run this weekend made me realize that taking a bit of time off from running is what I really needed to relax and recuperate. Typically, a sunrise or sunset run clears my mind and rejuvenates my soul which was replaced this week by spending time with the people around me that help me relax.

I often get infatuated by the beautiful Charleston scenery and fail to listen that my body is completely exhausted, both mentally and physically. I feel disgruntled with myself when I skip a day or unexpected tasks prevent me from running, but runs are not always the focal point of our days, and that’s okay. It is important to not be so hard on ourselves and to realize that taking one day or a few days off from running does not mean we aren’t holding ourselves accountable.

Life is about balance, and everyone deserves relaxation and recuperation. My favorite time of day is when I get to lace up my tennis shoes for a sunrise run but my body deserves to take a break from hitting the pavement. After taking a fews off, I felt more energized and focused for my run. It was easier to stay motivated and recenter for a new week. Relaxation and recuperation are key ingredients to being a successful runner.