Why Some Runners Take the Summer Off and Why It Can Change Everything
© STADION-ACTUWhat if summer became synonymous with rest? Between sweltering temperatures, a quieter race calendar and a more relaxed pace of life, the season offers the perfect opportunity to hit pause. Stepping back, taking a breath and resting both body and mind is no obstacle to progress. Quite the opposite. So why is a summer break so beneficial?
✓ And why choose this particular time of year to put your running shoes away, at least temporarily? Here’s why.
Don’t let the heat get the better of you
Summers are getting hotter, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Taking a break in summer helps protect you from heat exhaustion, dehydration and the huge strain these conditions place on your body.
Make the most of it
Summer often means the Tour de France, birthdays, weddings, drinks and a cold beer on a terrace… It’s the perfect opportunity to put running on the back burner for a while and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
A necessary break
As strange as it may sound, an annual break is a genuine part of training. Your body needs time to recover and regenerate. Summer can be the ideal window to focus on recovery for a few weeks.
Even elite athletes schedule periods without running, intervals or pressure. A proper break. Because progress is often built during rest.
Running clubs take a break
The season is much quieter in summer, and athletics clubs usually close before starting back up in September. It’s the perfect opportunity for club members to take a complete break before lacing up again in the first days of September.
A lull in the race calendar
Few road races are held during the summer. It really is the gap between the end of the early-year season and the return of racing in the fall. What better time to take a break when no race is tempting you back out there?
A mental break
Taking a physical break is good; taking a mental break is even better. Stepping away from sport for a few days or weeks can be a chance to reconnect with yourself. Letting go of the pressure, the clock, the miles logged each week and the races on the horizon is essential. Taking a short summer break from running may be necessary, helping you come back both fresher and stronger.
There are plenty of good reasons to enjoy the summer and put your running shoes away for a while. Your muscles, tendons and joints will thank you. Take good care of yourself, and have a great summer!