How to make sure running doesn’t take over your life

Staying on top of eating healthily, getting in daily runs, updating the gear wardrobe, planning new routes, shopping for the right shoes, and reading all our articles – all of this is a lot of work! Running can feel like a separate full-time (and unpaid) job. We runners can be pretty obsessive at times. OK, maybe a lot obsessive. And though we endorse goal-setting and upping the mileage, we don’t think running should take over your life. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t.

1. Don’t make all of your trips running vacations

When’s the last time you went on a vacation that didn’t revolve around running? We get that it’s your passion but sometimes a full break is a good thing. It doesn’t mean you can’t explore your surroundings by going for a run, we’re just saying there are other ways to unwind besides going on an eight-day trail running trek or cramming in activities after racing a marathon.

2. Don’t be a bore on Saturday nights

You’re an avid runner, your friends are not. Guess what? They don’t care about your new running route. They don’t care how great your new superfood-filled stew recipe tastes or how switching to minimal shoes has changed your life. And seriously, shut up about quinoa. Come prepared to talk about something other than running.

3. If you missed a run, you missed it. Don’t think you can double the mileage to make up for it tomorrow

Just call it what it is: a missed run is a missed run. You might be tempted to double up the distance tomorrow but forget it. It doesn’t work that way any more than eating a fruit salad will erase the nacho plate you just downed. Going all out the day after a missed run can end up in injury if anything.

4. Set a time to run and stick to it

So you wake up and you don’t feel like running. Lunch hits, you still don’t feel like it. The worst thing about procrastinating is that suddenly the run looms over you ALL day. If you just do it when you say you’ll do it, it’ll be done and out of the way.

5. Are all your outfits running gear? Go shopping

It’s fine that you’re a track dork but you don’t have to ALWAYS look the part. Go to your closet right now. Be honest: are 85 per cent of your clothes from your favourite athletic brands? Go shopping. And no, we don’t condone you running to the mall for this one.

6. If it’s an easy run, take it easy

There’s a reason why you decided to go easy today. Everyone needs to have a slow or short run to make up for your hard work. A lot of runners make the mistake of getting out and then ditching the easy run plan because they feel good.

7. Successful recovery is just as important as getting in a good run

A lot of running is about putting up with the pain but there’s just as much to be said about putting your feet up and relaxing afterwards. Treating your body well will make you a better runner so don’t skimp on the self care.

8. If your Sunday morning runs ruin Saturday nights, get out on Friday

Your friends know not to bug you on Saturday nights. Nothing will get you to compromise your Sunday long run. When Friday rolls around though, join in on the fun. It’s been a long work (or school) week and your runs feel even longer. You might deserve this one.

9. Stop obsessing over mileage

If you’re just about home and you realize you’re at 14.9K, you don’t have to turn around and run the extra 100m. Let. It. Be. This is why your friends accuse you of being a Type A person…

10. Likewise, stop obsessing over your PB

Your PB is a number and it doesn’t define you. There are many factors that make for a good race. If you PB, that’s great. Celebrate. But it shouldn’t be enough to keep you up at night especially if it’s others’ success that you’re chasing.