LOLZletter 38 | How to Stay Connected with the Running Community when You're Taking a Break
Welcome!
I must start out by saying the New York City Marathon was amazing! I have run it three times, and it’s still my favorite marathon. As I mentioned on my blog, my only goal was to start and finish healthy. I never set out to race “hard.” Now that I’m taking a week off from running, it seems like the perfect time to talk about staying connected to the running community when you’re taking a break.
Obviously, no one is forcing you to stay connected to the running community. If you want a total break, then you should take one. I strongly believe everyone needs time away (from any hobby). It allows you to reset both mentally and physically.
I have gone through plenty of injuries where I’ve wanted nothing to do with the running world. Then other times, I do want to stay connected even when I’m not running.
When I started running in 2010, I never realized how many people I would connect with. Today, I would miss out on seeing a lot of friends if running was not in my life. The running community is one of the most supportive communities anywhere. We have the common bond of getting up early to run, spend miles together, and discuss bodily functions that no one else wants to hear! :)
But we all go through periods of not running whether we are injured, burned out, or just don’t want to. Still, when I’m not running, I often find that I miss my friends and the running community. If you aren’t running but still want to stay involved, then there are plenty of things you can do.
What Can You Do to Stay Involved in the Running Community When You're Taking Time Away?
Volunteer or Support Races:
Just because you aren’t racing doesn’t mean you can't support a race. There are so many different volunteer options like packet pickup, registration, on-course aid or directions, or handing out medals at the finish line. Races need volunteers, and it’s a great time to pay it forward if you aren’t running. Plus, the finish line of a race can be one of the most inspirational places you will ever be.
Spectate a Race:
If for whatever reason volunteering doesn’t work out, then spectate a race. Cheering for your family, friends, or even random runners can help bring energy to the course that we all need. You never know when your cheer is what motivates someone to power through. Pro tip: please don’t say “you’re almost there!” unless it’s the final stretch. No runner wants to hear that at mile one.
Volunteer in the Running Community:
Volunteering doesn’t have to be at a race; you can volunteer within the running-related community. For example, you could volunteer with the Special Olympics, by coaching a running team, or with Girls on the Run. One of the best experiences I had was volunteering to help coach youth running and giving my time to Special Olympics (with swimming). In South Jersey as well as several other states, there is the Healthy Kids Running Series which is a wonderful cause that creates opportunities for kids of any age.
You can even reach out to a local middle or high school. You never know what teams need an extra set of hands.
Read Books or Listen to Podcasts:
When I can’t run, I like to stay informed with what’s going on in the running industry. Reading books and listening to podcasts are two of my favorite ways to stay informed.
Check-in On Your Friends:
These days social media makes it easy to stay involved with your friends (if you want too). It’s second-nature to log onto Twitter or Instagram and see what the newest updates are. Give your friends a call, check-in, send them a message, and see what is happening. You don't need to be on social media, but these days the internet makes it easy to see what’s happening. Live vicariously and support your friends, knowing that sooner or later you'll be back out there.
Meet for Post Run Coffee:
Many group runs or runners go out to eat or grab a cup of coffee after a run. Just because you aren't running doesn't mean you can't meet up with them, too. If it's a local spot, meet up post-run and catch up.
Keep in mind that each of these ideas will keep you involved in the community, but sometimes you need the time off. There is nothing wrong with taking time away from social media and the running world and doing other things that make you happy.
What is Keeping Me Entertained:
The Wreaths for the NYCM Come From my Yard
Podcast: Clean Sport Collective: Performance Enhancing Footwear?
The ART of Active Release Technique ART has kept me healthy and is what helped me recover from my hamstring injury (if you are local, Dr. Craig with Dr. Kemenosh).
Shoe Review of the Week: New Balance 890v7 marathon racing shoe, training shoe
CEP Giveaway Winner:
The winner of the CEP giveaway is Robert L who shared on Instagram! Thank you to everyone who entered.
As always, thank you for reading, and if you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful, good or bad.
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