Me and Running are “On a Break”

Today I ran for the first time since June 26th.

Cue the gasp.

That might not sound shocking to some, but for me? That’s a big deal. I’m usually out there running 3–4 times a week, especially when I’m in the middle of marathon training like I had been. But July? My monthly Garmin running challenges were totally blank. Not a single mile. Not one sweaty, slow, glorious mile. I double-checked, like, “Wait… is this right?”

I was on week 11 of 20 in training for a marathon at the end of August. A marathon I hadn’t even signed up for yet, which probably should’ve been a red flag. That week my long run was a 12-miler – and it actually felt great. Well, okay, it felt great after. During, I nearly cut it short. But I didn’t cut it short – I finished all 12 miles without collapsing at the end of the trail, and for that I was proud. A few weeks before that, I ran/walked/hiked 18 miles during the Island Time 6-hour run. And I was so proud of that accomplishment. Things were going fine… until they weren’t.

Right after that 12-miler, I hit a wall – the kind of wall that isn’t just “I need a gel” tired, but a classic mile-20-of-the-marathon existential crisis kind of wall.

It wasn’t just the swampy summer heat and humidity (though let’s be honest – summer running in Michigan feels like you’re running while wrapped in a warm, wet blanket. Or like you’re running on Dagobah – “Crazy for doing this, I am.”). It was the creeping doubt: Can I even make the marathon cutoff time? Do I want to do this again? I’ve done seven marathons. The training is intense. The pressure is real. And lately, the joy just hasn’t outweighed the suck.

So, I had my inner Ross Geller moment:
“We were on a break!!”
“I’M FINE!!”
(Translation: I was definitely not fine.)

Taking a break from running wasn’t easy. It’s been part of my identity for so long. It’s how I’ve met some of my closest friends. It’s my stress relief. My comfort zone. So stepping back felt like I was losing a piece of myself.

But this unintentional pause helped me realize something: The half marathon might just be my sweet spot. It’s still a challenge, but it doesn’t suck the life out of me. I get to enjoy the training, the race atmosphere, the finish line high… all of that without the pressure of 20-milers, cut-off times, or the looming fear of being the last one across the line (been there, done that, still wore the medal proudly).

I want to run because I want to—not because I have to.

And while running and I have been on a break, something else kind of stole my heart: biking.

My husband and I do what we call our “run/rides” – he bikes alongside me while I run. But lately? We’ve both been on bikes, and honestly… it’s been a game changer. No pace goals. No counting down the miles and wanting to be finished. Just fresh air, conversation, and actual fun. We’ve joined a few local Counter Cruise rides (if you’re in Saginaw, you have to check them out!) and it’s been such a blast. There’s something about seeing the city you live in from your bike that just hits different.

We’re also doing the Tour de Troit again in September – it’s 26 chill miles through the streets of Detroit. Last year’s ride inspired me to ask for a more comfortable bike, and my husband delivered with a gorgeous mint green 7-speed cruiser for Christmas. For my birthday (in 12 days, not that I’m counting), he got me a cute basket to hang on the front of it. Now I just need a stuffed corgi and some fake flowers to put in the basket, and I need the perfect name for my bike. Suggestions welcome. Something that says, “I may not be fast, but I am fabulous.” I’ve always said about being a slow runner: Just like I If I can’t be fast, at least I can look good doing it. The same vibe totally applies to biking.

This break helped me Ross Geller-style “PIVOT!” toward the things that bring me joy. Whether that’s biking with my husband, traipsing through the woods with friends, or lacing up my shoes and running just because I feel like it.

Running and I may not be on the same page right now, but the love is still there.
We’re just… redefining the relationship.