Another month has come and gone. Towards the end of the month, I thought this would be the month of the 0.0 but I ended up running a grand total of 7 miles. All of which were this past week.
So instead of trying to come with a few hundred words about the 7 miles, I’ll tell you they were ok. I didn’t feel amazing and I didn’t feel terrible. I didn’t feel as if it was “the greatest comeback ever”. I probably ran about 10 minute pace but I have no idea. In fact, I don’t even know if it was 7 miles. It could be 6 or it could 8…Despite charging it, my watch still hasn’t gone for any runs with me. I just ran around my neighborhood until I felt sufficient.
Moving right along.
I did do quite a bit of cross training:
Swam 3X (total 3 miles)
7 Strength classes
6 Core classes (all between 15-30 mins)
Elliptical: 1X 
Rest Days: 14
In summary, the month was what I needed. It was a break from running and I didn’t try and compensate with doing a lot of cardio.
I gained weight, lost fitness, but my life moved right along. I know taking a break was the best thing I could have done and I have no regrets.
Life wise, I also had a lot going on that kept me busy and I didn’t miss running. I knew how burnt, when I could stand at the Broad Street 10 mile finish, watch the race and not feel sad I chose not to run. 
It was a whirlwind month. I had both my dad and in-laws come visit in Early May. Then, my mother came and visited the following week.
After that, my husband came home mid May and spent a few days in New York. While in New York, I felt a slight twinge of exciement to run again. Not enough to actually run, but I had a little bit of excitement.
After having fun in New York City, we drove down to Virginia to see my brother Matt. Due to being stationed overseas, I hadn’t seen him since my wedding in April 2015. It was a great month, but such a busy month as well. 
What’s on tap for June?
I am going to continue slowly build my base. I don’t have any major races in June but I will probably jump into a local race. I do plan to continue with strength and core classes because I’ve grown to enjoy them.
My husband and I are actually focusing more on nutrition this month so expect to see a few posts about that.
Posts from the month:
36 Pairs of Running Shoes Later
Visiting New York City
NonRunning Workout Ideas
A Week with Family
My Running Burnout
Running Related Posts
Are you Getting Enough Fiber?
So in summary, it’s been a great 5 weeks but I’m also excited to get back into training. It’s not a feeling I’ve had in quite some time.
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
Have you ever taken time off?
I’ve taken time off for injury. I rarely take time off by choice, but lately I’ve been injured enough that I’m enjoying running when I’m healthy enough to run. You did cross train and you were active so maybe the time off was just what you needed (you were also running a lot and training very hard before the break, so your body probably *needed* the recovery). Plus, you were at Broad Street and got to share the race with your family even if you didn’t run, and you could “pit crew” for them by holding keys, cheering, etc.
I volunteer at races, and the only time i’ve ever stood there and wished I was running was when I physically could not due to injury. But at that time, I would have been cool with running at all! I really love volunteering even when healthy and it doesn’t bother me at all, although I do get comments about why I’m not racing.
“I gained weight, lost fitness, but my life moved right along. I know taking a break was the best thing I could have done and I have no regrets”
I love this Hollie. I’m going through exactly the same thing right now. I’m living in Switzerland for 4 months for work, and it occurred to me that I really did not want to spend my days here running. Long walks taking pictures of the mountains and beautiful landscapes? Check. Backpacking on the weekends to different cities? Check. Eating chocolate and cheese? More than I want to admit.
Running? Not much. That will still be there when I’m ready! Zero regrets.
I’ve been following your traveling Erin and it looks like so much fun!! That definitely makes sense. Running is always there and sometimes we just need a break.