Why I Stopped Forcing Running—And What It Taught Me
On January 1st, I went for a run. I had the time, the energy, and the space in my schedule, so I laced up my shoes, stepped outside, and hit the pavement. It felt good. It felt right.
That was the last time I ran.
It's not because I don't love running or because I'm injured or plan on quitting forever. It just hasn't been the season for it.
Lately, strength training has been my focus. It fits my schedule, my energy, and my life right now. And instead of forcing myself to stick to some rigid plan out of obligation, I've been choosing what feels right.
A few years ago, this would have made me panic. I would have worried about losing endurance, gaining weight, feeling "behind," or having to start over when I did want to run again. But I've been at this long enough to know that fitness isn't a straight line. Goals shift. Priorities shift. And that's okay.
The Myth of Always Doing Everything
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make (and yeah, I've been there too) is thinking we must do everything all at once—run high mileage, lift heavy, cross-train, squeeze in mobility work, eat perfectly, and get enough sleep. Okay, definitely don't skip the sleep—you do need that.
It's overwhelming. And if you've ever tried to cram it all in at once, you know it doesn't last long. Something gets dropped, or you burn out trying to keep up.
That's where seasons come in. Not every season is for everything; trying to force it usually backfires. Instead, shifting focus while maintaining consistency over time leads to far better results—both physically and mentally.
Why Shifting Focus Improves Performance
Right now, my body is telling me that strength training is what I need most. It's dark in the morning before I start my work day, so it makes more sense to do indoor workouts. My schedule, energy levels, and mindset all align with that.
But that doesn't mean I've given up running forever. It just means running is taking a backseat while I build a stronger foundation.
And here's the thing: This approach makes you better at running.
Periodizing your training—focusing on strength at certain times and running at others—helps you improve both without overloading your system. Instead of pushing your endurance and building strength at full intensity at the same time (which can lead to stagnation, burnout, or injury), you give each it's time to shine.
Strength cycles improve strength, durability, and injury resistance. A few months of lifting-focused training can make your running feel stronger and more effortless when you shift back to higher mileage.
Running cycles enhance endurance, stamina, and aerobic capacity. When you reduce strength training slightly and increase running volume, your body can recover and fully adapt to the demand.
Maintaining a base of both means you never completely lose progress. Even when prioritizing strength, I still do some cardio, even if scaled back. When I'm focusing on running or training for a race, I try to maintain at least two days a week of full-body strength training.
It's about shifting priorities, not abandoning one for the other.
Trusting the Process—Even When It Feels Uncertain
I'll admit that when I see people out running on these sunny spring-like days, part of me feels the itch to return to it. There's a certain magic in the season shift—the way the sun feels a little warmer, the air a little lighter, the promise of endorphins ahead.
I trust that when my body and mind are ready, I'll step out the door and find my stride again—whether that's next week or next month. I don’t have to force it. (Hopefully, it happens before those triple-digit summer temps roll in. Hah.)
One of the biggest reasons I've been able to maintain my fitness long-term is that I've learned to adjust as needed—without guilt or shame about what I should be doing. I focus on moving forward, adapting to what works in the moment, and leaving perfection at the door.
We don't have to fear losing fitness; sometimes a break strengthens us. We don't have to do everything at once. Long-term success doesn't come from pushing through at all costs—it comes from knowing when to push and when to pull back.
What Season Are You In?
If you're feeling guilty about not hitting your usual mileage or frustrated that your workouts don't look like they did six months ago, take a breath. You're not falling behind. You're just in a different season.
Maybe you're in a season of rest. Perhaps you're in a season of strength. You may be gearing up for a big goal or figuring out what's next.
Whatever season you're in, trust that it serves a purpose. You don't have to be everything all at once.
The miles will always be there. The weights will always be there. The key is knowing when to chase them—and when to let them wait.
I wonder when I’ll be excited about training for my next race. How about you?
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