With training plan 13 safely and successfully negotiated it was time for the hardest thing for me to do, take some time off running. A week in fact. This is something I advise to all of Team Orange at the end of training block. Do they listen? Rarely!

I’m not going to pretend it’s easy, it’s not. I was keen to go out for a run, especially with some favourable late summer conditions. But I feel obliged to set a good example and so the much loved Saucony Endorphin Speed’s got a week off from pounding the pavements.

I’m lucky that my coaching keeps me involved with the running community. Track on Monday, PB Runners efforts on the Tuesday and taking the warm up for the Elaine Williams Women’s Run on Wednesday. I also dusted of my bike to cycle with the long run gang on Sunday, although my bottom is now regretting my decision not to hit the snooze button.

Staying involved is important. If you do take time off then volunteer. We can always use help at track, there are events like last Wednesday you can marshal and parkrun is always is need of volunteers. It’s easy to keep involved with the running community even when you’re not participating yourself.

There was the temptation to leave the watch behind and smash out a cheeky 10k. After all, who would notice if it’s not on Strava? But then I realised my running wardrobe doesn’t provide great camouflage for such a run.

The result of my 7 day hiatus is that I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle my 14th training plan. My goal? A new parkrun PB, currently standing at 19:28. I might need some help from the wind which seems to sneakily turn up every Saturday morning at 9am right now, but I’m sure the opportunity will arise.

Without taking the odd week off from training and running at some point your body will break down. We all need a rest from time to time and that is no different for runners. In fact, even more important given the amount of work we put our bodies through.

Ask yourself this question. When was the last time I took a week off from running? If you can’t remember, you need a break! Trust me, it will do you good.

If you want to get involved and join Team Orange to start your own training plan then drop me a message.