As a distance runner, the amount of hard workouts, weekly mileage, and physical strain my body goes through calls for ensuring I am getting the proper amount of rest days in as well. Too often runners overdo it and it eventually results in injury. Taking mental health days is extremely important not only for this sport but for life in general to make sure that you are able to show up on the most important days. I had a race this past Friday and took the rest of the weekend off to rest my physical body and my mind. Running is 90% mental, so to prepare for a good race, it is important to account for adding in designated rest and mental health days.
For me, running has a deeper meaning than just staying physically active, competing on a team, or being apart of something. Running helps me to survive . Now maybe I'm being overdramatic, but it truly does greatly impact my ability to eat. When I run, I burn calories, obviously. Therefore, I get hungry much faster and my innate desire for food and nourishment increases. When I do not run for long periods of time, I find it very difficult for me to eat enough and as often as a 19-year-old growing woman should. When I am running everyday, I remember to take care of my body and fuel it so that it can work to its full potential, allowing me to run the very best I can. Eating and nutrition can be a very sensitive topic amongst female distance runners, which is why I myself speak carefully in hopes of not upsetting any readers. However, talking about my own personal views on it helps to spread awareness and expose another point of view that maybe others can relate to, which is worth it ...
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