6 Legit Reasons To Skip Your Run

While running is great for your health, sometimes it is okay and even necessary to skip a run when you have some legitimate reasons. Find out what they are.

There are many of us who are always on the lookout for new reasons to skip that morning run. If you’re one of those people, you shouldn’t be here, because you won’t find any excuses for a sedentary lifestyle here. These are instead legit reasons to skip a scheduled run and they are meant solely for serious and committed runners. So, how do you know if you are a serious runner? If you are excited about the prospect of finding a good reason to not run, odds are you aren’t a serious runner. If the idea of skipping a run is anathema to you, then this is meant specifically for you. Unfortunately, there are times when you just need to forgo your run.

1. During Adverse Weather Conditions

There are many of us who are always on the lookout for new reasons to skip that morning run. If you’re one of those people, you shouldn’t be here, because you won’t find any excuses for a sedentary lifestyle here. These are instead legit reasons to skip a scheduled run and they are meant solely for serious and committed runners. So, how do you know if you are a serious runner? If you are excited about the prospect of finding a good reason to not run, odds are you aren’t a serious runner. If the idea of skipping a run is anathema to you, then this is meant specifically for you. Unfortunately, there are times when you just need to forgo your run.

2. When You Are Sick

It’s okay to run when you have a mild cold, as that can actually make you feel better. The main reason behind this is that moderate training can boost your immunity levels. However, when you have a fever or a bad cough, running is not recommended. Many studies have found that excessive or high intensity workouts during the incubation phase of infection can increase the severity of illness . If you suffer from anything more than a mild cold, it makes more sense to rest for a couple of days so you can hit the track in full form.

3. When You Have Shortness Of Breath

If you experience shortness of breath or any kind of breathing difficulty (whether before or during a run) you need to hit pause immediately. This could be due to serious underlying conditions, such as high or low blood pressure, anemia, asthma or other cardiovascular problems. In such cases, refrain from running and seek medical attention immediately.

4. When You Have Muscle And Joint Pain

Muscle soreness is a common problem faced by runners. If it’s a minor running-induced cramp, gently massage the area and pick up the pace again. However, you should refrain from running if the soreness is severe and you cannot move freely. Running with extreme muscle soreness can affect your range of motion, exacerbating the condition or causing further injury. Similarly, if you have severe joint pain when running, it can lead to a runner’s knee, ligament tear, etc. In such situations, take a break until you are completely healed. If these problems persist, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

5. When You Have Chest Pain

Never ignore symptoms such as chest pain when running, especially if accompanied by symptoms like sweating, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness. This can be indicative of heart disease or coronary artery disease and ignoring it can prove fatal. Although conditions like heartburn can often be confused with heart disease or heart attacks, it’s not worth the risk, so stop running and seek medical help immediately.

6. When You Are Pregnant

If your body is accustomed to intense training, then running is good for your fetus. However, if you experience symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, chest pain, feelings of tightness in your tummy, vaginal bleeding or vomiting, you should skip running and also speak to your health care provider immediately.

What Happens If You Push Yourself Into Running?

Never be too hard on your body as this can do more harm than good. According to a study conducted by Yale University researchers, overexerting yourself while running can even cause short-term kidney injury . Potential causes for this problem are mainly a sudden rise in core body temperature, dehydration, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys. Sudden cardiac arrest during running has also been reported in some cases .

Always listen to your body and do what works for you. If you skip a day’s run, try not to feel guilty about it and enjoy the rest day because you earned it. Stay motivated by telling yourself that you will be back the next day.