“I constantly remind myself that resting takes confidence. Anyone can train like a mad man but to embrace rest and to allow all the hard training to come out takes mental strength” – Ryan Hall

I received this quote in my e-mail today from the Runner’s World Quote of the Day e-newsletter that I am subscribed to. Similar to the way some people apply daily horoscopes to the actual events occurring in their lives, I apply these quotes to specific difficulties or conflicts that I am facing.

Right now, I am currently struggling with the urge to run. I haven’t ran a single mile since last Wednesday, March 27th and I’m starting to go a little stir crazy.

I’ve been sick for these past few days and I’ve been trying to allow my body to heal itself before I get my legs moving again. It’s frustrating though, as I’m getting closer and closer to my two big back-to-back races at the end of this month. The real price that I’m paying is a mental toll more so than physical.

Without running, the balance that I need in my life has been thrown off and it’s affecting my entire mental state. Like a drug, my body is negatively responding to this withdrawal from running.

I haven’t felt fulfilled lately and the thoughts that are racing in my head have been trapped up there for a week now.

It’s interesting to see the affects that this has on me because in retrospect, a majority of people have their vice. Whether it be eating, or exercise, or video games, or alcohol, everyone needs an outlet. It appears in some form, and for me, it’s running