When Your Body Tells You to Stop

Sometimes, the body sends us messages we can’t ignore. After one of my worst performances in recent memory at the half marathon distance, it became clear that I was pushing myself too hard. Fatigue had hit me like a wave, and it was evident my body was suffering. I had no choice but to step back from racing and training to figure out what was going wrong.

Recognising the Signs

The symptoms were hard to ignore. I was experiencing extreme fatigue crashes, and my lungs felt sore even during short runs. Looking back, the signs had been creeping in for months. I first noticed them after my personal best at the North Lincolnshire Half Marathon in March 2024. At the time, I shrugged it off, assuming I was just recovering from that intense effort. But even before the Manchester Marathon 2024, things didn’t feel quite right.

I thought I could push through, as many runners do, but it was a mistake. The more I tried to force my way through training, the worse I felt. My body was telling me to slow down, but I wasn’t ready to listen.

The Mental Toll

As much as the physical symptoms affected me, my mental health also took a hit. I became fixated on my lack of fitness and the growing sense of failure for not hitting my sub-3-hour marathon goal yet again. Social media only amplified these feelings, it became clear I needed a break—not just from running but also from consuming content that fed into my frustration and self-doubt. It’s easy to forget how much mental strain can affect your performance when you’re so focused on the physical side of things.

Taking a Step Back

This period of rest and reflection is not something I initially embraced, but it has been necessary. My body needed time to recover, and my mind needed space to regain perspective. I’ve had to accept that sometimes the best way to move forward is to step back, listen to your body, and prioritize overall well-being.

Running will always be a part of my life, but I’m learning that it’s okay to take a break when needed. In time, I’ll be back at the starting line, stronger and more focused, with a clearer understanding of what my body and mind truly need to achieve my goals.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, I hope you give yourself the grace to rest, recharge, and return when the time is right.