Even the most devoted runners can get sidetracked from their routine by crazy deadlines, long-awaited vacations, or (worse) nagging injuries. But rather than fret over how long it's going to take you to return to speed, it's important to keep such detours in perspective. "You shouldn't feel guilty about taking a break from exercising/getting FIT, running/walking," says Marissa Tiamfook, a running coach based in Los Angeles. "Focus on the fact that you want to get back out there." If for whatever reason your exercising shoes have gathered dust, here's how to get back on track or begin to get back on track. 

You've ditched your workouts to make time for longer hours at the office or to plan a big event. The time away from exercising has left you tired and grumpy. "Science has proven that running is a potent stress-buster," says Tiamfook. "But once momentum has stopped, it's hard to crank it up again."  NO BOUNDARIES 5K Program could be the way to re-start or begin your regimen.  

"There's a 5-K almost every weekend," says Luis Manzo, Ph.D., a coach and sports psychologist in New York City. "Find one and just show up. Being around other runners and happy crowds will rub off." Heading out with a friend can also help you recommit to training. Or try some retail therapy: Investing in a cool pair of shoes/sports bra/apparel or joining a training program like NO BOUNDARIES can get you excited about working out again.  We are here for you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! Sign up for your race with your NoBo Registration and get a race discount!! 

Whether it was your first 5-K or your umpteenth marathon, finishing a race is a big deal-you've earned some downtime. Too often, however, the opportunity to sleep in for a while gets a little too, well, comfortable. "Taking a short break after a race is a smart move," says Janet Hamilton, an exercise physiologist and coach with Running Strong in Atlanta. "It gives your body time to repair tissue damage from racing at a high effort. But knowing when to pick up the pace again isn't always easy." Even if you have never run or walked around the block... we tend to get sidetracked by all the reasons in your head why you can't do it.  YOU CAN DO THIS!! 

Think back to your most recent success and write down what you enjoyed-and didn't-about the training and getting back into shape. (If you keep a detailed training journal, revisit your notes.) "Your answers will help you see what motivates you so you can plan and set benchmarks for your next move," says JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Ph.D., author of Your Performing Edge. If your overall experience was positive, you might want to challenge yourself by starting a training program with a friend OR make new friends by joining like minded people.  We have the destination run/walk to keep you motivated! We have coaches and mentors who know the drill to help you get to your goal(s).  

You had fun, but your running shoes didn't exactly make it out of your suitcase and you started counting the pineapple wedges in your piña coladas as a fruit serving. You kept telling yourself you would wait until SPRING to begin your comeback and get going. "Taking a break for one to two weeks won't deteriorate fitness levels," says Tiamfook. "You may feel out of shape, but what's gotten flabby is your attitude toward exercising."  SO... Now's your chance... to change all that negative back talk - let's DO IT!! 

"Don't just stare at your running shoes in your closet (How old are they anyway?), put them on or even better... go to Fleet Feet and get FIT for some new ones! Even if you only manage to wear them to the grocery store, it's the first step back to your routine. Once you KNOW when and where you are planning to wear them... YOU have made that commitment to BEGIN.   

--------------------------------------------------------------