Last Sunday, it happened again: I stopped a run midway. For some runners, this might seem unthinkable, a failure or a step back. For me, however, it’s a conscious decision I make without regret.
I don’t run to break records or push myself to the limit. My main goal is to enjoy the experience, keep my body moving, and explore nature or new places. Sure, I appreciate a good pace, but it’s not the most important thing. What matters to me is the overall feeling: a good run that leaves me happy and satisfied.
Why I Stopped the Run in Ahnatal
This mindset led to my decision to drop out of the Winter Running Series in Ahnatal. The conditions were actually perfect: bright sunshine, crisp air, and a cool but pleasant morning. Yet, something just didn’t click that day.
The course in Ahnatal isn’t exactly my favorite. Right after the start, there’s a steep climb, and in the second half, there’s a seemingly endless, gently sloping uphill stretch. After just 500 meters, I could feel it wasn’t my day. My legs felt heavy, my breathing was off, and mentally, I just wasn’t in the zone.
I thought, “Keep going a bit longer; maybe you’ll find your rhythm.” But after one kilometer, it became clear: today wasn’t my day. That’s when I decided to stop. It wasn’t a rash decision but a deliberate choice that aligns with my approach to running.
Stopping Doesn’t Mean Failing
For many runners, the thought of stopping a run is unthinkable. It’s often seen as a personal failure or a sign of weakness. But I see it differently. Stopping a run doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, it shows that you’re listening to your body and setting your own priorities.
Why should I force myself to endure another 9 kilometers when I already know after the first that it’s not working? Some days, the energy just isn’t there, your mind isn’t clear, or the conditions simply don’t align. Continuing on such days, just to say you finished, would take away the joy of running. And for me, running is all about maintaining that joy and passion.
Focusing on What Truly Matters
Stopping a run also gives you the chance to reflect on your goals. Why do I run? For me, it’s about discovering new routes, enjoying nature, and doing something good for my body. It’s not about finishing every run at any cost, but about the entire experience.
Every runner should occasionally ask themselves: why am I doing this? If the answer is “for fun and enjoyment,” then there’s absolutely no shame in stopping a run. It’s about staying motivated in the long term and not letting running become a chore that no longer brings you happiness.
My Conclusion
On that Sunday in Ahnatal, stopping was the right decision. Instead of pushing through and struggling, I chose to listen to my body and inner voice. Sure, I could have completed the course somehow, but what for? It wouldn’t have brought me joy or a sense of accomplishment.
Stopping a run isn’t a step back; it’s a step forward: a sign of self-awareness and thoughtful prioritization. The most important thing is to keep the joy of running alive – and sometimes, that means knowing when to stop.
