Dear Running,
It’s not you, it’s me. Well, actually, it’s kind of you. The thrill I once felt trying to make things work with you is gone. Our relationship now feels forced and unnatural. We’ve gotten in a rut. Admit it, you feel it too. It’s time to move on. It may not be goodbye forever, but it is goodbye for now.
I need to play the field and see what else is out there. I know you know about my date with Pure Barre. It was a wild time, but it’s not why I’m leaving you.
No, in fact, it’s a former flame that has caught my eye.
Things between yoga and I are hot and sweaty.
It feels new again. It feels exciting.
I’m so sorry running; our separation is painful for me. Wait, no, that’s just my arms, back and legs from my date with Charlotte Family Yoga.
I’m so sorry, but yoga understands me right now better than you do. It challenges me in the best way possible and inspires me to work harder. Also, yoga loves my family.
And my family loves yoga. A lot.
I hope you don’t mind if I still hang out with your sister. Walking and I have always gotten along so well.
If we are meant to be, we will come back together. But, for now, I’ve committed to yoga. We have at least 20 more dates on the books.
And don’t you dare go calling her cheap, though I’m not complaining that each date is only $9. Yoga is worth that to me.
So go ahead and be bitter if you must. You can giggle at the way we talk to each other (ooommmmmmmmm) or point and laugh at the way I look after yoga and I hang out…
but it won’t bring me back to you. At least not right now.
We need a break.
Love,
Brittany
John J. says
You win the prize for creativity! Terrific blog regarding your “breakup”. It was a challenging relationship from the git-go. Take it from a relationship specialist, it was time to “move” on to Yoga. Yoga brings out more of you. I hope this relationship can lead to a long term commitment. You deserve the best! (Father comment)
Brittany Dixon says
I know how much you loved running, so I it means so much that you are able to accept that it just isn’t working out for me. 😉
I love when you’re my first comment! Love you, Dad!
katie says
First…adorable comments from both of you, I dream of the day my dad realizes I have a blog! But I also completely understand getting away from running. I’m doing my first marathon on Saturday, but I also teach yoga, so I’m glad you’re dropping one of my loves for another!
kathy says
Cutely written! Enjoy your yoga. That is what is important–enjoying what you do. Running for me has always been a love-hate relationship, but I keep at it and I LOVE it when I am done. 🙂 What helps me keep going is it is more of a social time for me as I run with a group of gals running at all different paces. Keeps it interesting. 🙂 There is no right or wrong just keep moving and enjoy.
Brittany Dixon says
Having a running group sounds so wonderful! I love that you’ve found that. Maybe one day I’ll try out running again, but like you said, just keep moving and doing what you enjoy! It’s all that matters 🙂
blackhuff says
We all grow in our Fitness lives and if Yoga is something you now enjoy more than running, then so be it.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Good for you! You have to do what’s best for you (and your family!), and that’s great you’re able to realize it rather than just pushing through even if you don’t truly enjoy it.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Haha, this is TOO cute! 😉 And seriously, how awesome is yoga? I am really loving it right now, too!
Danica @ It's Progression says
First of all, this format is cute 🙂
And second, good for you for just doing what’s best for YOU right now. That’s what exercise should be about!
Gcroft says
What a witty post! Good luck with Yoga if that is where your heart lies. I gave up Yoga after only a few tries. My mind kept wandering and perhaps I needed to leave in order to find my inner peace and focus elsewhere – Pilates.
Brittany Dixon says
Ohhhh I’d love to try out pilates! I’d love to also try a class with a reformer.
And my mind wanders, too. I’m working on it 😉
Christina says
Hahaha, you are so creative! I enjoy your blog so much because your posts are always fun to read, and your topics are so varied! Keep up the great work.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
haha i get the rogue curl too!
Maria @ lift love life says
Welcome to the “brighter” side 😉
Joanna @ Midwestern Bite says
Running and I are really on again off again these days. It’s killing my knees!! I guess they don’t call it pounding the pavement for nothing.
Caitlin says
I think we all ebb and flow with our work outs. I just started marathon training so running and I are ON, whether I like it or not- and fortunately I do. But a few weeks back I cut down my mileage majorly because I just wasn’t enjoying myself, and increased yoga as well as fun circuit work outs. I always tell people that the key to fitness and living an active lifestyle is to do what you love and enjoy, otherwise you won’t stick with it.
Verna says
Running isn’t for me. I just can’t make it work. I’d rather find something I enjoy. Good for you!
Lindsey says
Good for you, listen to your body and do what is right! I always dreamed of being a pregnant runner (semi crazy I know) and now I have realized that if I get in one 4-5km run a week it is all I need, no more.
Beth Sheridan @sugarcoatedsheridans says
Lol…I love it! So funny and yet so very honest and true…Hope you and yoga will have a great time re-kindling your relationship 🙂
Lauren K says
I don’t remember the last time I ran more than 2 miles and I am totally ok with that. I just prefer strength training, some high intensity and yoga now! Yoga is amazing and I too feel my best when I practice regularly. Hmmm….when can we get you down to CLT for another class?!?
Brittany Dixon says
I might come this Sunday!! I have 2 friends in town that I want to bring. We are working on kiddie care and if we can find it, I’ll be there 🙂
Katie @ running4cupcakes says
Love this post! Good luck with your new love. 🙂
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Ha, I love this. Running and I def have a love/hate relationship.
Jen says
Haha love this! Ironically, yoga and I broke up last month because it was getting in the way of my relationship with running.
Related: why don’t all yoga places have childcare? That’s awesome!
char eats greens says
I need to get back into yoga! I kept saying I would during pregnancy and I never did; now I have an almost 7 month old haha. I do still enjoy running, but I have a barrier still with where I am and where I want to be, but me and running are still friends. I think I’d like to be friends with yoga though too!
Hanna says
Funny!!
Sherry says
You are absolutely so creative & talented! I loved the “letter” . You really made me want to make a date with yoga. Wished she had a studio near me!
Lisa says
Haha this was amazing.
I’m proud of you for realizing you love yoga and that it’s a new passion for you! I always wish I was more into yoga – but, I adore pilates and it’s my new love.
Running and I have never had a great relationship – spin on the other hand I’m all about it.
Shelby says
Oh my gosh, best post ever!! I was cracking up (although internally since I’m at work, oops!) Super funny!! I’ve been in such a running rut also, I was averaging 25 miles per week and now maybe I squeeze in 10. I’ve been all about spin and body pump and would love to try yoga, but I’m nervous! I’m so not flexible and I’ve never done it before. Any suggestions??
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Ha! Love this (and your rogue curl). Running and I were never dating. Unfortunately, I’m just not his type. 😉
Amanda says
I love this! I feel the exact same way sometimes, but have yet to truly break-up. I think I remember how hard it is to get started and I don’t want to start all over again months down the road!
Chantal says
Yoga can be an AWESOME work out. Running is hard on a body sometimes!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Amen! As someone who (not so) recently wrote her own break-up letter with running, I can truly say that I feel great, despite the fact that running once brought me so much joy. I love the feeling I get during and after yoga, and seeing how the improvements in my balance and flexibility have led to improvements in my coordination, and overall ‘fitness’ (and strength training abilities)…and vice versa. I’m pretty sure that-at least for me–diversification is key.
[Part of the reason I’m sticking around Charlottesville and somewhat squatting as a semi-homeless person-rather than go home to my parents house–is that I don’t want to leave my yoga instructor!]
Kelly says
Oh my gosh!! I could have written that letter myself. I have been struggling with running lately…actually that’s a lie I have always struggled with it. I force myself to do it. Why? I don’t know. I love being active just not running. Wow, it feels so good admitting that! I’m headed to yoga tonight and I’m looking forward to it.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Aww, sad to read about this break up but I know that running is not for everyone, or most people, for that matter. Yoga is an excellent choice! 🙂
Kim @ Racing Bananas says
This is great! Running is definitely not for everyone (I have a love-hate relationship with it) and you definitely shouldn’t do it just because. Yoga is a great choice and definitely can be an awesome workout!
Mer says
Yoga is the best!
Crystal says
Ha ha ha! You crack me up! I typically break up with running in about May and rekindle things in late October. It’s no fun when it’s too hot outside and the treadmill = snooze. I want an exercise routine I can do anytime of the day, no just at 5am because it’s sweltering outside once the sun rises. I used to get down on myself about the break from running and think I wasn’t a true ‘runner’, but now I get excited to pick up a new hobby for a few months. Yoga sounds great!
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
Running and I are taking a little break right now, so I can completely relate. And hopefully yoga and I will be rekindling our relationship. 🙂
calee says
I think every runner has written some amalgamation of this post at some point. The good news? You’ve found something else that you like just as much (seemingly) as you used to like running. More good news? Most of us who’ve written this post fall back in love with running at some point.
Brittany says
This is adorable, and so great. I think you will find your love for running again in the future, but perhaps in minimal increments! Enjoy your yoga and walking..they go PERFECTLY together!
Sarah @ A Refining Adventure says
I had to “break up” with running as well this past year due to health reasons. It was/is hard because it was something I’d done for a long time, but I was doing it for the wrong reasons. I’m a huge fan of pilates now. I think it’s great that you realized what you needed to do for YOU and followed through with it. Can’t wait to hear more about your yoga adventures!
Neil Butterfield says
Traitor 🙂 Long live running!!!