Your Permission Slip To Cheat On Running (Temporarily)

Last week we talked about the great November running slump — that awkward gap between race season and the next big training block.

If your shoes are gathering dust and your Garmin’s judging you silently… welcome to the club.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t the time to quit. It’s the time to mix it up.

Because right now, every run you force is one step closer to burnout. Every run you want is one step closer to longevity.

So if you’re feeling over it, here’s your official coach-approved permission slip to cheat on running for a few weeks.

Try this:

• Hit a Hyrox class. Throw some weights around. Remember what power feels like.

• Go cycling, hiking, rowing — whatever gets your legs moving and your brain out of the rut.

• Find a short, sharp challenge — something that makes you sweat and smile without needing a spreadsheet.

This is what I call maintenance mode. You’re staying 80% fit on 50% effort. You’re not chasing PRs — you’re just keeping the engine ticking over.

That’s the trick the seasoned athletes know: fitness is easy to rebuild, but enthusiasm is not.

Mixing it up doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. It means you’re protecting it.

And when January rolls around and the new training plan drops? You’ll be the one thinking, “Yeah, I’m ready to go again. ”Not, “God, I can’t believe I have to start running again.”

So this time out, don’t bury yourself in guilt because you’re not logging monster miles. Do something that makes you look forward to moving again.

Because keeping the spark alive beats grinding through another joyless 10K in the rain any day of the week.

See you out there, or in the gym, or on the bike, or wherever the fun’s happening this week.

Run Strong, Run Long, Run Better

John Withinshaw Running Coach

JDW Fitness