Rest up: 4 signs you need to take a break from running

You've fallen in love with running, and what could be better? However, too much of a good thing can have its downsides, too, and with running, that might mean injuries, burnout, or other health issues. Before you dig yourself a hole too deep, learn the signs you need to take a break from running (temporarily).

Running is the best — it boosts your mood, keeps you fit, and sets the tone for your day or week. It's easy to want to run day in and day out. But if you're not careful, you'll be forced to take a break from running. We're talking physical and mental exhaustion, injury, going overboard with weight loss, and more.

To keep yourself from becoming the person watching the sport rather than participating in it, keep an eye out for these four signs of trouble.

1. Your body starts breaking down

When you're constantly sore, struggling to keep your normal pace, and having to take days off because of an ache or a pain, it's a sign you should pull back. Take a break from running for a few days, for starters, to give your body a chance to rest and repair. You can do short, gentle cross-training during this break to keep up your cardiovascular fitness and mood, but remember the purpose of the break. If after a few days you're still feeling bad, a visit to a qualified medical practitioner might be in order.

2. Fatigue is wearing you down

Another sign it's time to take a break from running is a constant state of fatigue. You struggle to get out of bed in the morning, the easiest run feels like climbing a mountain, and even your brain feels foggy and slow. Back off, skip a few runs, and catch up on sleep and good nutrition.