How I Got Back into Running After Summer Vacation (and How I'm Handling Pre-55k Race Nerves)

Summer has a way of shaking up routines. This year, I took a good chunk of time off from my running program while on vacation. At first, I worried that stepping away would set me back — but the truth is, it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

Losing Motivation Before Vacation

Before vacation, I’ll be honest: I wasn’t feeling my best when it came to running. I wasn’t sick of it, but my motivation had dipped. Some mornings it felt harder than usual to get myself out the door, and I wasn’t looking forward to my runs in the same way I normally do.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I feel unmotivated to run even when I love it?” — you’re not alone. Motivation ebbs and flows for everyone, even experienced runners.

Taking two weeks off during summer vacation gave me a reset. No alarms, no training plan, no pressure — just rest. And when I came back, I found myself enjoying running again. My recent training runs have felt good, and I can tell that break really helped me recharge.

Nutrition Slips Happen — And That’s Okay

Of course, my nutrition slipped a little too. More ice cream, more indulgences, less of the “fueling like an athlete” mindset. But honestly? That’s summertime. I don’t regret it.

Still, now that vacation is behind me and September is here, I’m working on getting back into my regular healthy habits alongside my training. If you’ve been asking yourself “How do I get back into healthy eating after vacation?” the answer is simple: start small, get consistent, and don’t beat yourself up over summer indulgences.

Pre-Race Jitters and Cutoff Times

With my next big challenge coming up — the Bromont Ultra 55k — the nerves are starting to kick in. One of the things on my mind is the cutoff times.

For anyone not familiar, cutoff times are the maximum times allowed to reach certain points on the race course. If you don’t make it to a checkpoint before the cutoff, you’re not allowed to continue.

That adds an extra layer of pressure: not only do you need to finish, but you need to stay ahead of the clock. If you’ve ever Googled “Why do I feel anxious before a race?” — this is a perfect example. These pre-race nerves are completely normal. They’re a sign that the race matters to you, that you’re challenging yourself, and that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.

Why Mindset Is Key for Runners

When you’re training for long distances, it’s not just about the miles. Mindset is just as important as physical training.

Even beginner runners can relate: that moment in a run when everything feels hard and you want to stop. The skill you’re building isn’t just physical endurance — it’s mental resilience. Your body can only carry you so far. It’s your thoughts that keep you moving when your legs feel heavy, when doubt creeps in, or when you’re tempted to quit.

For long-distance races, that mental strength is often what separates finishing from giving up.

 If you’re just starting your own running journey and want to build that mindset from the ground up, don’t miss my free guide: What Every Beginner Runner Needs to Know (But Is Too Afraid to Ask).

Training on Tired Legs: What It Means

One of the ways I’ll be preparing for this race is with a big training weekend — essentially three back-to-back days of running.

The idea is to run when my legs are already tired, to get a small taste of what it feels like to keep going even when I don’t feel fresh. Running on tired legs teaches patience, problem-solving, and how to stay calm when your body isn’t at 100%.

If you’ve ever searched “How do runners train for endurance?” — this is one example. It doesn’t mean running until you break down; it’s a carefully planned way to mimic the physical and mental challenge of race day.

Moving Forward With Training

I still have six more weeks of training ahead, including that big training weekend. It won’t be easy, but it will be a good indication of how things might unfold on race day.

Actually, I know the nerves are probably going to increase even more in the weeks to come. But that’s normal, and it’s something I expect. What I really need to focus on is my mindset — staying steady, reminding myself of the work I’ve done, and trusting the process. That will be key in the final stretch leading up to the big run.

If you’ve taken time off this summer, lost motivation, or let your nutrition slide — you’re not alone. Breaks happen, and they can even be a good thing. What matters most is what you do next: show up again, one run at a time, and trust yourself in the process.