After my 100km month, I decided I needed a rest. It was only supposed to be a day or two, but two days because a week and before I knew it I had gone almost 14 days without lacing up my sneakers.

Luckily, they didn’t hold it against me.

There’s a quiet reassurance in knowing that no matter how far or how fast I want to go, no matter how long it’s been since I last hit the trail, my running shoes are always there. Like an old friend.

I’m so fortunate to be able to run. Even when I’m tired and don’t want to, I never forget the gift that is health and movement. My health has been at the forefront in my mind over these past months. It’s been just over two years since I had a brush with the c-word, and I’m sad to say that I’ve been experiencing the same symptoms again. While it’s probably a repeat of the last time (tricksy polyps on my cervix), the stress is exhausting. And the physical symptoms have taken a lot out of me.

My two-week break reminded me that it’s OK to slow down (or, uh, lie down…) sometimes. It’s necessary. Sometimes it’s the best thing.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement.