Taking a break after months of intense training can be surprisingly challenging. If you’ve been consistently running, swimming, or cycling for six to nine months (or more), you might feel a sense of loss or uncertainty over what to do with all that extra time. That’s exactly what happened to me recently.
When Life Forces You to Pause
It all started with a cracked molar. My dentist never warned me that a root canal would require a crown afterward, and since I didn’t get one, my already weakened tooth chipped. What I thought was just a chip turned out to be a full-on fracture.
“I hate to say this,” my dentist told me, “but you’ll need an extraction and implant.”
I didn’t realize the process ahead would be so involved. After all, I’d had teeth pulled as a teenager, so how bad could this be? My dentist recommended someone for the procedure, but their office was far from my new home. Instead, I researched highly-rated periodontists online and found one in Wantagh. He was young, experienced, and gave me a good gut feeling, so I trusted him.
The Reality of Dental Implant Recovery
The procedure itself seemed straightforward at first. The periodontist completed the extraction and inserted the implant in the same appointment.
“Don’t run for three days,” he advised.
I listened—but only halfway. I skipped running but continued swimming and biking, thinking that was enough. Within a week, the pain set in. It wasn’t just discomfort; it was excruciating. My tooth became infected, and I developed a dreaded dry socket. The pain radiated through my jaw, and it felt like it was cracked in half.
It turns out that despite his clear instructions about running, my periodontist hadn’t mentioned swimming was off the table, either. When I told him I’d been in the pool, he shook his head.
“Swimming is the worst for mouth issues because of the bacteria in the water,” he explained. “And honestly, you really shouldn’t be biking or running either. You’re not like most people—you push yourself hard.”
Well, I didn’t consider myself extreme, but I wasn’t about to argue with my doctor.
Adjusting to a Break from Training
For the first time in ages, I stopped everything—running, cycling, and swimming. The stillness was unsettling. My mind kept circling back to training. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I missed my routine and how eager I was to return to it.
The truth is, taking a break—even when necessary—isn’t easy. When you’ve made fitness a part of your identity and daily life, pausing can feel like losing a piece of yourself. But reflecting on this downtime helped me realize its importance. Recovery allows time for physical and mental healing. Ignoring that need often leads to setbacks, which can further delay your progress.
Staying Motivated During Recovery
I focused on the positives to keep my spirits up during this forced downtime. Here’s what I learned about staying motivated while recovering from an injury or procedure like mine:
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Focus on the Big Picture
Remember why recovery is important. It was knowing I’d return stronger and healthier once I healed. -
Find Alternative Activities
While I couldn’t do my usual workouts, I walked or did light stretching to stay active without risking further injury. -
Reflect and Reset
This break gave me time to plan new goals for when I returned to training. Taking a pause allowed me to reframe what I was working toward. -
Stay Connected with Your Community
Chatting with friends and fellow athletes reminded me I wasn’t alone. Everyone faces times when they have to ease off training, and hearing their stories inspired me.
Share Your Experience
Have you faced a time when you couldn’t train due to injury, surgery, or life’s unexpected hurdles? How did you handle it? What kept you motivated during your recovery?
Your experience might inspire someone to rethink how they approach breaks from training. Share your story in the comments below. And if you’re currently dealing with downtime like I was, remember: Recovery is part of the process, and you’ll be back before you know it, stronger than ever.
Just one last thought…
Sometimes, taking a step back is the best thing you can do for yourself as an athlete. Whether it’s dental implant recovery, an injury, or just life getting in the way, breaks are essential to growth. Use this time to care for your body, refocus on your goals, and come back with renewed energy and purpose.