Let’s be honest, not everything goes to plan. This is true in life and it is true in running. You can meticulously plan out your training schedule (or have someone else plan it out for you, hi there it’s me, Coach G!), but life sometimes just gets in the way. But just because something comes along that disrupts your race training, it doesn’t mean that all is lost. I have put together a few of my top tips for when you fall off your training plan. 

• First of all, a properly planned-out training schedule will provide some room for the occasional unforeseen circumstance. Your training plan should not be so tight that any deviation will result in you not being race-ready. Make sure you have the right training plan before you start. 
• Sometimes injuries happen, and in those situations, it is really important to listen to your body. If you are injured or if you need to take a break, stop running for as long as you need to. 
• Mentally, it can be difficult to break from a training plan or stop part of the way through, but try to focus on the bigger picture and do what is best for you in that moment. 
• Try not to get overwhelmed if you do take a break and then start back up. Sometimes it can feel like a big mountain to climb at that point, but you can start back slow and build again. 
• Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you do fall off your training plan. 
• If you don’t feel like running, is there another activity that you can do instead to help with your overall fitness? 
• Talk to a running coach to help yourself get back into your training plan. 

And remember, there will be other races. Sometimes injuries or life events happen that mean you simply can’t run a race. It is totally ok to decide that training for and running the race is not the best thing for you. You can sell your bib or give it to someone else to run the race in your place. 

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