OT runners: do you ever take an extended break?

Completely off? I'd recommend not. You can get your recovery by dialing back intensity and volume for 3-5 days, then getting back to it.

It's all about progressive load. You have to keep training (through the season) to see gains. After the season is over, you can take a week or two off and do some other aerobic activities (cycling, swimming, etc) to mentally recover.

Absolutely. If I feel a twinge in my knee or anywhere in my leg I'll shut it down for a week and just do some elliptical at the gym.

I really don't like to take a break longer than 3 days unless it is absolutely necessary. But I'm older than most so a longer layoff is probably harder for me to come back from (I'm 40).

I go 28-30 miles a week and I only really take 1 day off a week.

I usually just scale back volume. It's usually more mental fatigue than physical. The only time I can recall going more than a week straight without any running was during recovery from injury. My mileage is generally in the 15 to 20 miles per week range unless I'm training for a specific race.

I've started running a lot more instead of lifting weights. I've had problems with my shoulder the last several years.

I think the problems are combined from lifting a lot and from playing football from the ages of 7-18. I don't know what else it could be. Plus I hurt it once in 10th grade in the last game (separated).

I run 4 miles at a time but don't run on Saturdays. I've been told I'm pushing it to hard because I'm more of a beginner. But I run to feel better... and no other reason. Its not like I'm hauling arse trying to beat my fastest time or anything.