So it seems like I have been meaning to sit down and write on some sort of subject for quite some time. Yet, alas, always, I find something else to do, and before I know it, it's been months since my last post. So let me catch you up on my running...
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Alright I'm done. There isn't much to report. Like at all. Well, that's not entirely true, but for the most part, I've been fairly sedentary on the running front.
I said this aloud to one of my clients today, "you know, I've only run about 60 miles or so since the marathon in February." Now to some, you may say "WOW 60 MILES!" Yeah no. For someone that was running 25-40 miles per week from late July until February, 60 miles from late February to Mid June is small potatoes. WHY???
Well, there's many reasons, I guess. ONE: I trained hard and a lot for 7 months straight. No breaks, I was in fast and furious marathon training mode, and also helped train others too, and by the time it was done, I was pooped. My body took a good 3 weeks to recover from Austin. Then we started running team where I started training beginners some more, and then BAM! It got super African hot. And since I'm a super huge weenie about running in the heat....here I am in June, with no mileage under my belt.
Let me tell you now why this is ok for me. Why I am 100% ok with my decision to take March-Julyish off for the most part.....
Read Runner's World this month. There's an article entitled "Less Does More." It's all about tailoring down your running to 3 days, focusing less on long mileage, more on being consistent, and more on improving speed. No joke, its effing hot outside. Now is not the time (in my opinion...) to go out and be the hero and run a 15 miler in the 111 heat index weather.
**Side note: For my out of town readers...yes it is that hot here in the RGV. For my RGV readers...you know this is the truth...
So, if you notice that your mileage is harder or you're achier as the weather has gotten hotter. Don't beat yourself up! It's not just YOU. Now is the time to refocus or take a break (in my opinion...). Don't get down, get up, do something besides running that's good for you (a swim anyone???), and move on! Running will still be there when it's a little cooler and/or it's time to start training for you Fall races.
NOW...this is not me telling you to stop altogether. Keeping a base is important, but reduce it, work inside on the treadmill some (GROAAAANNNNN....), and be smart about running only in the early early butt crack of dawn or the late late evening. Keep it under an hour.
On another front, regardless of the heat or anything else, even someone that has a passion for something, can downright PASSION IT OUT. You can literally love something to death. I do that with running. I read another article in my Trail Runner mag that has a pro talking about taking a 4 month "runcation" every year because otherwise, he burns out. By the time he gets to that 4th month, he is like a lion getting out of a cage, he is READY TO RUN. So this is me. I was a little tired post February 19th, I kept going and helped train a bunch of beginners, and now, I just want some down time. I want to be excited in August to start training. I want to be renewed and relaxed and ready to reach my goals this season. And this break was needed.
So alright...some of you who are friends with me on FB may say..."BUT I SAW YOU RUNNING A RACE LAST WEEKEND???" Yeah, I ran the running part of a duathlon Sunday. 4 miles. My first 4 miles in 2 weeks. This weekend, I'm running a 5k. That will be my only mileage this week as well. So looks are deceiving. I'm on a runcation. I'm doing other things to get my cardio in!
I'm also going to spend some time on my new BIKE! Because I plan to do at least a sprint triathlon by the end of the Summer before I start marathon training. This will entail no more than 6 miles of running. So if you see me out and about...I'm not all full of BS. I really am taking a break...but even on a break I can come out and compete every so often!
So the moral of the story is...don't be all hot and bothered if you need to take a little running break. If you feel like running, maybe just do some lower mileage speed work or maintenance runs for less than an hour. Let your batteries recharge for the Fall!
On another note...
Did I mention that I quit my job and I'm training 33 lovely ladies full time now?! I don't think that had happened yet. So yes, I'm now a full time CERTIFIED! Personal Trainer for The Bod Squad Training. And I adore every second of my not so job-like job!
When you hear from me again, it'll be post Yellowstone National Park Summer Vacation. And yes I plan to run a little there because it is going to be in the 40's. Stay tuned!
Thanks for cheering me on!
Lacy
I am so glad you wrote this today. My runs have been less and less and harder and harder and I know it has alot to do with heat and needing a break. I love that this was just on my mind today and I told myself the same thing, just did 4 miles and that was ok, it was too hot for more!! So glad to know I'm not the only one! :) Thanks for being so encouraging!
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