Stepping Off the Track

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Several weeks ago I mentioned in this post that I have decided to take a break from training and racing.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still exercising, and even running, just not following any type of training plan or registering for any races.  Now as someone who has run 3 marathons, 2 half marathons and several 10 mile and under races since 2010 everyone is probably thinking "What gives?".  The short answer is I'm burned out.

I've spent the better part of the last few years in training mode.  I would run one long race, take a month break (sometimes) and then turn right around and begin training again for the next big race.  The full marathons in particular are grueling.  Once the training for a full marathon gets into full swing the long weekend runs range from 13-20 miles.  That means I would be spending anywhere from 2-4 hours of one of my precious weekend days doing nothing but running.  Now I do love running, and I am practically addicted to the high of finishing a big race, but I do like to have a life outside of work and running.  It also doesn't help that some of my longest training runs have just happened to coincide with particularly bad weather.  My first ever 15 mile run the weekend after one of the biggest blizzards to ever hit the DC area in 2010, check, 20 miles on the first cold and rainy day of the year this past fall, check, not to mention the numerous long training runs in the hot DC summer.

Remember this, I certainly do.  It was quite a miracle I didn't fall and break something, I definitely came close.

Unfortunately spending so much time running on the weekends, I felt like I had little time or energy to really dedicate myself to anything else.  Between the necessary errands and chores that I only have the weekends to complete and training, I just didn't feel like I had room for much else.

If you know me then you know that I like to have multiple projects going on at any one time.  However, once this blog got moving and I started working on some other plans I have in the pipeline, I realized that something would have to give.  I also had started feeling less and less motivated in my running.  After I completed the Marine Corps Marathon, which was wonderful, I really realized that I just don't have it in me to do another major race anytime soon.  Part of what made the MCM so great was that I had promised myself it would be the last one, at least for the foreseeable future.  I knew that when such a promise to myself became a significant motivator to completing the race, it was time to take a step back.

As winter has moved in here in DC, I love being able to think "Snow? Sure, bring it!" because it won't possibly mess up a training plan.  I also love that I can make brunch, shopping, or DIY project plans for the weekend and not feel stressed about how I'm going to fit it in around training.  While I don't really sleep in too late anymore, I no longer have to face getting up at 6am and realizing that it was still too late to beat the heat of the DC summer.  I feel like my time truly belongs to me again, and I want to savor it and use it however I see fit.  I have so many personal projects I finally feel like I can focus on and actually complete, take my desk chair for example.  If I were in training mode it is unlikely I would have managed to complete that project, or been able to get a blog post about it up so fast.

Racing is an amazing feeling.  Crossing a finish line, especially after spending the past 18 weeks preparing myself, is one the biggest highs I have ever experienced.  I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in entering and training for a race to do so.  I even have to admit every time I get an email about registering for a race I've previously run, I still feel a little temptation, but deep down I know I really need this time off.  I am not saying that I will never run a race again, in fact I really only intend for this race and training break to last for a year.  I am forcing this break on myself because I love racing so much, but I know that if I were to continue the way I've been going I would risk developing a hatred for it.

I am looking forward to using this break to accomplish some new things in my life that I wouldn't be able to fit in with a training schedule piled on.  I am looking forward to being the one holding a sign and cheering for the first time as friends cross finish lines.  I'm even willing to do a couple of shorter runs to help friends with their training plans.  I know that come 2014 I will be physically, but most importantly mentally, ready to jump back on the course myself.  In the meantime I promise to share the new workouts I add to my fitness regimen, as well as my experience when I end up on the spectator side for the first time.

Have you ever experienced burn out?  Are any of you taking a training break this year?

Wednesday Perk: Winter Workouts

Note: Sorry about the wacky formatting, sometimes Blogger just chooses to do it's own thing despite our best efforts.

While it's not officially winter yet, it sure is starting to feel like it.  The colder temps combined with the sun setting earlier makes the couch so tempting.  However, we must persevere and find some motivation to keep up with our workouts.  So let's start with some good winter gear to keep the chill off.

We like to keep our winter running clothes in bright colors, it helps to ensure that we are seen at night (along with reflective pieces we also wear), and it also just brightens up the dark dreary days that come with the winter.  This cute half zip jacket comes in numerous colors, and is sure to help keep you warm.           
                                                                              Nike Pro Hyperwarm II Fitted Half Zip                                      

The North Face Women's Windwall 1 Vest

Also helpful in keeping you warm & visible, especially if it's not cold enough for multiple long sleeve layers, is a white vest. Another plus to wearing a fleece or goretex-type vest, is that most of them come with lots of pockets for storing gloves, your house key, a little money, fuel, cell phone, etc.  It still blows our minds that most running gear is made without pockets! 


Patagonia Women's Synchilla Vest

 


 When it starts to get really cold the full length pants come out.  If you're in the market for a new pair check out these running tights from Moving Comfort & Under Armour which include some reflective elements for nighttime running. 





Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Tight - Women's



Moving Comfort Endurance Tight



 





Nike Cold Weather Reversible Headband    



Our ears are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures so a good headband that provides protection is a must.  This Nike one looks like it should do the trick, and it comes in several colors.     



Motivation can be extremely lacking in the winter months.  Registering for a spring race can be a great way to keep yourself going, even when the couch is so cozy and warm.  

M is about to begin her half marathon training.  After an injury benched her from the MCM, and sidelined her for much of the fall, she's concerned about building long mileage back into her workouts.  She wants to stay healthy and not overwhelm her body.  

In order to safely build running back into her routine, she uses the free 16-week Runners World SmartCoach training program.  It's easy to cater to  personal fitness levels, and the plan can be as long as 16 weeks, or as short as 10.  The plan has a short, medium, and long run each week, and adds an extra short run in to up mileage towards the middle-end of the plan.  Trainers are supposed to also add 2 to 3 cross training or yoga days and 1 rest day during non-run days.  Having used this plan many times before, M knows that it's a flexible plan and can easily be worked into a busy schedule, which she needs.

Another way to keep your motivation up is to change your workout routine entirely.  H is taking this approach.  After a fantastic race year, H is listening to her body and taking a break from racing and training.  Instead she plans to increase the number of boxing classes she takes a week to 3.  She takes class at LA Boxing, and swears it is the hardest group fitness class she has ever done (last night's workout had 100 jumping jacks, 100 jump squats, 100 crunches, and 100 burpees just for the warm-up).  In addition she also plans to potentially add a day of yoga a week to her routine to spice things up a bit.

How do you stay motivated when the temps are low and days are short?