almost one month post-

almost one month post-

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We’re coming up on one month post-Tam 50k, which feels like it was both yesterday and about a hundred years ago at this point. That, combined with CIM being over the weekend and seeing tons of friends and teammates absolutely crush it, has got me excited to begin training in earnest again. The difference, of course, is that instead of going for a hilly-as-hell trail 50k, I’ll be returning to the good ol’ road marathon. Can’t wait!

That said, I still am holding on tightly to my plan of not committing to anything during this post-Tam down period. Some days, it is harder than others. Needless to say, it has been refreshing to run “as the spirit moves me” each day, and some days, that means not running and simply going for a walk – usually at nighttime – and usually with a daughter or two. It is actually really reinvigorating; who knew? Running with Janet again as she begins to build postpartum fitness is also really exciting, and I enjoy being her hype girl for her postpartum run/walk sessions. It’s exciting.  

I also stepped outside my comfort zone this week and went to my first Pilates reformer and chair class at the gym, and I actually really enjoyed it and have signed up for subsequent classes. I am consistently, predictably horrible when it comes to doing cross-training or really, any ancillary work to speak of, in the throes of heavy marathon training, so I am hoping that by piquing my interest in something new-to-me now, that I’ll be more inclined to keep up the habit (or at least try, even a little) in the course of training. For much of this past year, even though I have a gym membership for my kids’ swimming, I rarely used the gym, myself. I’m trying to change that and become more consistent with my strength and core work, particularly because I want to keep doing this stuff for as long as I possibly can. In my dream, it is going to help set me up for a strong ’22 of racing.

One week closer to beginning training-for-something and one week closer to my kids’ winter break. Looking forward to it, all of it. 

Reveling yet plunging, in that order

Reveling yet plunging, in that order

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Concurrent with last entry’s theme of embracing this in-between season was trying to disconnect as much as possible last week, with everyone being off for Thanksgiving break and my in-laws visiting for two weeks. The opportunity for r&r really couldn’t have come at a better time, and I’m thankful for the time we all got to spend together.

Plunging headfirst back into the controlled chaos has been a little jolting this week, to be sure, evidenced by the fact that it’s 9:40pm, I just got the kids down, and I’m opening WordPress to begin writing this week’s entry. Eh. Next week’s entry will hopefully be more substantial.

I will quickly mention that I have come really close to making future training decisions within the past week, but then I remembered that I reeeeeeeeally want to abstain from anything of the sort during this period. Explore some options and get some questions clarified, sure, but do not — I repeat, do not! — hit the magic “pay” or “confirm” buttons! Avoid at all costs! The most I’ve done is re-up with Wolfpack, and that felt great. 🐺

At any rate, hopefully the beginning of December has been good to you, as was the end of November. November was the first month in over a year where I didn’t hit 200+ miles for the month, and I can’t tell you how great that feels. I don’t think anyone needs to “earn” time off, but damn, I worked hard for that and am happily reveling in it now.

I know this time of year can be really tough for many people, for loads of different reasons, so I hope that you are able to take care of yourself and “do you” as best you can this month. It looks different for everyone, of course, but we really can’t overstate the benefits conferred by physical activity, both at this time of year but in general, always. Even a 10 or 20 minute leisurely walk can be mood-shifting and attitude-altering.

Take care, and be well.