Race Schedule and Results

Monday, November 29, 2010

Time off

Do you ever just take a long break from training? How long is too long?

I've been kind of on hiatus since the marathon. In October. I just feel like my mojo isn't there. I've been going to kickboxing and running or biking here or there, but I haven't been following a plan. I get up, decide what sounds fun for the day and go with it. Some days that include laying on the couch, watching old episodes of Real Housewives (don't judge), other days I feel uber motivated to sweat. But it hasn't been consistent and it hasn't been often. I just kind of feel like I need this. I need the break from a training schedule. I need the break from the pushing, the aching, the sleepiness that comes from a good hard workout (I'm not complaining because there's no better feeling most days). I worry that when I do start back with hardcore training that I'm going to be months and months behind and I'll have to start over (especially after reading all of you overachievers who are working super hard during "off season"). I kid... kind of... Then I remember that I'm an endurance athlete and although I will have lost some of it, I haven't given up completely.

The worst part about the much needed (or desired) break is the weight gain. I'm not going to lie - I feel like a chubbo, but it's not that bad.

But again, I think the hiatus is going to pay dividends when I do start my training plan.

Tomorrow. Or Wednesday. Yep, definitely Wednesday.

:)


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18 comments:

Patrick Mahoney said...

I was writing about the same thing today...the one thing I didn't mention is as you said, slow down/gain weight. Super sensitive topic for me.

Jodi H said...

I can totally relate. In fact, I just wrote a blog post about this on Saturday evening! I ran the Detroit 1/2 marathon in October and ran a 3 minute PR and then managed to run my 1,000 mile for 2010 on Halloween but then I haven't run/worked out nearly as much as this month. I didn't work out one single day last week. I will be back at it though. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill last night and plan to run again tomorrow! Good luck getting back out there!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

yep, definitely wednesday...first week in December..... 2011.

Aimee said...

I've had a problem with my mojo lately too. I wish I didn't have to follow a training plan right now! But, the marathon is in Jan, then I'm taking a break!! Enjoy your break for as long as you can, because before we know it, tri training will be here and we'll be going at full force again!

Jon said...

Um, first let me say, "Hi there Super IronWoman!"

That being said, I have ZERO doubts you will get your mojo and fitness back in the blink of any eye.

I have been keeping the workouts up, but I have been totally indulging on the food (wine, tons of pie). I rarely drink wine, and I have a had two glasses for the past two nights. I am no pro. Might as well enjoy this while I can!

Anne-Marie said...

I'd say to take your break and enjoy it now while there's no pressure to train. If you aren't feeling 100% into it, it's probably better to rest up so you'll be physically and emotionally ready to jump back into training when the time comes!

Wes said...

I've taken three months. I've taken three weeks. I've taken three weeks on either end of P90X. Just depends. When your motivation comes back, you know its been long enough :-)

Unknown said...

You have to have a break sometimes, to really appreciate the sport and to recover. Endurance events take a lot out of you, and sometimes you need to step back and relax. I did that after this tri season, and it was a little tough to start back (and the weight gain was rather miserable) but I definitely needed to relaxation time to feel refreshed and ready to go.

KovasP said...

After I ran the Chicago Marathon in 1995, I took a break until 2010. To me it sounds like you are doing just fine.

Steve Stenzel said...

To answer your first question: YES. You know I'm there with you right now.

To answer your second question: I don't know, and that's what scares me / us! Right? When do we hit that line of "OK, you haven't lost much fitness, but you HAVE let your body heal up nicely, now get back to work"? I dunno.

I'm taking it easy for another week or 2, and then it's back at it. I swear. Or maybe I'll wait until Christmas. Or maybe new years... ;)

Kim said...

yeah im with everyone else - super low motivation - since SEPTEMBER! i know i will get back on that training horse for the boston marathon relatively soon - until then, i will just wear bigger pants :(

Big Daddy Diesel said...

In the offseason, I throw schedules away, I do what I want, when i want, if I want to bike, I bike, even if its 4 days in a row. If I want to climbstairs, then I do that. The only thing I follow is a weightlifting schedule for not over training a body part. It wont be long till the "schedule" pops back up and runs our life.

Andy said...

I think everyone is due for a break at some point in time... I know I just finished mine and I am feeling recharged and raring to go! Plus it is fun to catch up on everything you have been missing. Hope you had a great holiday weekend.

Peggy said...

It definitely took me a while to get back in the groove (since May!) but once I started back up, at the beginning of this month... I feel better than ever!

Ryan said...

Feeling like a "chubbo" is the worst part of the offseason... even if you happen to lose weight. Rest up and enjoy the freedom.

Beth said...

I think everyone needs a break, and now is the time! I was forced to take a break in August because of my injury, otherwise I think I would want a off season break.

My Life said...

Are those pictures of you down there? So NOT a chubbo! :)

Last spring I had a tough time coming out of my "break." So I said I wasn't allowed to watch any of my fave shows (Housewives included!) unless I was on the trainer or treadmill. It worked for me! :)

Alisa said...

It totally happens! I have a feeling that I'm going to hit this when I finish Goofy.