Finding the Non-Training Rhythm

Parts of Minnesota were nailed by snow last Friday (2 feet in some areas!) but we ended up with nothing. Not even an inch!

I'm thankful we missed the big stuff and didn't lose power — I feel for those who are still without — but secretly I am excited for our first snow of the winter. Looks like it's coming tonight and just in time for Thanksgiving.

A non-training routine has formed in my running/cross training and finding a rhythm again feels awesome. That first month after the marathons made me feel like a chicken with my head cut off.

Do I want to workout (Um, no)? How far should I run? What pace? An easy run again? AHHH Where is the training plan?!


Transitioning from the training plan to "free running" feels awkward. It's a process.

For the sake of fitness, and without anything of the competitive sort in the near future, here's the rhythm I'm sticking to:
  • Easy Run (30 to 60 minutes)
  • Yoga/XT
  • Speed or Hill Intervals (30 minutes)
  • Yoga/XT
  • Long Run (60 minutes)
  • Optional Run or XT Day

The plan is laid back with enough structure to motivate me.

If I said I didn't have the urge to run another marathon in the Spring, I would be lying. That 3:15 is calling my name but it will take time and higher mileage than my past 40-mile training weeks to get there. My gut feeling says that now's not the time.

For everything there is a season, as Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 3:1. While I'm sure he wasn't talking about running, there are seasons when you are able to do less and when you are able to do more.

When I feel antsy — I am turning 30 in 6 months! — I am comforted by the words of a wise, green little philosopher... ;)

Image Source

Patience, indeed! As I count my blessings this week, these two Yoda-sized people are at the top of my list. I am ecstatic for this "short" week, upcoming time with family and hopefully a large portion of pumpkin pie.


May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of family, friends, and food!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. PSALM 107:1


My Workout #WeeklyWrap:


11/14 MON: (Treadmill) 5 mi, 00:40 @ 08:00 pace.

 As weird as it sounds, I have really been enjoying the treadmill lately!

11/15 TUES: Runner's Yoga (25:28) while the kids napped AT THE SAME TIME. It was a miracle!

11/16 WED: (Treadmill) 3.61 mi, 00:30 @ 08:19 pace.

Speed and hill intervals of 400m with 400m jog after. I plan to work in one low mileage speed or hill session each week now.

11/17 THURS: Runner's Yoga.

11/18 FRI: Off.

11/19 SAT: 8 mi, 01:02 @ 07:42 pace.


11/20 SUN: Off.

What are YOU thankful for?
What goal are you chasing these days?

 Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

Comments

  1. Ah! loved this post as I think so many runners have been between races and feeling kind of lost without a plan. Seems like you are still staying active which is the most important part!!
    Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!!! Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's so neat that the marathon gave you guys a JACKET! Super useful and cute... gotta be the best marathon swag I've seen. I am hurt now and transitioning out of training to try to recover and it is hard. It's hard seeing other people shooting for goals while I physically can't. But we are young, we have so many races and runs ahead of us when we can have a goal. Hooray for the kiddos sleeping so you could do yoga, too!

    Amy Lauren
    http://www.thetinyterror.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I felt the same way after my marathon this year.

    Glad that you dodged the snow for now. We had perfect weather here on the East coast until Sunday. Sunday it got SO windy. I heard parts of our county were without power. I hope it doesn't snow until December!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That sounds like a great routine to get into. I still don't know what I'm going to do now that I've completed my marathon, but I definitely want to get back to running and working on strength!

    I have so much to be thankful for, especially my health and my family's health. Hope you have a great holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like your structured unstructured plan! Congrats on that napping miracle. When my youngest two were small, they NEVER napped at the same time. It was a well deserved treat for you. I can't imagine the snowy and long winters you must have. Thanks for linking, Amy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My friend had a hard time figuring out a running routine that wasnt for training, this sounds like a great routine! I'm gonna have to tell her about it.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#RuntheYear 2022 + Knockaround Slingshot Snow Goggle Review

Race Report: Fargo Marathon 2023

Save Those Toes | KT Tape Blister Prevention