Friday, September 3, 2010

Retrenching

So – a funny thing happened on the track Tuesday night. Well, not ha ha funny, but sad kind of funny. I wasn’t able to finish the workout. I hit the track. I started my warm up. And just did not have the desire to run 24 laps, 8 of them hard, around the little circle. I packed it up, and went home.

I am, in two words – burned out. Other than my knees (a little tendonitis in my right knee), there’s nothing wrong with me physically. There are a couple things causing some increased mental stress, but hey, we all have those right? All I know is the fire to go out and train hard isn’t there right now. So, for a change, I’m going to listen to the advice that has been offered by so many of you. I’m going to take some time off. A vacation from training of sorts. Please note the distinction – I’m not taking a vacation from running – only a vacation from training. I realized on Tuesday that I really wanted to be in the hills. Not on a track. The bottom line is my goal race in next May – not this October. I need to make sure the map that I’m using on my journey doesn’t detour me along the way.

So, stay tuned. I’m taking two weeks off from running and resting my body a little. I’m going to keep my race schedule intact, so I’ll be back on Tuesday with a report from the Top of Mt. Baldy.

Thanks everyone for your supportive words and well wishes. Have a fun and safe Labor Day holiday!

22 comments:

  1. That is kind of where I am. My next marathon is Surf City. I recently ended up taking almost week off due to a muscle strain and I haven't been following an official plan since San Francisco. Basically, I have been doing 10K training runs with a 10-15 mile Saturday run.

    Hang in there.

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  2. great observation

    we'll wait - take your time!

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  3. I think that's a great idea, Glenn. I bet the fire will come back eventually.

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  4. Sounds like we are in a similar situation. Running should not be a chore so do what your body/mind want and everything will fall into place. Enjoy the break from "training."

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  5. A return to the trails is always a good idea.

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  6. You also haven't taken a real vacation from work this summer, have you? A day here and there doesn't count. Hopefully you have a good week or two away scheduled, or can schedule it, as your brain needs a change of pace, too.

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  7. You deserve a break and listening to your body is always the best way to go. Enjoy it and relax! (I felt that way too after training for two years!)

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  8. Everyone needs those from time to time - I hope it's your magic wand!!! Have a great weekend!!

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  9. good observation about may and not october. you know, so what if the half in october is slow and 'just' a training run? if you still do it, anyway.

    i'm glad you are taking some time off. run when you feel like it, walk when you feel like it, sit on your butt when you feel like it (but try not to enjoy it too much haha). i hope it is the remedy for this funk!

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  10. Sounds like a smart move. I know I've been there before and taking time off made the difference!

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  11. Good decision, running should be fun, it should be exciting, it should be something you are passionate about. Take care and I look forward to hearing about your time off from training and finding your love for running again!

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  12. Here is that bottle of enthusiasm that you requested. Training can be Straining. It is nice just to run for fun. I hope that you enjoy your vacation Glenn. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! .........and the word verification is crapt.

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  13. Great decision Glenn. I perhaps took a little too much time slacking off, but these last few weeks of not feeling guilty for going out on a 3 mile easy run on my favorite route instead of doing speedwork have been wonderful and I am gaining fitness again.

    I hope you have a similar experience and com back mentally and physically stronger than ever!

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  14. I like the distinction between taking a break from training, not running. If you feel like running hills, then do so.

    Life's too short, right?

    I'll bet when you get back to feeling like training, all of the hill/trail "fun running" will mean that you're not at all far off a running pace. In fact, it'll seem easy-peasy!

    (BTW...never fear. We will all be at Shelter Island. The race/buffet is too good to pass up!)

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  15. Good luck at Mt. Baldy. Say hi to the Sole Runners for me!

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  16. Enjoy your runs Glenn. It should be fun more often than it seems to be a chore. You'll know when you are ready to race again.

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  17. Hope the little running training
    vacay helps you to get back on track!

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  18. Happy Labor Day!

    Sometimes that's just the best thing (I guess it rubbed off on you after reading my about recent "run cop-out").

    I truly believe that my desire and health to run comes in waves. I think even knowing that, I force myself to run more often than I should. The burnt-out feeling from that sort of force spills over into life.

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  19. Just found your blog while clicking links at Hank's Trail Mix http://hankstrailmix.blogspot.com.

    Hang in there. Will be sending good thoughts for you up at Baldy -Often hike and sketch there (up the road from us) but I'm not up for running up those hills, erm, yet ...

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  20. Bravo.

    I'm a big advocate of having a change of pace, so to speak. Rest is a good thing.

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  21. Good that you recognized the symptoms and came up with a new action plan. The break will do you good, Glenn.

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  22. Time off is good. I should know. In fact, I love time off. Problem is, I hate poor race performances.

    Hope you get rejuvenated.

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