After running the Antelope Canyon 55k in February, I was done with running. As in, stick a fork in me-can’t be bothered-really not wanting to lace up my sneakers. In fact, Hoka sent me a new pair of the Mafate Speeds and embarrassingly, they’re still sitting in the box…with the tissue paper wrapped around them.
Sorry Hoka but thanks for the gift!
It wasn’t the act of running that was uninteresting; rather, I was excited about other activities. I spent so many months deliberately alternating between CrossFit and running, always opting for running when it came to question. My brain was excited to relive the pressure of feeling like I HAD to hit the trails.
So, rather than run, I’ve spent the past two months doing everything else! I’ve been getting back into CrossFit shape, finally completing a brutal Hero workout this week that I’ve wanted to attempt for years. {For those in the know, it’s “Murph” which is: 1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, 1 mile run}. I did the entire thing in 45:47 which was a huge accomplishment for me: I lost so much upper body strength while training for Antelope Canyon that pull-ups took me a solid month to get back!
I skied a 14er, which is something I’d had on my bucket list for years. The best part was that I didn’t feel guilty about missing a long run! I’ve even started to practice yoga sporadically, which is something I’ve tried to do for years. I won a year subscription to The Yoga Collective from Christy’s giveaway, and I’ve been incorporating various practices into my week. They have dozens of classes, ranging from 10 minute pre-bed relaxation practices to one-hour, power yoga sessions. And did I mention I’m trying to meditate occasionally?!
Truthfully, it wasn’t until last week that the urge for trails returned. I’ve been shooting a trail running video with Caveman Collective for an upcoming project {which you guys will soon see!} and it was so freaking nice to watch the sunset as I enjoyed sweet singletrack. I loved laughing at Tals as her tongue lolled out of her mouth, feeling that familiar burn in my lungs. It’s good to be back.
Of course, I then started asking that all-too-familiar question: What’s Next?
I’ve partnered up with Skirt Sports and Sweat Pink to run the 13er in June, a local half marathon. Y’all will hear more about that in the coming weeks as I may or may not have a free entry + gear for someone. Of course, I also have the Moab Trail Half Marathon again, but that isn’t until November.
But other than that, there is nothing on my immediate radar. I’ve toyed with the idea of registering for another big race, but I’m also a realist: we are planning a wedding and I am back at work, running a business that will soon be my own. I keep looking at the registration page for The Blue Sky Trail Marathon. I also turned down a comped entry into the North Face Endurance Series races, simply because I knew it couldn’t work with our wedding. This may not be the time to put the pressure of a big event in my brain, yanno?
That said, I can’t help but crave the challenge of a big event. Training for a 34 mile race full of sand was occasionally stressful but totally worth it. I find myself poking around the internet, searching for something that will once again push my limits. And truthfully, I do have my eyes set on a particular goal, but have yet to pull the trigger. It’s big and scary for me, but also exciting. I just need to decide if I’m ready to be back in the saddle!
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17 Comments
It must feel good to get that old yearning for the trails again because trails are really wonderful. I hate-loved that the wedding was always in the back of my mind when it was coming up for me. Loved it because it was such a good and exciting step in my life, and hated because it literally took over my life. There were definitely moments where I wondered whether eloping wasn’t the best option for all parties involved. Anyways, I like how you talk about the prioritizing you’re doing. So helpful to be reminded. And I chuckle at the thought of taking on two half-marathons as not being a big goal. Lol, you are a killer!
Ha, that does sound far more blase than I intended! But, perspective is a beast– 13 miles doesn’t seem too far after 34 🙂
True words indeed
I am trying not to plan to far ahead this year.
I often sign up for a million things and then find myself a little burnt out. So I am just taking things one month a time and then see how I feel!
I have to be careful not to pull the trigger immediately after a race when I’m on a runner’s high and am like, “ALL THE RACES!” I’ve done that before and it never ends well!
Sometimes it’s good to take a break from one thing, and find new ways to balance! I’m in a similar boat, possibly moving, starting grad school, and maintaining full time work, so after the FOUR races I have in May, I am scaling back the events but maintaining training for another tri later in the summer. I’ve told myself no big races and no expensive trips for races during grad school. I’m looking at it as a chance to experiment with coaching myself and building up base miles and speed, so when I do jump back in the racing scene I will be ready to kick some serious tushy. 🙂 Don’t forget to spend some time with your soon-to-be-husband after all your crazy events are over!
Absolutely 🙂 Time with Will always takes priority!
That’s exactly how I felt after my 50k! I didn’t feel like running in the SLIGHTEST. In fact, I’m just now starting to incorporate trails back into my life… but CrossFit has definitely been the focus. Hey, do what you love, right?
That’s kinda how I feel — do what you feel like doing and eventually it all rights itself!
Good for you for listening to your heart and head and doing what felt right at the moment. I think there is never a good reason to train for a race if it’s fueled by the guilt to do so. Glad you are feeling back in the mood to race!
A break is always nice and when you get back to it, it just feels better. So glad you are using the Yoga Collective and enjoying it I hope!
No pressure to get going right now! You have many many years to run races, just do what feels right.
I love that you’re back to doing all the different things that you love and trying some new ones too! For me, I know that I have too many different interests I want to pursue. Last year, I felt like I was constantly training for a half marathon which meant that I didn’t practice yoga or surf as much as I wanted because it would interfere. But it’s so great when you take that break and you want to get back out for a run.
Sigh. If only we could “workout” full time…. It’s all I’d do… but unfortunately work & life get in the way. Anyway, you go girl! I know how hard that Hero workout is and I can’t even imagine what a 55k is like….
IM SUCH A BELIEVE IN REST AND BREAKS as they are what reset me.
[…] I’m finally getting my groove back on the trails! I chatted a few weeks ago about my runner burnout, but Sunday’s run was the perfect morning. In fact, it was the much-needed spark to light my […]
I’ve dabbled in meditation from time to time. I’ve always loved the way it makes me feel. If naps weren’t so important to me these days, I’d probably get back into it again!!!!