You gotta love this time of year for training. The temperatures are cool, the air crisp, and the recent snow adds a certain beauty to the DC landscape. For me, this time of year is a transitional one. I am winding down one season and looking forward to another one. With a focus marathon training program, each workout should have a goal. For example, the goal of the long run is to build endurance by raising aerobic metabolism. The tempo runs are slotted for developing a runner's anaerobic threshold. Following a structured program for multiple races can leaving feeling drained. As a result, it is important to really focus on taking some down time this time of year. Enjoy the freedom of not having a goal for each run or workout. Go for a hike with family, run around playing games, or try a spin class. All of these examples will allow you to be active, maintaining fitness, without the drain of hitting a target pace or distance. Have fun with your down time. Doing so will ready you for the next training cycle. It is better to start next season mentally fresh than still sluggish from too much work when rest is needed.
This time of year I love to get out on the trails in Rock Creek Park. It is a beautiful area with challenging terrain. The uneven terrain gives the balance system a bit of work, and the hills certainly help maintain all the glute strength from the cross training. My gait is constantly changing on the trail which helps reduce the stress load on my muscles and tendons. This time of year is a great time to allow the body to rest and heal. Bottomline is there are times to just have fun. For me, the time is now. Pull on those goofy socks and run just for the love of it. Think about how much fun Boston will be in April.......
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