(No) Rest For the Weary
My stance on post-peak race running has shifted through the years
Some people rest completely after a season; some don’t even blink an eye towards taking time off. Which are you?
I was always on the side of complete rest after a long season. It’s probably because that’s what I was used to: after every season in high school and college, that’s what we did.
More recently, I took 2 weeks where I ran every other day or every 3rd day and by the time the two weeks were up, I was refreshed, recharged, and most importantly, not feeling like I had taken a year off from running.
After my season this go-round, I thought I was going to take a week completely off. But my birthday fell at the beginning of the off week, so of course, I had to run a few miles to celebrate.
And after that run, I realized how close I was to 100 miles, so there’s a really good chance that while you’re reading this, I could be literally out running.
Do I need the 3.5 miles? Absolutely not. But I AM a believer in keeping up momentum wherever and whenever you can. If a 100-mile month keeps me motivated to get back into training during the summer months, then an early morning run to close out April doesn’t sound so bad.
What’s your take on post-peak race running? Do you run or do you take off? Leave a comment or reply to this email with what you do!
Friday’s Action Plan:
Use motivation any way you can - whether it’s from within or with a little help from an outside source.
What’s Got My Attention:
Podcast: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Alexi Pappas on Apple Podcasts
Article: New CDC Guidelines Say You Don’t Have to Wear a Mask When Running Outdoors
Popular Articles on the Blog this Week:
Glute Activation for Distance Runners
3 Workouts to Get Back in Running Shape
Guide to Resistance Bands (Therabands)
Popular Newsletter Sessions:
Motivation During Uncertain Times (April 2020)
No Delaying This Time (April 2021)
Quote of the Day:
“Success starts with the mindset that you can do it. You must believe that you can, despite what adversity may come your way.”
Connect with me:
Here’s what I’m working on and what I’d love you to check out:
Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
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Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans, and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.