Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Burnout.

It's probably no secret that I've been feeling pretty burnt out for the past couple of months.

Kevin Smith's Marathon Dynamics newsletter had some interesting suggestions that I think sounds kind of helpful to try and help recentre and move ahead. (it applies mostly to runners, but Kevin was also one of my first inline coaches when I first got into inline marathons a few yeasr back).

Original page here...
http://www.marathondynamics.com/run/dynamo/dynamo.php


Off Season Checklist

We espouse a "to do" list of tasks for the off-season runner, categorized as per our motto "to inspire people to bring out the best in themselves, in body, mind and spirit". Make sure you've done at least a bit of every one of these before you commit yourself to another long season of training ahead (click here).

For the body:

1. Rest — no running for at least a little while�(1-2 weeks min, 3-4 weeks max, unless injured)
2. Pamper — massage, long baths, nap, indulge! (i.e. "horizontal pilates" w/partner...nudge, nudge!)
3. Stretch — gentle & progressive...best time for it, since muscles aren't taught/tired from hard running
4. Aerobic Cross-Training — weight loss/fitness maintenance, variety
5. Strength Training — now's the time, either for total body fitness and/or for running-specific strength

For the mind:

1. Reflect — consider, analysis recent past training and racing, plan for the future
2. Write — recount your race story, your feelings and thoughts about it
3. Read — books, magazines, websites, blogs, etc...soak up running info on topics that interest you

For the spirit:

1. Reconnect w/Family & Friends — you probably neglected them during the height of your training (go on, admit it), so now show them how much you miss & appreciate them
2. Celebrate — get together to share your experiences with other runners (and empathetic non-runners who'll listen to you!) and emotionally invest in appreciating those of other runners
3. Dream — perhaps as early as 1 week after your big race, perhaps as long as 1-2 months after, you are ready to deliberate seriously upon what your next goal should be

Timing Your Next Season Perfectly...When To Start Training "For Real"

Labels:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home