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: off-season
