It has almost been 1 month since my last race, and less structured running. My body is loving it. I have been doing a program created by one of the most BA woman in my tribe. It has allowed me to tap into my love of throwing around weights in the gym. Danielle’s workouts are no joke. I have done numerous challenges and completed all of her guides except for Stronger. I (im)patiently waited for my half to be over to begin. Stronger is a combination of plyometrics, weight training and burn outs (which technically could be considered plyometrics. I prefer to give them their own category labeled “hell” because that’s what they are!) She also offers optional cardio routines in this program. Cardio days I run around the lake, so I cannot speak for the intensity. However, it’s Danielle, so know you’ll work your ass off! This 6-week program builds on the previous week, with each week being different and progressively more challenging. You will find a traditional workout protocol (sets and reps) to ladder workouts. She keeps the workouts fresh and spicy. If you are unfamiliar with an exercise, do not worry! She has a massive exercise glossary. Most days I run mile before, complete the workout and run 1-2 miles after at a pace that is challenging and mix it up. One run I will try to run a sub 7 min/mi or I will do on/offs until I reach my desired distance. Even though I have only been doing her program for a month, I have more bounce and hip extension as I prepare for push off. I’m a front seat runner (use flexors vs. extensors) and need to focus on using my backside for power. This program has been perfect in helping me move closer in the power direction. (Scroll to the bottom for a free workout from the guide!)
My energy levels have been through the roof since this change. Late last year and into June ’19, my adrenals were not functioning. Not even a little bit. I’m stubborn and ignored everything I was being told. I was prescribed a medication that would take over the function of my adrenals in an attempt to help them heal. I continued to train as hard as I physically and mentally could. I had goals and I wasn’t ready to let those go. After each run, regardless of distance, you’d find me consuming massive amounts of caffeine, further wrecking havoc on my adrenals. It was a slippery slope. My routine was unhealthy for someone who preaches health!
While my body and energy are handling this time off very well, my mind has has a different attitude. I miss the structured running, trying to hit paces and my coach giving me death workouts that leave me wondering how in the world am I going to finish that? Even when I fall short, there’s joy in knowing I attempted. But mainly I miss my squad. Running gives me time to connect with other people on levels that are hard to come by. You show your most vulnerable moments. For instance, one of the hardest races of my life happened earlier this year. Leslie, my running partner and soul sister, was coming back from an injury preventing her from getting me over the struggle hump. Instead, she was at the finish line and held me as I collapsed into her arms as we both felt pure defeat and exhaustion. I had the opportunity to help a dear friend achieve a massive PR. There was a time during the race when I did a quick calculation to see if we could get her under a certain time. I told her the pace we would need to hit for the last couple of miles. She dug deep and came in with a 5 min PR on a challenging course. It was a true honor to cross the finish line with her and one of the most rewarding running experiences.
Running is a time for me to escape reality and catch up with friends. Laura and I have met numerous times “under the bridge”. We always promise to keep each other’s pace in check and we fail almost 90% of the time! We get to chatting, catching up on life which ends in our emotions taking over our pace until one of us is about to keel over. Usually me! And I cannot forget my trusty long run partner for this last training bout, Ryan. Ryan was preparing for a half in HI, which he crushed, so we trained together on the weekend. I assumed he’d hang up his shoes for a while after the race. NOPE! He showed up nearly every weekend, minus the one where I got too competitive and dropped him :), to keep me company during my long runs. When running conditions (sleet, torrential downpours) were less than ideal, he selflessly showed up to dodge scooters, chickens and climb Mt Bonnell. Each one of these unique connections is what makes taking time off from running a challenge. The great thing about these connections, though, is I know they will be there when I’m ready to jump back in 🙂
I am planning to take another month off from running to allow my body to get back to a healthy state. Even though my mind is having the hardest time during this break, it is a non-negotiable if I want a long term relationship with running.
Cheers!