thenextmile

I’ve been going at it hard, possibly too hard.  For 3 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve taken a rest week.  One of them was after a marathon.  Another was during Christmas when I was sick.  That might be it.   

It’s not that I don’t enjoy resting.  In fact, sometimes after a few days of rest it’s hard for me to get back on the fitness wagon.  I enjoy spending time with friends and family, eating ice cream, drinking a few beers, sleeping in and staying up late.  But the bottom line is, I feel better when I’m working out and training.  But sometimes you just need to give your body a break to keep going.  I think I’m due. 

I’ve spent the last few months running 25 plus miles a week.  That’s not counting all the walks, the swims and all that other extra activity.  It all adds up.  While I feel great, sometimes my body just screams, “Give me a break, please!” 

This started off as a busy week for me.  I was going to run 30 miles, and get in at least 2 swims, and a few long walks all on top of working 40+ hours.  But then it dawned on me.  I’m starting triathlon training next Monday, and this will be my last week off until mid-August.  So why am I pushing it?  It’s become a mindset, “I have to run.  I can’t miss that workout.”  While fitness is important to me, so is my health and recovery.   

So I’m easing up in an attempt to make positive gains and strengthen my entire body.  My legs can sure use it.  For pretty soon, I’ll be complaining that I never get a rest day.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS