Time to get back at it

Following a goal race I often find myself in a bit of a running-lull.  It starts out with the post-race recovery period, which is very necessary for your body after having pushed it so hard.  It’s a time of celebration, where I go overboard eating all the things I’ve avoided during training because they make me feel draggy or slightly off.  It’s rest not only for race-weary muscles, but the travel-weary mind and spirit.

Then the rest period is over and I should be doing some active recovery.  Light jogs, walks, that sort of thing.  Instead, it’s a time of catching up on things I hadn’t done while so focussed on training.  Appointments, emails, little tasks around the house.  The race is still recent enough to feel like I have run lately; yet the routine of training feels like a distant memory.  It’s a strange mental space where, despite having run like clockwork regardless of the conditions, it is somehow too windy, early, late, cold or hot, and a lot of “I’ll do it tomorrow” is thrown about like dirty laundry in a college dorm.   My motivation lags; mostly I am just tired.

I ran a race last weekend; my goal race was 3 weeks ago.   I’ve run here and there, but it’s time, now, to get back at it.  Time to set some new goals and plan a new schedule.  Time to fall in love all over again.

I’ll be making a decision on my A-race for the fall in the next week or so, and maybe picking some events between now and then, just for fun.  I’ll be putting a schedule on the calendar and making dates with myself so there is no ambiguity.  I will be stocking up on fresh, healthy menu choices that I know will help me feel more energetic.  I will be laying out my clothes, setting the alarm, and I will be running.