Fact of the matter is, I lost endurance over the last few weeks. I know that the time off after my marathon PR was incredibly smart and important. But at the same time, yes it is humbling to feel like I lost the endurance and strength I worked very hard for last year. But I feel recharged and ready to tackle 2014 head on. (If you want to read a great post about embracing the off season- Lindsay and her Pro-triathlete hubs wrote this great read (and Vlog)--->here)
With that said, the next few weeks aren't exactly going to be insane training. I have no intentions of going from 0-60. After 4 weeks of down time, I need to build my base back up and that is something that takes time. Patience...I'm working on it. It's not even about the miles, it's about that feeling. I miss those long run feelings, I miss those killer workouts which left me incredibly sore but confident and eventually led to 2 marathon PR's this past fall. I miss it all, but I know that it will come back because I am going to work my ass off to get there.
I know this is nothing mind blowing; BUT guess what, training isn't always going to be off-the-wall, crazy paces or crazy miles. A strong base is incredibly important and I know once February rolls around I will be more than ready to really start pushing things more.
Some love base building, where it is not my strength. That is why I am ready to put in the time and effort to do whatever I can. I have 100% faith in my abilities and know that 4 weeks from now I am going to feel a heck of a lot more like myself. Those morning workouts I have been dragging my butt out of bed for, yeah I will be thanking myself for those.
I have totally watched/listened to 'Rise and Shine' daily for the last few weeks. It's a good reminder why I have been getting out of bed in the morning instead of sleeping another hour or 2.
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| Rise and Shine. |
So 2014 I am ready for you, I am ready to take whatever you have to throw at me....and give it right back.
BRING.IT.ON
What are you currently training for?
Do you find the cold weather hinders your motivation?
How many days a week do you run?
Boston would be all the motivation I need. You're fitness will be back in no time Laura.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough when it's this cold because it means treadmill running, which I really don't care for. You just suck it up and get it done though, right? That's how we do :)
You'll get it back so quickly Laura! So excited to see what 2014 has in store for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm training for nothing...just always working on getting better at Crossfit, eating better, and slowly adding some miles back in. Emphasis on the slowly. ;-)
I'm so excited to follow your Boston training! I haven't run in over a month so I don't even want to know how out of shape I am. I guess the good thing is I'll have lots of room for improvement!
ReplyDeleteYour being motivated is not 'news' ;) Very excited for you this year!! Some of us will be waiting for your Boston report, others of us will be waiting for your Cozumel report ;) Thank you for the link to Cotter blog - another distraction in my day ;) You know i can't resist a triathlete....;) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Laura! I've learned that once you set your mind to something you do everything you can to achieve it! You are such an inspiration! I can't wait to follow you in your training for Boston!!!
ReplyDeleteI was never under the impression that you lost your motivation! This post is helping me get back into the right mindset. I've taken a lot of time off lately (weather and lack of motivation) but it's supposed to be in the 40s this weekend so I'm thinking it's time to get back into the swing of things. I have a few races lined up in April (local 4 miler and the Kingston Classic 10K) and I'd really like to make a dent in my previous times.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you are motivated and ready to take on Boston. Especially in this weather. I just hope it's a little warmer for Lake Effect...or you know...a lot warmer.
ReplyDeleteI just got the go ahead from my doc to start training again. Like you, I am now rebuilding my base. Practicing lots of patience.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a great training plan set in place. Love your motivation :) I'm not currently working towards any event/competition, just enjoying my training overall!
ReplyDeleteIt is so cold here. The windchill is not my friend lol
Such an exciting time for you, training for Boston! Woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteTaking that time off, only made you stronger in the long run, you just wait!
Taking time off will make you stronger, good luck with your training. I am training/running Boston this year too!
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST, love the goals!
ReplyDeleteThe cold has definitely hindered my motivation to run outside, but I'm still motivated to exercise and maintain fitness. Can't wait to train vicariously through you!! :)
ReplyDeleteYour endurance will come back quickly, I'm sure! I've been having a hard with motivation with as cold as it has been, but somehow I've been managing to keep on track.
ReplyDeleteHave a great training season!
You have an amazing, positive attitude! I'm going to check out Rise & Shine. I hope it helps me get your awesome attitude.
ReplyDeleteLaura, you are so smart about this time off and I am very proud of you. You will be faster this year because of your growth. I took the time off too and I try not to think about lost fitness (which is also why I have probably avoided speed workouts as often as I need them). I know it sounds crazy, but it always seemed like once I reached a time, I am ALWAYS able to do it again - keep that in mind, it's all faster from here...if you stay healthy and that is what you are doing! Excellent point about training not always being a standout workout - rest and recovery are sometimes better than that hard run. Listen to your body. Believe in yourself and chase those goals! XO
ReplyDeleteWait...Ironman Cozumel? Did I miss that post? You are gearing up for what is going to be a tremendous year. Build, build, build!
ReplyDeleteBIG goals this year! You are so smart to have taken that down time. I don't know many people who have or can pull off two marathon PRs in one fall. I can't wait to meet up in Boston!
ReplyDeleteWahoo! Excited for you... :) I am hopefully going to train for a marathon in May, let's hope this hamstring shapes up!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this, I just started my spring marathon training, ugh, a few weeks time off I got all slow! And weak! Eeeek! It's discouraging, but experience tells me I'll be back at it in no time! Exciting that you're training for Boston!
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