I have had one heck of a training and racing year. I will not complain…. PRs in the 10k, 12k, 21k and marathon, and another notch in the BQ belt.
My racing schedule has been on a short list compared to former years and with good reason: to focus on training to get my two main goals of the year: 21k and marathon PRs.
The first LD race of the year was the Lake Sammamish 21k (March) where I happily got my 1:40 that I’ve wanted since 2011 (and now sub-1:40 for 2013). Next Eugene (April), followed by pacing Tacoma City Marathon (May). After TCM, I did 5 weeks of recover and taper in time for Winthrop Marathon (June). The miles were no lower than 15 and no higher than 35.
After Winthrop – which was my #1 A-race – left me depleted and disappointed, I did another recover and taper in time for The Tunnel Marathon (July), my backup A-race to the failure that was Winthrop. There I got my marathon PR and BQ #2. I jumped from there straight to the Ragnar Ultra, running a 50k five days after The Tunnel.
Since that Ragnar ultra, I have had an unorthodox training plan: on the days it has been cloudy, I’m resting; on the days it’s been sunny and hot, I’ve found any excuse to get in the miles with no care to pace. Pretty inconsistent training considering our weather is inconsistent (i.e. more cloudy days than not).
Now I am looking at the calendar, as days and weeks have slipped by, and see Skagit Flats Marathon in 2 weeks (pacer) and Maui Marathon in 3 weeks. This week alone, I haven’t run since Sunday; feeling tired and wanting more naps than bothering to tie the laces.
I have come to warmly accept that every person is a different athlete when it comes to training and rest. Some don’t need a lot of rest and some need more than others. I feel like after a heavy season of winter and spring training, all I want to do is run for fun and rest.
What’s wrong with that?
