I like to have something to work towards. I think that is why I like running so much - if I am training for something, I have a goal to keep me on track. Something with a little structure in which my commitment level determines my success.
The closer I get to my marathon, the more I find myself thinking "what comes after?"
And I am drawing a ginormous blank.
This year has been all about "the next race" and "the big race at the end". For the last year and a half, I have been constantly in training for a half marathon. By the time I run my full - I will have 7 half marathons under my belt. But after the franticness of this year - I am starting to think I want to take it easy over the winter. Especially if I am going to be running another full next year. I think I'd like to spend a few months running whatever each Saturday and then enjoying a coffee after. I'd like to find some joy in running just for the sake of running. Call it an Anti-Goal, if you will.
My anti-goal is like the little light at the end of the tunnel.
It feels so weird to be thinking of winter already. It's only the start of August, for cripes sake. But what better time to start planning for the coldest months than when we are sweltering in the hottest months. I am finding myself looking forward to crisp air on my face (not to frosty eyebrows, mind you, but the anti-goal means I won't need to run in extremes if I don't want to). I also find myself drafting up wish lists for my winter birthday and for Christmas where I envision myself opening up a shiny new pair of running snowshoes. It's almost a comfort to be planning for the months after my full like this. To take my mind off of the three gruelling super-long runs I have ahead before I start to taper.
I find myself making lists of running books I want to curl up and read. I daydream about possible goals for next year...but nothing I need to start on immediately. When I plan my workouts for the cold months, it is more about what TV series I'll watch on the bike and how hard I'll focus on strength and core training. I am thinking of the winter as a preparatory ground for the spring instead of a training season.
Maybe this is how normal people think....
I was thinking about winter running this morning too! I think it has something to do with fall on the near horizon, and we all know what comes after that! *ugh*. I am still hoping to finish 10 half's this year, then run a full in June 2012. I can see myself taking a good six weeks off over winter and just doing some light cross-training. I think it's important not to burn out. Hope all is well with your full marathon training program!!
ReplyDeleteI agree - it's very important to not burn out :) I figure I've worked super hard all year that I deserve some "take it easy" time!
ReplyDeleteMarathon training is going well. I continue to amaze myself when I pass that "longest I've ever run" point in my long runs...it's been good to challenge myself like this (but I am very happy I'll have company on my longest runs :) )
LOL...I like the "watching shows while riding the bike" bit. That's the only good thing about winter...new TV shows ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL...I usually work my way through all of the seasons of one series at a time on my stationary bike. It helps keep me motivated while all those other new TV shows are usually what de-motivate me...because the upstairs TV (and deep corduroy couch) is the one with the satellite connection and the basement TV (and my bike) only have a dvd player :)
ReplyDeleteBut it works for me :)