For
most people, the racing season inevitably comes to an end. This is a time to scale back on
training (maybe stop all-together for some) both in volume and intensity, and rejuvenate. This time of year may
be welcomed by some with open arms, as a time to relax and enjoy life at a more
leisurely pace (what’s that?!), to reconnect with old friends that may have been
forgotten amidst the Swim/Bike/Run schedule, and to tend to other things
neglected between work, workouts, eating, and washing those sweaty clothes that
always seem to accumulate too quickly.
You can shop for things other than running shoes, gels, Gatorade, and
other such staples. (What else is there?!)
At
the end of every season for me though, it is met with sadness – it’s done
already?! Is there another race I
can find and do? Last year I ended
with a half-marathon at 13 weeks of pregnancy, a week later had a bike
accident, and I accepted that my season was done. This year I signed up for my first marathon. There are seven weeks between my
duathlon and the marathon, two of which have been mainly recovery, leaving 5
weeks – enough time for about 4 long runs. If I chose not to count my HIM run training, this might be
the shortest marathon training period.
I’m strangely optimistic though.
However, after it’s said and done, I’ll most likely not recommend this
format to anyone.
There
is still a warmth in the air and you long to put your tires to pavement before
the winter comes and you are confined to your trainer and staring at a wall –
or sufferfest videos, both painful I understand. But, dear fellow triathlon junkies, this is a time to
embrace, to catch up on life, to refocus for the next season, refresh your body
and your mind, take a deep breath and enjoy this time to be STILL. Or sign-up for a marathon. Whichever.
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