I’m a fairly dedicated self-motivated runner, but several years ago I recruited a coaching colleague and friend to help me in my training. Most weeks this involves having him write up a workout schedule for me that balances running and cross-training activities. If I’m actively training for a particular race, the training plan covers specific volume and pacing requirements to help me achieve my goal. But sometimes, as much as I value routine, I get a little bored or start to become stale. Telling me to slow down or take a recovery week isn’t always enough.
A couple weeks ago my coach asked what I currently wanted out of my training. He was concerned the monotony might ultimately lead to injury as I was in a rut of pounding my workouts at or near race pace even through I’m not currently racing. Last week I received from him a somewhat loosely focused schedule. Specifics only included time suggestions for 4 runs, 2 bike rides, and some stretch band work. The main focus was to get out and explore. New locations, new trails.
The task seemed a little daunting at first, but I’m type of person that accepts challenge and literally runs with it. I pulled up maps, Googled local parks and trails, recruited my adult son who is also a runner, and took off. What I found along the way was exactly what both my body and my mind needed…recovery, excitement, peace. We discovered cow patties make for an interesting obstacle path, broken bridges can often still be crossed, bug spray and sunscreen come in handy, and Labradors cannot be kept from the water. And now I can add some new location options to my rotation to keep things interesting in the future.
Girl with Dog 