Several of my friends and family have asked if I am still running. Well, running and I are on a break, but we’re seeing one another from time to time.
There’s not much else to say except that it is HOT here in Fort Worth. Unbearably hot, if you ask me. We had sixteen straight days of 100 degree-plus temperatures combined with humidity. It has “cooled off” a bit into the upper nineties plus 80% humidity, but this is still too much for me. The weather has given me what the doctors labeled a "heat rash," driven me to make an appointment with an allergy doctor to see if I can overcome the rash, a cough and other allergy-related ailments, and forced me indoors, onto the treadmill and into classes at the gym. Simply put, the weather stinks and I have no motivation to run outside at any time of day.
I miss running a bit, but it was time for a much-needed break. I started running full-time in October 2007, ran several half-marathons and completed the Dallas White Rock Marathon in December 2008. After a short break due to illness, I was back and running and training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego. After the marathon, temperatures began heating up and my running began slowing down. Let’s just say that the hot temperatures forced me into a much-needed sabbatical that I might not have otherwise taken. Nearly two years of doing nothing but running had worn me down a bit more than I imagined it would.
This break has also allowed me to try new things. I’ve been taking spinning classes and swimming and doing a few short runs on the treadmill. It’s been nice to feel like I am getting a break while still working out. I am really getting into spinning and I am thinking of venturing out on a road bike when the temperatures cool down. I have zero confidence in the pool, but I have started reading Total Immersion. The Total Immersion freestyle swimming video should arrive shortly as well. I have several friends who swear by this, so I will let you know if it helps me out. Run Less Run Faster is also on my night stand. The concept is based on three runs per week and cross-training, such as biking and swimming. My friends who follow the system not only improved their running but also made the transition to triathlons using the book. Am I heading down the triathlon path? I am not sure. I might try it out next year, but for now, I am learning and taking a break from competition.
As for running, I am eyeing the Dallas Running Club Half Marathon on November 1st, because I would like to redeem myself from last year’s tough (and hot) race. Then, I might do the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon and either the Austin full marathon or the Cowtown full marathon in February 2010. I am making no promises about any of these. It will all depend on when the heat subsides and how long it takes me to get back into endurance running shape. Unfortunately, I think both of these things might take a while. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the ice-cold air conditioning and the pleasant feeling brought on by fresh knees that aren't running twenty-plus miles per week.
My husband David is not on a break. He’s running and swimming and biking all the time, even in this awful heat. He did the Texas Woman’s University Power Sprint Tri this past weekend – 300m swim, 20K bike and 5K run. David finished 7th out of 27 in the 30-34 division, with a time of 1:16:44, and woke up at 4:30 a.m. to do it. At least someone in our house is not a slacker!
There’s not much else to say except that it is HOT here in Fort Worth. Unbearably hot, if you ask me. We had sixteen straight days of 100 degree-plus temperatures combined with humidity. It has “cooled off” a bit into the upper nineties plus 80% humidity, but this is still too much for me. The weather has given me what the doctors labeled a "heat rash," driven me to make an appointment with an allergy doctor to see if I can overcome the rash, a cough and other allergy-related ailments, and forced me indoors, onto the treadmill and into classes at the gym. Simply put, the weather stinks and I have no motivation to run outside at any time of day.
I miss running a bit, but it was time for a much-needed break. I started running full-time in October 2007, ran several half-marathons and completed the Dallas White Rock Marathon in December 2008. After a short break due to illness, I was back and running and training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego. After the marathon, temperatures began heating up and my running began slowing down. Let’s just say that the hot temperatures forced me into a much-needed sabbatical that I might not have otherwise taken. Nearly two years of doing nothing but running had worn me down a bit more than I imagined it would.
This break has also allowed me to try new things. I’ve been taking spinning classes and swimming and doing a few short runs on the treadmill. It’s been nice to feel like I am getting a break while still working out. I am really getting into spinning and I am thinking of venturing out on a road bike when the temperatures cool down. I have zero confidence in the pool, but I have started reading Total Immersion. The Total Immersion freestyle swimming video should arrive shortly as well. I have several friends who swear by this, so I will let you know if it helps me out. Run Less Run Faster is also on my night stand. The concept is based on three runs per week and cross-training, such as biking and swimming. My friends who follow the system not only improved their running but also made the transition to triathlons using the book. Am I heading down the triathlon path? I am not sure. I might try it out next year, but for now, I am learning and taking a break from competition.
As for running, I am eyeing the Dallas Running Club Half Marathon on November 1st, because I would like to redeem myself from last year’s tough (and hot) race. Then, I might do the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon and either the Austin full marathon or the Cowtown full marathon in February 2010. I am making no promises about any of these. It will all depend on when the heat subsides and how long it takes me to get back into endurance running shape. Unfortunately, I think both of these things might take a while. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the ice-cold air conditioning and the pleasant feeling brought on by fresh knees that aren't running twenty-plus miles per week.
My husband David is not on a break. He’s running and swimming and biking all the time, even in this awful heat. He did the Texas Woman’s University Power Sprint Tri this past weekend – 300m swim, 20K bike and 5K run. David finished 7th out of 27 in the 30-34 division, with a time of 1:16:44, and woke up at 4:30 a.m. to do it. At least someone in our house is not a slacker!
You're not a slacker for taking a break! It is well deserved, friend. Remember how sometimes taking a break strengthens your relationships? Maybe that's what will happen with you and running. (And if, on the other hand, it instead leads to a permanent breakup, there's always cycling and swimming!)
ReplyDeleteslacker? I wouldn't EVER call you that!
ReplyDeleteYou say a break, but I see on here that you are still looking at competitive runs really soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteShannon