Welcome to the Weekly Rundown. When I don’t have a race on the calendar, I feel like I am in running limbo. Maybe doing too much, maybe doing too little. Who knows? Linking up with hosts Deborah and Kim for this weekly training recap.
These past three weeks, I have been in running limbo. I no longer have a coach programming my workouts. I no longer have a race on the calendar. In the mornings, I wake up without knowing what workout I will do. Or honestly, what workouts I want to do. This limbo is freeing yet terrifying. My mind and body feel out of sorts, but I’m not yet motivated to change it. Hence it being kind of crickets on the blog of late.
But, without a race on the calendar, I’ve become acutely aware of the questions, “What are you training for, or what race do you have next?” At least once a day, someone has asked me this. The first time someone asked me that, I felt ashamed and guilty. I’m not training for anything, I thought. That seems to go against the running community culture.
Starting in June of 2013 when I began training for my first marathon, all the way through Milwaukee earlier this month, I’ve always had a next race planned. That’s been the normal. That’s been what everyone else in my running circle has done. Finish one goal and have something else lined up. One race, on to the next. RACE EVERYTHING, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
But, for the first time, I don’t have the itch to race. I’ve dedicated time normally spent training to the athlete’s I coach and the running community in general. In the weeks since the Milwaukee Marathon, I traveled to Boston to hang with Elyse and cheer friends on in the marathon. The following weekend, I drove out to Crystal Lake to cheer a friend on at Earth Day 50k. Next weekend, I plan to cheer on an athlete at the Wisconsin Marathon. The following weekend, I’ll be crewing friends at Ice Age 50 mile. I am spending time doing what I absolutely love, coaching and cheering.
I want to respond to their inquiry with iterations of, Do I NEED to have a race on the calendar? Is having a race on the calendar the only reason that I can go out running? Is racing the only thing that matters? I think running limbo enhances my snarky, sassy side. Less endorphins, probably. But, the bigger question that I need to ask myself is why do I feel the need to justify my time off of racing? Why is there this pressure to race all the time?
Can’t I just enjoy some off time?
There’s a skeleton plan in mind. Continue with 5k speed. Heavy focus on strength.. Fall marathon. Eventual ultra. I just haven’t picked an exact race yet. Luxuriate in running limbo and dedicate time to other areas of my life? And once the siren song of racing calls me again, I’ll be mentally and physically ready to jump back in. For now, just more of “run when I feel like it, rest when I don’t, strength in between.”
How was your week? What are your thoughts on racing and the running culture? Let’s stay in touch! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts. Â
Happy running,
Becca
I totally get it because I’m in the same place! Heck I can’t even seem to schedule a 5k due to life.
I also have plenty of friends that love to run but not to race.
Short answer: of course you don’t have to have a race scheduled. In fact, sometimes that’s actually a very good thing. You’ll know when the time is right.
running limbo is kind of odd for someone who always seems to be running a race somewhere. right now I’m in limbo because of “injury” (well, an operation is an injury I guess) and it seems like everyone is running and racing every day!! and people asking constantly, “when is your next race?” Yeah. I don’t know really. I *hope* in August. I find it also difficult to come up with my own training (besides running) because everything I was doing before was to enhance the running. So I get this. I also get just needing a break, wanting to… Read more »
It can feel really strange not to have a race on the calendar when you are used to training for something! Sometimes a little down time is good. I not a huge fan of training over the summer w the heat myself
I took a whole year off from training for any particular race. I ran what I wanted, when I wanted. I got asked the “What are you training for?” question a lot. I usually said “for life!” to shut them up. I don’t know why assume that you always need to be training for something. It’s freeing and prevents burn out when your schedule is wide open and there is NO schedule. Don’t get me wrong, I love training but it’s nice to not be tied down too.
I think it’s good to take a break from racing, but I know it can be mentally challenging, especially this time of year when it’s nice running weather. It’s a good chance to enjoy running just for fun and focus on other things.
It is so discomforting being between races! I love the freedom of being able to run how and when I want, yet I feel a little lost not being on a plan! Actually, right now with my health issues, I have no plan at all and that is a little odd too.
Sometimes not having a plan and just having the free time to decide what you want to do it SO needed! Constantly training and racing can be so stressful and it can eliminate the “love” of running. I think that you have a great attitude about this current stage in your running journey.
We certainly basking in similar thoughts on the “in-between” races thing. I know my body needs a rest, but that doesn’t cure the FOMO. I think you have an awesome outlet for all of your “non-training” energy, and that’s in the support/coaching of others. Although I’m not a coach, I do love supporting and encouraging others… often times, I get more fulfillment out of watching the achievements of others than I do my own 😉 Thanks for linking with us 😉
Agreed, cheering on others is so energizing!
I think that’s a great attitude. Enjoy coaching & cheering
What’s your next race is I think runner version of “how are you?”
Haha, you’re right, it is!
I am sooo with you on taking a break from racin . It’s kind of discombobulating but also super liberating at the same time. Good luck with your race break and glad you’re taking some time to reflect on it.
Thanks KSalk, likewise to you!