Four laps around the track and I was already negotiating with my training schedule. Maybe I’d make tomorrow a rest day. Maybe I’d cut this run short and add the miles to Sunday’s run.
Six laps around, I had earned the upper hand in the negotiation and settled the dispute – I’d take two weeks off. A few steps later I said out loud, “What am I waiting for?” I stopped running and began a two-week holiday.
It’s a double-edged sword – learning to push the envelope of training without getting injured – although I’ve decided being downright pooped may be a form of injury in and of itself, and knowing when to hit the pause button is the next lesson to be learned in my journey as a runner.
Last year, when I got thoroughly pooped, I threatened to go to the doctor for a full set of blood work. Or was that the year before? A few weeks ago I finally went. The nurse called, “Everything is within normal ranges.” It wasn’t my thyroid, and I wasn’t deficient in this or that (although I could still blame it on menopause).
As usual, my husband was right. It’s training error. Fine.
Cross-Training 2017
On the first day of holiday, I went for a long walk around Lake Junaluska where the landscaping is positively inspirational. My husband went with me. This little slice of paradise is less than a mile from home. I did not even contemplate wearing running gear for this lovely walk.
There were several days of all-day gardening while my bike enjoyed a full tune-up at the local bike shop. Then I rode my bike.
My husband and I decided paddling would be fun and spent several afternoons searching for canoes on Craigslist – until I went for another long walk around Lake Junaluska and realized we could rent a kayak or canoe on the shores of their sandy beach for just $5/hour. A whole new world was opening up all around.
Then my friend, Maria, and I went for a hike – 1-1/2 hours up the mountain to Waterrock Knob and 1-1/2 hours back down again. It was delightful. We’ve already planned another even longer hike for next week.
My two-week hiatus from running ended about six weeks ago, but I haven’t forgotten the lessons learned from being too narrowly focused on running: there’s lots of fun things to do, and isn’t fun the best thing to have?
The Fartlek 
Being diversified has many advantages……enjoy the pattern switch
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Yes, diversity is a plus! And isn’t life wonderful when you live in the perfect house, and an ideal location. 🙂 Thanks Julie.
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Marcia – I long for that same transformation about my writing. Thanks for sharing this slice of your journey and I am looking fwd to our next outing!
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I’m looking forward to that hike too!! See you then.
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Wonderful story…I’m right there where you were before you’re vacation. I think I’ll try hiking a bit more…
Thank you!
Alise
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It’s a process isn’t it. When I started running again, my attitude was so much better and I felt so much more rested. Kind of scary to take the time off, but it’s made a huge difference for me. Good luck, and thanks for reading.
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Marcia, What a great post! Enjoyed seeing and experiencing the beauty of our region through the fresh eyes of someone who – although you’ve lived here for a number of years – seems to be really experiencing it for the first time. So glad you’re giving your body some rest via alternative forms of exercise. Great pictures!
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Thanks Mike, it does seem like I’m re-discovering this beautiful spot in the world. Maybe it was moving away that opened my eyes. And thanks to your dear wife for such a fun hike!
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