With Summer, Brings New Goals


 

 Since  the cancellation of 2020’s Boston Marathon my training has come to a screeching halt. I was barely into my training this time around so I guess it was more like a rolling stop. The first time around I had just done my 18 miler when I found out the marathon was moved to September, so I guess this time it was easier to swallow. I had just read the book “Run Less, Run Faster” and had decided I would do a modified version. 

I kind of felt like the title is a bait and switch. Run less and run faster? Who doesn’t want to do that? Well that comes with a lot of work in between. Non-run days consist of some heavy duty cardio workouts that are either cycling or swimming. I don’t swim. I can swim, I’m not very good at it and I don’t really like it. As far as cycling goes, I love to ride my bike, but for fun. I don’t want to race to the beach, I want to cruise at a comfortable pace and enjoy the ride. Maybe a spin class would be what I need but they are pricey and honestly I’d rather be outside. 

So for my modified version I planned to do the 3 recommended runs: speed work, tempo run and long run, add an easy run and some strength training, a bike ride or other cross-training and call it a day (or week). 

Then Boston was cancelled and everything stopped. 

Now with nothing to train for my motivation has been at an all time low. I’ve lost my focus. I know I need to stay strong and keep moving but I’m just not feeling it. Virtual races (while most benefit a worthwhile cause) aren’t doing it for me.  So in order to revive my motivation I’ve decided to shift my goals. For now I am not going to focus on running. I’m still going to run (I am a runner after all) but with no particular pace or distance goal. My new goal for summer is to relax and have fun while still being active. 

Here’s a few things I’ll be doing this summer:

Cycling. My plan is to ride once a week with my hubby. Did I mention he just bought an electric bike? Cheater! It uses pedal assist (I feel a little ripped off, but whatever) which makes it a whole lot easier, but hey, at least my husband now wants to ride with me. 

 

Kayaking. It is time to pull out the kayaks and get that upper body working. Now if I could get one of the girls to go with me. 

Hiking. It’s hit or miss with hiking this time of year. It can get really hot on the trails some days so getting out early is the best bet. 

Pilates. My Pilates studio just reopened so I got that on back burner. I’m waiting to see how things go with the pandemic before I rush to the studio. 

Oddly enough, when I cut back on running I end up wanting to do it more. It’s like when you can’t have something then suddenly it’s all you want. (eyeroll) It’s a little mind game I play. πŸ˜‰

Anyone else changing it up for summer? Have race cancelations affected your motivation?

I’m linking with Debbie, Deborah, Rachel, Lisa, Jen and Sandra for Runners’ Roundup.

Thanks for reading!

             Denise

 

 

18 COMMENTS

  1. deborahbrooks14 | 17th Jun 20

    I kind of feel the same. I started off strong when the lockdown first happened. The virtual races quickly lost their appeal. I am not as motivated without something to train for. I also like to do lots of other cross training especially in the summer time. I think it’s good to rotate your routine a bit. Running is always there when you want it!

    • Denise | 17th Jun 20

      Summer is the perfect time to cross train. So many outdoor activities to choose from.
      I definitely need race to train for to stay focused on running though.

  2. Debbie Woodruff (@CoachDebbieRuns) | 17th Jun 20

    Ha! Your last paragraph is like my blog post in a nutshell. You’re getting your running mojo back by not running as much! I’m still running but not really “training.” No speed work in spite of saying every week, well maybe I’ll do some speed training.

    • Denise | 17th Jun 20

      Running in the desert heat is hard enough but not having a race to train for can for sure affect your mojo.
      Now that you are back to work, speed work might be the thing to do. Run fast and done.;-)

  3. Catrina | 17th Jun 20

    Looks like you’re all set for the summer!
    I love hiking as well, especially in the mountains.
    I have set myself the goal of running 2’600km in 2020, so that helps me to stay motivated. And now that I have switched to HR running, I actually look forward to my speed workouts!

    • Denise | 19th Jun 20

      I’ve been thinking of looking into HR running. Add that to my goal list. πŸ™‚

      • Catrina | 19th Jun 20

        Have fun with it, Denise!

  4. Lisa | 18th Jun 20

    I have definitely found that when I cut back on running i want to do it more! Its good to focus on other things, especially when you’re not feeling as motivated to run.

    • Denise | 19th Jun 20

      I think we just need a little break to realize how much we actually like to run. Runners can be weird like that. πŸ˜‰

  5. Wendy | 18th Jun 20

    I’m the only one here training for a fall race, lol! Hoping that my 50k doesn’t get canceled. As far as not training for anything goes, I’ve been a runner for so long that i don’t know how to not run! I actually enjoy running shorter distances during the week and throwing myself into cross training. I’ll do another strength cycle in the fall. That was fun!

    • Denise | 19th Jun 20

      Being a runner for so long as well, I can’t imagine not running. I’m still running everyday that I’m not working but lately I feel like I am just going through the motions.
      I really hope your 50k doesn’t get cancelled too.

  6. Chocolaterunsjudy | 18th Jun 20

    I’m actually quite content with less miles right now. I’ve always wanted to try kayaking, but it’s not something my husband is interested in, and then we’d have to leave the dogs . . . I’m not sure I’m ever going to get around to it.

    I really, REALLY miss swimming. Just for fun, like your cycling. The place I swam at closed over a year ago, and now even if a pool were open — no thanks! As much as I’d love my own pool, again, I’m the only one that wants it. So that’s not going to happen anyway.

    Oh well, it sounds like you have a well balanced plan in place that will keep you fit until the time comes to train harder again. Good job!

    • Denise | 19th Jun 20

      I want to like swimming but like I said I’m not a very good swimmer so it’s not fun and the only way to get better is to swim. It’s a catch 22. Plus I don’t like chlorine and open water scares me a little…I never know what’s under me. So there’s that.

      • Chocolaterunsjudy | 19th Jun 20

        I was lucky — my Dad liked to swim, so we all learned to swim early — in a lake. Open water doesn’t scare me so much.

        Open water with a lot of other people kicking you is a different story though . . .

  7. Marcia | 22nd Jun 20

    I haven’t really trained for anything since i finished London over a year ago. I ran 10ks since then but I had no real goals other than to finish. I like your new summer plans. It feels good sometimes to relax a bit and enjoy other activities. It also feels good to know when I’m out running and its a sweltering 88 degrees that I really don’t have to push through and finish a certain number of miles.

    • Denise | 24th Jul 20

      Finishing is always my goal. Lol. Since I posted this I have tried one of your YouTube workouts. My goal is to do one every week. Thanks for helping me change it up a little.

  8. kookyrunner | 23rd Jun 20

    I’m signed up for a half marathon in October but I doubt it will happen since its a pretty big road race and it’s going to be in Philly. While I’m not really “training” right now, I am still trying to keep a few long/longer runs in my schedule.

    Hiking is something that I would love to do more of this summer too!

    • Denise | 24th Jul 20

      I hope your half doesn’t get cancelled. Sometimes hiking is better in the Fall and Spring because it’s not so hot. Unless you’re one of those people that get out at the crack of dawn. I struggle with that. πŸ˜‰

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