It’s official. I’ve determined that “sloth mode” is a condition that can be diagnosed and is considerably difficult to cure. It’s been 5 weeks since the Twin Cities Marathon and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve taken full advantage of some down time. I’ve run a total of FORTY-EIGHT miles in 5 weeks, with my longest run being 10 miles. That number seems laughable to me, considering I ran the same mileage during peak week this past training cycle. Numbers really do put my sloth mode in perspective.
The guilt didn’t settle in until yesterday. I spent the weekend in Milwaukee, eating and drinking like I was still in full training mode. Liquid carbs were the highlight, of course (it is Milwaukee, afterall). Note to self: next time someone suggest butter burgers for lunch, it might be a good idea to politely decline or suggest something that will not automatically clog my precious arteries. That is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal (although I’m sure there are a lot of Milwaukee locals that would beg to differ with me). After 5 weeks of essentially sitting on my butt and not challenging myself, I could probably sit down and come up with a long list of self-imposed excuses why I didn’t head out the door for more runs, but it would be too easy to continue to psych myself into laying on the couch every evening.
I was in DC last week for three days working with clients. And only one of those days did I manage to MOVE my body. I hopped on the bike for 20 minutes and the elliptical for 20 minutes in the hotel fitness center. It was enough to break a sweat, but not enough to make me feel accomplished.
The first thing I did when I came home last night was start up my gym membership again. I can’t justify a gym membership when I’m in full training mode between May and October , but I depend on it to get my through the winter. Luckily, they offer a no-contract option and a ton of group fitness classes. This morning, I printed the schedule and decided what I can commit to this week.
It feels good to put workouts on the calendar again, as opposed to running when I feel like it. It’s really easy to tell myself that I’ll swap a run for sloth mode because I “will run tomorrow”. If this past month proves anything, it’s shown me that I need to challenge myself in order to feel confident, healthy, and motivated. Running always puts things in perspective and lately I’ve been lacking the latter. I’ve allowed the post-marathon blues (or whatever you want to call it) to eat up my energy. Running a PR in Boston in April won’t happen if my couch continues to win out over my running shoes.
I’m going to focus on cross-training and strength training, as opposed to the number of miles I run each week.
I’m going to drink more water—another reason I’ve been sluggish!
I’m going to try new things.
I’m going to continue to appreciate the little things.
We Wander And Ponder 
You definitely deserve a break after TC! But, I hear ya. I’ve probably run less miles than you in the past 5 weeks and it hit me this weekend that I’ve gotten “fat and slow.” eh.
Your goals are solid And you’ll be stronger than ever because of them!
I think we all deserved a break after long and intense training cycles! (especially people like YOU that ran TWO marathons!) It suddenly hit me this week that I’ve been feeling sluggish because I haven’t been exercising enough. Looking forward to getting stronger and new classes, ya know?
Mmmm butter burgers! Anyway, it was probably best in the long run that you took the time off after the marathon.
Butter burgers sounded incredibly delicious before I actually ingested one haha. Rest is always good–just don’t want to remain a couch potato for too long 🙂
WHAT ARE BUTTER BURGERS?!?!?
This should give you a good visual: http://bestburgersinmilwaukee.com/sollys/ (I scrolled through some of those photos and my stomach started to hurt again) I’ve always considered myself a “butter lover”, but Solly’s takes it to a new level.
*booking ticket to Milwaukee now!
I highly doubt you’ve climbed up the BMI scale just yet. But, more power to you. Enjoy the gym!
Definitely haven’t gained any LBs haha. Just trying to stay strong and motivated. Thanks!
I’ve been in sloth mode too since my race season ended too. I’m blaming it on the weather…I feel like I should be hibernating!
cute shoes! i think it’s safe to say that you earned that sloth time girl! looking ahead to some sloth-like time myself here after turkey day that i’m getting awfully excited about. sounds like you should be well rested and recovered just in time to start training like a champ for boston!
Thanks Britt! As always, it’s tough to allow myself to rest for too long. I did lunges the other day and weird muscles have been tight since. Looking forward to getting stronger for the next month so I can jump into training after Christmas. Have fun on your Turkey Day race!