Let's talk about my Off-Season

Can we Talk?

Did you hear the latest?  I declared 2017 as my year for Focusing on FUN (more details HERE)! But that's not all....I have also deemed January as my Off-Season.

Why an off-season? And, why now?

Well, there are several reasons actually....



First of all, my body has earned it. Not only did I train for (and run) a late season marathon, but I also jumped right into a 40-day winter running streak...a mere four days after crossing the finish line. Granted, the timing for the Streak was less-than-ideal. Physically, my body didn't feel too beat-up (even with that lingering strained groin), but emotionally I was somewhat of a wreck and needed a coping mechanism to guide me through the aftermath of a frustrating race. I honored my recovery, and took things very easy. Most of my streak runs were simple 1-milers (up until the final two weeks), and even those longer runs were done at an easy pace. The Streak "officially" ended on January 1st, but I did run an extra mile on Monday (January 2nd) for my Never Miss a Monday ritual. Although most everything else (body and mind) feels recovered, the groin "issue" is still a bit of an..."issue." It doesn't hurt when I run, but (on occasion) I feel it pulling if I bend or twist (when I'm not in motion). Even though I don't think it's a "running" injury, I'm going to treat it as such and enjoy some downtime out of my running shoes.

Secondly, I don't have any big upcoming races on the calendar...for now. In other words, I don't really need to be training for anything just yet. My first 2017 race (that is registered and paid for) isn't until March 11th, and it's a 10K, which is a distance that I typically don't train for anyways. There are a few other miscellaneous races I'm eyeing, but they're all short distance events. There are some half marathons (later in the spring) that I will probably do, and I also have Grandma's Marathon (mid-June) bought and paid for. I will need to start gradually building my base back up, and that will coincide nicely (perfectly?) after I do the March 11th 10K....how's that for timing?

Third, it's winter in Iowa, and I have a lot of cold weather (survival) projects to make. It's no secret I'm an art geek...and I love playing and creating with yarn. I learned how to knit and crochet when I was young (2nd grade?), and have been making stuff ever since. Recently, a friend sent me a pic of the "messy bun hat" or, as I prefer to call it, the "topless beanie." I got right to work and made one for a gift, and then another for myself. Currently, I have a third one in the works. Yes, this what I do when I'm not blogging (although I should be cleaning my house....).

Another reason for an off-season is so I can focus on smaller daily goals for the month. I much prefer doing monthly challenges over year-long resolutions. It's much easier to chart my progress. Also, by changing things up each month, I never get stagnant (or bored out of my mind).

And, finally, this off-season is giving me a chance to get reacquainted with the 'mill. Anyone who knows me will attest that I'd much rather be outside than "moving-in-place" on that indoor torture device.  I doubt I'll ever fall back in love with it, but I am trying to give it a chance to work its way back into my (fitness) life.

In a nut shell, this off-season is helping me get back to the basics. I'm working especially hard on self-care...foam rolling (even when I don't think I need it), stretching, and yoga. My body is pretty tight, and I'm hoping by doing a little bit of daily yoga, I'll get in a routine of doing it (and actually WANTING to do it) much more frequently. And, the running? No more streaking for now, nothing longer than 5-6 miles, and at least three non-running days each week. Like I said, I'm not training for anything this month...there's no need for excessive mileage.

How about YOU? Have you ever taken an off-season? Do you make resolutions for the new year, or do you prefer monthly/weekly goals instead?

I'm linking up with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0, and also with Deborah and CoCo for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I invite you to check out these wonderful hostesses' blogs, and take note of all the bloggers in the link-ups.