How does the saying go? “Train the same and remain insane” or is it “Training the same is insane”?
I don’t know, but what I do know is that when marathon training went from weeks and months to years and well years of workouts, things started to feel a bit insane.
The strangest part is how I grew accustomed to the insanity and it began to feel normal. The only reason I even know it was a bit insane was because I finally stopped marathon training. It took a few months, but I’ve started to feel a positive shift away from my marathon brain.
I live in a bubble and if you read this blog, you and I probably live in the same bubble. In our little corner of the world it’s normal to see how much, how far and how often we can run. There’s nothing innately wrong with that, it just isn’t right for me right now. However, the marathon has without a doubt been glorified above other races. How we got to this point, I’m not so sure.
This year, the insanity had to stop for me personally. And I’ve had a shift in thinking, how I eat and what I prioritize. Marathon training for so long fogged my views and drained my energy in ways I would have denied for the past three years. Maybe I’m just wired to obsess too much, but marathon training took up a lot of brain space. Without it I feel free, well-rested and have tons of energy to devote to other things.
What am I doing now that I’m not marathon training, worrying about marathon training and busy recovering from marathon training?
I’m actually running more frequently, because my legs aren’t so fatigued all the time.
I manage to fit in hot yoga, running and strength training all in the same week while putting in a good effort at each. I don’t have to hold back in my cross-training workouts in the ways I did during marathon training. I’m all in for each of these workouts, not just the running workouts.
Most importantly, I’m shifting my thinking. I’m less afraid of injury. I once again believe that a thirty-minute workout actually can be enough. My workouts don’t stress me out. I’m not hungry ALL. THE. TIME. And most importantly I look forward to my daily workout in ways I haven’t in years.
Last May, Lauren Fleshman wrote 10 Reasons the 5k is Freaking Awesome and makes several great points about racing shorter distances (if you haven’t read it, read it!). I’ve missed racing and I’ve missed racing often. Stay tuned for more updates on changes in my running and races. I hope to see you out on the streets and in the parks at several races this year!
I’ve really enjoyed taking my focus away from the marathon distance. I had such a wonderful time training and running my first marathon in 2013 (THANK YOU, Jess!), but focusing on shorter distances has been wonderful. I can’t imagine running as many marathons as you did last year!
Oh I’m laughing as I read this since I’m doing the exact opposite right now! I’m planning to run two marathons this year after having not run the distance in 8 years!! I’m nodding my head to “fear of injury” and hungry “all the time!” The difference is, I’m happy to be in this state of mind right now since it’s been so long. Enjoy your break and yes, both Lauren and the 5K are totally badass!!
This is a great read! It become so easy to obsess and always look for progression. It sounds like you needed a break. Glad to see you are taking one!
Thank you so much for writing this! This is exactly how I have been feeling since last fall. I agree with all of the points you made. The one I would add is that this week I have not run for 4 days – but I have gone on walks with the dog and skied with the kids. And I don’t have one ounce of guilt like I usually would. I am planning to meet friends tomorrow and know that it will be fine.
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