"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Taking a Step Back

Sometimes we need to put our eagerness and stubbornness aside and be wise. Runners are not very good at this.


This past weekend I had to do it and I am now very glad I did. I was entered for a 20km trail race on Sunday, but when I had a really awful run on Friday I knew I had to be wise and skip this race. The stomach bug I had last week was really bad and took a lot out of my body. I was in no shape to do this race.

So I did the wise thing and took one step back. I went back to my training and racing plans for the next few months and scaled things down a notch or two. I was a wise runner for a change! :D


If you look at the side bar on the right of my blog you will see my next race is a 10km on 23 November. My last road 10km was in July 2010! Yes, I’ve really taken a step back!

My next big goal is on 29 March 2014. That is 5 months from today. I started my formal training for the Wild Dog Extreme 50km this morning. There is more than enough time to take the step back and build up properly for this monster.


My body is already thanking me for a few days extra rest and scaling down my training and racing for November and December. All is good again in this runner’s paradise!

Happy training everyone!

18 comments:

Jim ... 50after40 said...

I know exactly what you mean. Earlier in the year there were several races that I wanted to do, but knew that I needed to give my body a rest. And you're exactly right - runners aren't very good at that. But it ended up being the wisest thing I've done in a while. My overall mileage is way down this year, but I feel much better in November than I have in quite a while!

Unknown said...

Way to listen to your body.

We did something similar by cutting back our bike ride last weekend by 20 miles. It was the right call for me.

Amy said...

I totally agree! Hope you're feeling better soon!

Michael said...

Great job. I definitely have a problem with this. Smart move on your part to skip the race and scale back.

That might be the coolest race slogan/mascot ever though. I want to come and run the Wild Dog!!! Totally.

And thanks for your nice comments about my sweet Jack. I love that silly dog.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're feeling better! Resting is just as important as running. I'm more of a trainer than a racer, so I've pulled out of many races when I didn't feel up to it. Same with training, if I don't feel like it, I don't do it! After all, this is a hobby, so it should be enjoyable!:)

coach dion said...

I have also found myself missing out on a couple of races this year, just feel I've done to much and with Winelands in about 3 weeks everything else is for fun...

Robin said...

You are so right, at so many levels. I love that quote/saying. Good luck with the 10K (I personally find that my hardest distance) and happy training for the 50K!

KovasP said...

Definitely the right thing to do Johann!

Karien P. said...

Very wise decision. I've never heard about the Wild Dog race - looking forward to reading about your experience next year!

misszippy said...

Smart move, Johann! Sometimes rest is just what our bodies need. With all your recent illness, it's probably a sign that's what you needed indeed. Here's to a stronger, healthier 2014!

Raina said...

Good choice Johann! It's hard to step back, but your body will thank you.
I am excited for your 10k! Do you think this will be a PR- or just for fun?

Kate Geisen said...

I haven't been sick like you have, but I've definitely been worn down, necessitating some scaling back of plans. Frustrating, but when exhaustion outweighs fear of missing out you know rest is needed.

Good luck with your Wild Dog training!

Char said...

You are one of the wisest runners around. So many people ignore those warning signs - the repeat illnesses and injuries - and just push towards their goals. But not you! You've reassessed the situation and made the necessary changes.

Good luck with that 10k. What a novelty!

ajh said...

Good job. You are right that runners are not good at this. Enjoy your 10K in November and relax and get well.

Lauren said...

You are very wise Johann. I wish I were as wise. :)

Mark said...

That's smart running!!

Black Knight said...

You made the right thing. It is difficult for a runner to be as wise as you.

Jill said...

Uck, running in the heat paralyses me, it takes me forever to acclimate and I never fully do. You made the right choice given you were recently sick. Best I can tell, there's a slew of other races just waiting for you (hopefully one in CO sometime :)). Rest up, Johann, and recover fast!