REST
January is fast approaching and by now many of us have already fallen into 'maintenance mode' with our fitness, where the volume and intensity drops by a GAZILLION. Or some of us fall into another popular 'mode' this time of year, know as 'nanimo bar mode'... which pretty much speaks for itself!
Depending on your winter and/or spring goals, there is nothing wrong with dialing things down from your previous race season. In fact, you might be surprise at just how well your body performs on extra rest this month!
We recently got home from a 3 week holiday in Thailand where we backpacked with our 8yr old son. Truly, this was a holiday! With the exception of a 2 day trek and a few beach runs (let's face it... more than 20min on the beach and we're done there anyhow), we really took it quite easy. I confess, I wasn't able to fully let it go... I packed some tubing for my husband and I to do some strength workouts on the beach, but we only did enough to make up for the extra curry and Chiang Beer we ate and drank!
I will admit, I was a little worried after so much rest, a long flight and 4 days of jet-leg, just how I would feel getting back with the group run for 1.5hrs the first Thursday. I am no different than most people... sometimes even when we know better we go through moments where we fill our minds with doubt, panic and worry. To my pleasant surprise, I felt GREAT on the run! In fact, I would go so far as to say it was my best run of 2009. I was light on the hills, cresting each climb feeling strong and steady. Well, after about 1700 feet, it might not have been REALLY strong and steady - but you get the point...
MUSCLES GROW AT REST! Now I am not saying to take off 3 weeks, drink beer and eat curry to 'feel your best', but I do want to drive home the point that we often get so caught up with what will happen to us if we miss a workout or two here and there and often that can be the very cure to what is ailing us. When really, the body repairs and strengthens itself in the time between workouts, and continuous training can actually weaken the strongest athletes. While too much rest and the body can atrophy and loose fitness. It's really all a fine balance.
So while I won't go into the depths of rest, recovery and regeneration today... I will encourage you to listen to your body... take some time this holiday season to chill and rest your muscles. There is still time to have your best run of year too!
Rene Unser ~ Director and Owner of P.A.C.E. Sports Fitness
