Welcome to the Tuesday Topics linkup, which I host with Jenn from Runs With Pugs. Today’s topic- How do you reset your routine after the holidays?
Well, the best way I know how to do this- or not get off your routine in the first place- is to schedule a big, scary race a couple months after the holidays are over. That way, you can’t afford to slack off! Here’s what’s going on in my world…
I have a big race on my birthday, March 21st. I’ll be turning 60, and plan to celebrate by running 60 miles. I had a few bumps in the road in December, but kept up my long runs for the most part. I felt fairly confident I was on track until, just over a week ago, my calf started to hurt.
At this point, I can’t afford an injury, and I also can’t afford prolonged time off. My strategy is to keep moving as much as possible in ways that don’t strain that calf. Movement=bloodflow=healing. I call this the “Scott Jurek approach”. His book, North, is the story of his FKT (fastest known time) attempt on the Appalachian Trail. Early on in the attempt he strained his quad and couldn’t run at all. He kept moving forward, walking as fast as he could for several days, until he could eventually run again. And he did get that FKT, beating the old record by a matter of mere hours.
Then there’s Sally McRae, an incredible ultra runner who just came back from a major knee injury. In this video, she shares a run/walk training session in her buildup to a 100 mile race coming up very soon. Logically, too soon in her comeback- but she needs a qualifying 100 mile race to get into her goal race later in the year, Badwater 135. She explains that she is going to get out there and do her best, taking it slow and steady and see what she can do.
The point is, a buildup to a race doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s looking like mine won’t be… but I’m still planning on that race. Now, what was the topic again??? Oh yes- resetting routines after the holidays. I really had no choice but to hit the ground running- or, elliptical-ing- in January.
Do you have trouble getting back to a routine in January?
Join us next week —> What helps you stay motivated through the winter’s blah months?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
Top photo by Chetan Kumar on Unsplash
24 Responses
I am following Sally after a long break and she’s so inspiring! You are doing great Jenny with the cardio sessions while you heal.
I’ll start linking up with topic posts now that I’m back home. this is timely to get back to routine.
Oh good! Yes, link up with us! And I’m loving all the new Sally content.
How exciting to have a 60-mile race scheduled on/near your 60th birthday! I hope your (and Scott Jurek’s) strategy of “movement=blood flow=healing” works for you and you can get back to regular training soon! You used to do pool running, is that an option for you this time of year? In the meantime, happy elliptical-ing!
Thanks Debbie! Well- our own pool is too cold in the winter because it’s not heated. The pool at my gym is too shallow for pool running! Otherwise it would have been a good option.
I agree that having a race or three in your schedule keeps you going.
I have two 10k in Feb and two half marathons in March.
I know I have to run no matter what the temps.
You are smart to move forward but let your calf heal.
See you in Fla.
Yes I will see you next month! And- I’m sure you have no problem keeping moving all throughout the holidays. I mean- what would we do if we didn’t run???
I’m sure keeping up with cross training will help you get to the start and finish line of your 60 mile race!
For the past 2 years, I’ve had a race in mid-January that helps me stay focused on training during the holidays. It helps that I have two weeks off from work during this period so I can get in my peak week mileage easily while also having a lot of recovery time!
Ashley- is your race this weekend??? I can’t remember! GOOD LUCK and keep me posted- I want to hear all about it.
I agree, the best way to stay in a routine is not to get out of it. The thing is, this stuff makes us feel good so I doubt that many of us are getting too far outside our normal routines during the holidays.
Yes to 60 for 60! Also yes to an assist from non-running cardio. The thing is, when you’re dealing with those distances, no training recap is ever going to be “I followed the plan and everything went perfectly”.
Yes- I don’t think I’ve ever had training go “perfectly.” There’s always something!
I hope that your calf issue doesn’t hold you back for too long. It’s frustrating to deal with these issues year after year. It seems like it’s always something! Your body might be trying to tell you something about long distance training, though… 🙁 I know you love long distance training so I hope that is not the case.
I am always happy to get back into a routine after a prolonged period of being “off” routine. That is even the case after a short trip. I crave routine and schedules. I’m more so limited by what I can fit in between work and parenting, though. If it was up to me, I’d be at OTF like 5 days/week! But things would really suffer in my marriage/family life if I was aways that much (since even a 5am class doesn’t work for our schedule most days) so I have to strike the right balance between the 2. But I remind myself that it won’t always be like this, especially with my early retirement plans!
It will not always be like this! Your kids will get older, you’ll eventually retire and then you’ll be at that OTF five days a week.
I think my body MIGHT be happier if I didn’t run such long distances but… I’m not listening. Suck it up body, we’re doing this!
No, Jenny, I do not have trouble getting back into a routine. I, for my part, love a routine. I hate the disruption that the holiday brings. Everything is out of whack and by the time January 1 comes around, I’m ready to be back in whack.
I think a lot of people feel like that! I would say the one thing the holidays really threw off was my sleep schedule, and that was put to right immediately when school started. I mean I have to get my daughter to school so I had no choice but to get back on schedule.
this sounds like a fun goal for you birthday! Look forward to following along. I think I am done with big goals like this and I’m focusing on honing in on my existing habits and seeing where I can make small changes
You might be done with “crazy” goals but I’m sure you still have some big ones. Your existing habits are so good, if you just keep with those you’ll achieve some big things.
I find getting back into the swing of things in Jan is fairly easy for me, and I credit that with having college kids home for a solid week after I start babysitting. Extra hands help and allow me to still run errands etc before I go cold turkey me and the littles.
I hope you manage to train without further issues.
Thank you Ernie! Yes, I guess having other “adults” at home would be very helpful in your case! At least, to help you ease back into things.
Oh very cool! You’re going to crush those 60 miles, and I love that you are just pressing onward!
Thank you Jenn! Yes, there’s no choice at this point but to press on.
I am not a runner, but I do love me a good routine. I take certain pleasure in putting the holiday stuff away, vacuuming, dusting and setting everything into original place. I also enjoy giving stuff away, a dress that I way too short for my age, kids shoes that are too small. A ratty swim suit.
I use the after-the-holiday energy to clean and clear.
I need to do more cleaning and clearing… luckily just getting the Christmas stuff put away involves a lot of those two things.
I don’t have trouble getting back into a routine after the holidays because I usually don’t get out of my routine. I just keep doing what I’ve been doing all year 🙂 Definitely make it easier (and as much as I commend people who have new year’s resolutions to start a workout routine, I always chuckle at the crowded gyms that usually last a few weeks at best 😉
I feel like you also stick to your routine year round (if not sidelined by a stupid injury), so I am you’ll be well prepared for your big race.
Wow, a 60 mile run is a perfect way for you to celebrate your birthday!
I also stick to my routines. It’s too hard to get back in the swing of things otherwise.