Lately, long runs have become something I dread. Partly because they are long and a bit boring and partly because I have so many other things I could be doing with that time right now. They feel a lot like a chore. So, I’m not going to do them any more.
OK, at least not for the remainder of December. I’m going to take a step back and not run anything over 7 miles and most of my runs will be closer to 4. I can do four miles between Beer Geek getting home and the time I need to start dinner. Shoo only has four more days of preschool before the holidays (ack!) and Jones’ last day is December 23rd. I haven’t done our annual calendar yet. All the Christmas cards are currently waiting for mailing labels and stamps. I’m mostly done shopping for the boys and the grandparents, but I have nothing yet for the small number of friends with which we exchange gifts nor do I have a darn thing for Beer Geek. He and I don’t really exchange gifts, but I need to find something from the kids at least. I also need to make the teacher gifts (sugared and spiced almonds and walnuts) and… and… and…
So, I’m dialing the running back a notch. Two 6ish milers and two 4ish milers this week and next will get me to 20 each week. Christmas week will be a challenge with one boy home all week and the other home most of the week and Beer Geek working, but worst case, I can manage five 4 mile runs. Then my dad will be here the week between Christmas and New Year’s and he’ll make sure I knock out the rest of the miles.
That takes care of December. Now if I could just figure out what distances, what states, and which races for 2010.
HBBC
12/7
Walking – 3
F/V – 1
Total – 4
12/8
Walking – 1.5
Running – 6.7
Toning (abs) – .5
F/V – 1
Total – 9.7
12/9
Running – 4.3
F/V – 1
Total – 5.3
Total for the week – 19
it's such a busy time of year, reward yourself for running and racing well all year. your body and mind will appreciate it, and you'll appreciate running again in Jan. if you decide you want to turn it up a notch again. don't beat yourself up about it — if it's something you're starting to dread, then it's time.
Sounds like a great plan to me! No point adding to the stress of the season. My husband and I don't exchange gifts either. He doesn't like getting gifts (so he says).Have a wonderful week and try to take it easy!
I see nothing wrong with your plan. It is time to enjoy the holidays….save the long runs for the new year.
You'll probably enjoy your long runs more after your break. Happy Holidays.
I hear you on the craziness of December. I have an on-going to-do list a mile long!Sounds like you have a good plan in place to get the miles done without overextendig yourself.
I hear you on needing to dial back the long runs. There just isn't enough time as much as I would like there to be! Enjoy the shorter distances 🙂
This is such a hectic month anyway, take your long-run hiatus and enjoy the season!
It's tough to fit it all in this time of year, and if you're not enjoying the running, you certainly have to revise your approach to it. Whenever I find myself stressed out over running, I have to remind myself that this is supposed to be fun. That usually puts it into perspective.
Enjoy the cut back in running – I get the feeling you won't be taking it easy without it!
Good for you cutting back. We all need a break. I'm so glad to see that my wife and I aren't the only ones who don't exchange gifts. One year our furnace died, so we had to buy each other a new furnace…not exactly the most romantic gift we've ever received, but it was practical!
I think that is a great idea. I think I would be doing the same if I hadn't already registered for a marathon in February. Enjoy the next couple of weeks.Btw… I have been really bad with my Google reader lately. I just wanted to apologize for not commenting on your blog for a while. I have been reading via my google homepage and keeping up with you on fb. I always THINK about commenting, but never get around to it. Sorry. I'll be better. 😉
Right along with you there. I'm soooo behind on Christmas!