Cut Back & Cut Loose

This week is a cut-back week in terms of my training and it could not have come at a better time.  Lately, my runs have been a struggle; I spend them staring at my watch to see how much longer I have to go.  Usually running allows me to work through my thoughts and unwind, but lately I think about my couch and how good it will feel when I sit my butt on it. Instead of deep thoughts I envision the bowl of popcorn I will enjoy afterward and the book that I can’t wait to get sucked into.

When I start to feel this way I know it’s time for some recovery.  Last night I had my first great run in a few weeks. I had no idea how far I would go, or how fast. I just went with it.  I ran from home through the picturesque Balboa Park exploring little areas I usually zip on by during a speed workout.  I felt gratitude for the sun beaming down on me and the perfectly clear blue sky.  The smell of flowers enveloped me as I whisked through the park, relaxed and free.

Balboa Park

I ventured out of the park and down 5th Avenue.  Although I walk down this street daily it looked different as I ran.  The palm trees lining the street soared high above me in a way I never noticed.  I smiled at people walking down the street and to my surprise they all smiled right back.  For a moment I imagined I was in a music video, dramatically running in slow motion.

I thought about my family that I miss and pictured each one of their faces.  I could have been moving at 8 minute pace or 10 minute pace; I had no idea and I didn’t care either way.  I was treasuring each stride.

I became overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for so many things – big and small.  I was feeling thankful for my healthy body, my accepting family, reuniting with my best friend, the almost seamless transition of our life from Chicago to San Diego, my job with a fantastic organization and the list of gratitude goes on, but I will stop because it includes everything from frozen yogurt to puppies.

I needed this run.  I was able to reflect upon all of the things I have been forgetting lately.  Some runners have a habit of clinging tightly to their training program and becoming excessively structured.  Structure is great but overload can lead to burn out and even injury.  I am guilty of this myself from time to time, although I make an effort to stop and smell the roses whenever I can.  I have learned not to treat every run like a work-out.  There is a reason training programs have cut-back weeks and recovery runs.  Use them!


Has it been awhile since you’ve had a run filled with joy?  Do you push yourself hard every single time?  Do you use a watch to monitor your pace on every run? 

If you answered yes, it might be time to give yourself a break.  Ditch the watch and treat yourself to a fun run.  Run like a kid again!  Pay attention to the world around you; the smells, the sights, the sounds.  Forget about that upcoming race and enjoy the present.  It is a great reminder of why we love to run in the first place.  Along the way you might find there is a lot you’ve been missing. 

Happy Running!