Jill Will Run

After this most recent race, I need a break… both physically and mentally.  I’ve been stressed to the max lately, and while running should be an escape from that stress, in some ways it has added to the stress.  The pressure I’ve placed on myself to try to run certain amounts per week/month/year all being dictated on self-invented notions of what I assume is expected of me is getting a little too heavy to bear.  And on the race course this weekend, my body sent me a message.  If it spoke actual words, I’m pretty sure this is what it would have said:

“I’m a tired worn out body.  I need some rest.  I promise I’ll be strong for you again, but I need you to take care of me for a little bit.”

So for the next couple months my plan is this:

• Not run this week.
• Run when I need to for coaching purposes through the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half.
• Run on that course with my team and collect my medal.
• Run purely by feel in December after the race. (No Garmin!)
• Add a regularly scheduled yoga practice back into my life.
• Re-evaluate in January.

I won’t lie… it’s already been hard!  There have been a couple moments where I was tempted to set my alarm early to head out for a run.  I even went to the Tuesday night run at Fleet Feet (in street clothes) to see my team off and felt a smidge of guilt from that.

But on the other hand… I’ve had time to read and sleep a little more and cook tofu/vegetable dishes for myself that my husband would never eat.  It’s been kind of nice!