Happy Sunday! Before I get started, congratulations to everyone that completed the Marine Corps Marathon today!!
I have been in recovery mode the last two weeks after the marathon. Granted my legs felt back to normal 4 days after the race, but I really just wanted an extended break from all workouts. Mentally it’s been great as I’ve had more free time to focus on other things that make me happy. Physically it’s been good because I finally feel pain free. No weird aches or pains, or overall soreness. I haven’t felt this good for months and it’s much appreciated 🙂
That being said, I don’t have too much to report for the Weekly Wrap this week, but I can share my two runs and what’s next for me in terms of workouts.
Last Saturday I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn 5 Miler race. I dropped down from the half marathon and that was a wise decision. The run actually felt pretty good – no heavy legs, etc. The hills in Prospect Park were tough, but manageable.
Yesterday I wanted to get in 6 miles, but gravity had other plans. I had a pretty hard fall about 4.5 miles into my run. I tripped and tried to catch myself, but ultimately I hit the pavement. My “good” knee took most of the hit, but thankfully I didn’t hit my head. I got up pretty quickly and then couldn’t help but laugh. However, I was able to jog half a mile back to my car. October doesn’t seem to be a good month for me when it comes to running, LOL.
I tried out this Vega protein drink after the run. I’m going to focus on getting more protein in my body after workouts and this is great! The taste was a little weird at first but I ended up liking it by the time I finished it. I would recommend it!
Other than those two runs, I really haven’t done much. I think I did my Yoga DVD once or twice, but I haven’t gone to the gym for any classes. Starting tomorrow I’m going back to the gym and will start taking classes again. I’ll also add in runs as well. On the weekends I will still continue to do long runs, ranging from 6-10 miles. Even though I’m not training, I still want to stay “half-marathon ready” and don’t want to lose too much of my fitness.
Can I just say how GOOD it feels to NOT be training for a race? I’ve literally been in training for something since February and I’m looking forward to running just for fun. Now that I’m in my “off-season” I’m going to focus on strength training and getting in more spinning classes and maybe a few boxing/kickboxing classes to help with my endurance.
What do you focus on when you’re not training for a race? Cardio or Strength?
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap.
This Week’s Posts
Chicago Marathon Race Recap
Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn 5 Miler Race Recap
5 Favorite Fall Foods
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I’m so glad you didn’t get hurt when you fell! Whenever I trip, I try to turn my head to the side so I don’t hit my face. I’ve spent more money at the dentist than I care to admit!
Glad to hear you are feeling better!
kookyrunner says
I felt like the fall was in slow motion. I think I was just shocked that it was actually happening, lol. Luckily I stuck my right hand out so I was able to catch myself after I landed on my knee!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I bet its a good feeling to have a break from training! Sorry about your fall- Im glad you didn’t get hurt!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Lisa! It just feels good to not have to follow a schedule for a while!
Kimberly Hatting says
I go back and forth with the training vs. not training. Both have merit, but I think I do prefer the no-pressure of not following a specific plan. It’s nice to be able to run just for the sake of running and not have specific workouts to follow. I’m going to try to incorporate more strength work this coming winter…but will still be running 3X each week regardless.
kookyrunner says
That sounds similar to what I am hoping to do as well. I definitely want to still run 3-4x a week.
Lesley says
I do light cardio in my off season, but I really focus on strength. I think that helps me keep building so when I am in training and doing both cardio and strength, I’m building off that strength training and getting better. It does feel good to have a break, and sit on the couch if you want to.
kookyrunner says
Thanks for the recommendation Lesley – that makes total sense to me!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Sorry about your fall and I’m glad you weren’t hurt. I’ve been struggling with training and think it’s my body screaming at me to take some much needed time off to heal and focus on getting stronger!
kookyrunner says
I think our bodies are always talking to us, but sometimes we don’t listen because we know we have to hit X number of miles, etc.
Sara says
I am glad that this rest period has treated you well! I have found in the past that when I was consistently taking workout classes on top of running I was in the best shape ever. Sounds like you have a great plan for your base building phase. Glad you didn’t get hurt on that fall!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Sara! I’m hoping that I can get stronger in the off season so that my next training cycle goes really well.
Coco says
Oof on that fall! Glad you are OK. I try to keep an 8 mile long run base and focus on strength to prevent injuries. Hope your week back at the gym goes well.
kookyrunner says
Seems like focusing on strength is the way to go in the “off-season”!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I haven’t fallen much running but it always is annoying/embarrassing (when all you’ve hurt is your pride).
Glad nothing was hurt.
It’s definitely nice to just run for fun. I have some maybe-races on my calendar the next couple of months but nothing I’m really training for & I’m never half ready unless I’m training for one!
kookyrunner says
I think this was my second time falling and I’ve been running for a few years so I consider myself lucky! My ego was definitely bruised, lol
HoHo Runs says
I’m glad you were not hurt seriously by that fall. Isn’t it amazing how many thoughts go through our heads during those slo-mo events? LOL. I can’t blame you for taking some training time off. It’s ridiculous to think we can train continuously without getting burned out. Just have fun! Thanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
I had so many thoughts during my fall, which is amazing because it only lasted 2 seconds haha
Fairytales and fitness says
Ouch! You are lucky you weren’t seriously hurt during your fall.
I feel so lost when I am not training for something but to be honest if I am not training I don’t work on cardio or strength ( which I should), I work on housework and all the other stuff I usually neglect in order to go for a run….haha
kookyrunner says
I think I might feel a little lost in December since that will mark around 2 months of not training for anything, lol
Marcia says
You’ve more than earned that runbattical Kim! Sorry about the fall but thank heavens you’re ok. When I take a break from running, I always focus on strength.
kookyrunner says
Ohh I like that new word, runbattical! 🙂 Seems like focusing on strength training is the way to go. I’ll probably make a few adjustments to my workouts moving forward.
Deborah Brooks says
I am really glad that you are taking the time to recover mentally and physically from the marathon. It was a tough training cycle for you and your body needs it. Oops on the fall-glad you are ok!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Deborah. At first I felt a little guilty for taking so much time off, but I know that I absolutely needed it!
Clarinda says
Sounds like 2 weeks recovery was just what you needed! Sorry about your fall. Hopefully, there aren’t any lasting effects. I’m still getting over my fall on the 1st. 🙁 Enjoy your non-training running!!
kookyrunner says
It was definitely greatly needed! I don’t think I’ve ever taken off 2 weeks, except for when I was injured.
Debbie says
Lol on the re-enactment of your fall. From one klutz to another, I’m just glad you’re okay and that you could run home. I’d still not all back from my fall over a week ago. And I almost fell again a couple days ago. Seriously, we need to learn to pick up our feet!
kookyrunner says
Totally need to pick up our feet! The sad thing is that I was paying attention – I was look straight ahead but guess I should have looked at the ground lol.
Shathiso says
Gosh, what a fall! Glad you are okay! I think after all the training you have been doing since the beginning of the year, this is a well-deserved break!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! I definitely enjoyed my time off! 🙂
Chaitali says
The mental and physical break sound like it’s exactly what you needed! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it 🙂 But boo on the fall, I hope it’s not too bad.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Chaitali. The break was just what I needed!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
I saw your “fall” picture on IG and am glad it wasn’t worse! I too would have laughed it off. I haven’t seen those ready-made Vega drinks but love the idea…gonna have to keep an eye out for them now!
kookyrunner says
All I could do was laugh at myself, haha. The Vega drinks are pretty good and they kept me full for a while after my run!
Abby @BackatSquareZero says
I am so glad your fall was not worse. I did that hard on the pavement once, and because I am so graceful, caught myself with my hands and face.
I was not hurt, but both hands, my cheek, and chin were very scraped up and bloody.
It is pretty embarrassing and shakes you up a bit too.
kookyrunner says
For sure, my pride was more bruised than my knee. I’m just happy it wasn’t during rush hour during the week, lol
vicki says
I’m glad you are ok from the fall… I fall so often the hubs thought I needed a helmet for my runs 🙂 I took a 2 week break from training after chicago, but am back on it starting this week for Houston.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Vicki! I’m glad you were able to take some time off after Chicago as well!
Andrea Signor says
Training for fun can be so liberating. Glad you had a good week!
kookyrunner says
It’s so much fun! I like not having the pressure of training.
Isabel says
That break sounds good! I took a few weeks out in August and it was really good for my body just to rebalance itself, especially because I’m now training for a marathon in December and then another one in March. I’m sorry about your fall though, hope it’s all okay!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Isabel – The break was great and much needed! My body loved me for it as well!
The Accidental Marathoner says
So sorry about your fall and so glad you are okay, but that re-enactment photo just cracks me up! I am hoping to focus on strength training over the winter and then pick up the running again in the spring.
kookyrunner says
Glad you enjoyed the re-enactment photo, lol. We have to be able to make fun of ourselves 🙂
Jenn says
Ugh to that fall. I have been there and it stinks! Glad you’re mostly ok.
I feel like I always have a race on my radar, but I think my focus leans more to cardio, although I should probably leans towards strength.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jenn! My knee is still a little sore, but my ego was bruised more, lol
Nicole says
I love strength training so that’s always my focus when not training for a race…though honestly I am always training! But I do try to focus on strength training more when my A race is far out.
kookyrunner says
Thanks for the tips Nicole!
Sharon says
Sorry to hear about your fall and glad you were ok! Enjoy running for fun! I am looking forward to that after CIM. I like to focus on strength but I still keep up cardio when I’m not training for a race.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Sharon. My knee is still a little sore, so I’m trying to let it get better before I run again.
jill conyers says
I focus more on strength when I’m not training for anything specific.
kookyrunner says
That’s what I’m going to focus on since I’ll have more time because my runs will be shorter!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
First of all, I’m so sorry to hear about your fall. But I agree with you, it feels good to not be “in training” for a race right now. This break could not have come at a better time since work is just nuts right now.
kookyrunner says
I can totally relate. Work for me has been crazy for the past few weeks so I don’t even know how much training I could actually get in now anyway!
Tricia@MissSippiPiddlin.com says
Oh no Kim even the reenactment looks like it hurt! I agree I need to work on getting more protein in right after a workout. I’ve read you need it within 30 minutes of finishing. Enjoy this recovery period, I agree you’ve had a long training cycle and sometimes we need a break before we hit the next set of goals! Summer is my break and the past 2 years I’ve focused on strength.
kookyrunner says
All I could do was laugh at myself after the fall, LOL. My knee is still a little sore but feels much better.
I’m looking forward to focusing on strength for the next few months!
Sonia says
In my neck of the woods, we call ourselves the pavement princesses because that’s how much we fall. I hope your knee is ok! I have no idea how you ran the 5 miler so soon after Chicago, but way to go!! I think it’s so nice to have nothing on the training plan! You deserve the rest!! When I’m not training…I think about the next thing I can train for. ?
kookyrunner says
LOL, I love that term and I think I will start using it. Anything with the word princess is always a good thing, haha.
Like you, I use my offseason to think about future races! Right now I’m thinking about doing a Spring marathon.
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Glad you are ok! I am notorious for the face plant because of a stubborn right hip flexor 🙂
kookyrunner says
Thanks Angela! i’m thankful that it wasn’t worse!
Toni says
Glad you are okay after your fall. I tend to drag my feet at times and have taken a spill or two myself. Love that Brooklyn medal.
kookyrunner says
I think I was definitely dragging my feet, that mixed in with uneven pavement was a recipe for disaster!
Ana says
Oh yes!! A rest season sounds amazing! I think I burned myself out this last 2 months.
The 5 miler medal is so cute!
Ouch on your fall! I hope your knee is feeling better.
kookyrunner says
I love the 5 miler medal as well!