I'm currently in the process of re-evaluating my goals for the upcoming ultra season. I'm not sure if it is because I have been so deep into my studies the past month. In fact, it could very well be that, in addition to the fact that the virus that I had for the last three weeks is still lingering in my system without manifesting into much of anything. It has been a nuisance because I could be fine for a couple days, and then be knocked down a few pegs for a day or so.
After the last ultra season, I have vowed not to play too hard this year. Now, I can see why I don't want to go all out this time around. I have been going hard for the last three ultra seasons, running an ultra almost every two weeks. Last year was by far the hardest. It has threatened to break my mental resolve a few times. Mind you, I still had fun at it though...
I have come to realise - especially with my increased mental and physical awareness brought on by yoga - that this may be the year to play easy. Sometimes, less is more. I now realise that I have written the story about my need to prove something to the world. I have nothing to prove. I am now in the process of rewriting that story...
I will still tackle a couple 100 milers by the end of the year, and run some of the races in the Ultra Series. The only thing that will be different is that I will not be seeking any rewards. I will go into these races with the goal of finishing them with enough energy to spare. I will spend more time volunteering at some of these events - in addition my other volunteer duties outside of running - and will also be more than willing to lend a hand as a crew and pacer where possible. I am doing this so that I can find more balance for myself. I have realised how much I miss out on when I have to recover from something else. I miss rowing with a crew on the water for the sheer fun of it (I even want to compete at the masters level one day). I miss cycling for hours on end in the country side without having to worry what effect it will have on the next activity...
Physically, I am not complaining at all. I continue to marvel at how much stronger I have become. I am attributing this to cross-training and dietary changes. They definitely make a difference. Time permitting (as well as health at that moment), I continue to get out for shorter runs, swims, lots of yoga, and I even got outside on my bicycle for an hour during last week's warm spell.
My races are still listed at the side but a number of them have been marked as tentative until I determine if my summer schedule will permit some of these events. Heck, I may even add a couple new events to the schedule (hmm... a triathlon or duathlon sounds like a good idea this year...)
I am looking forward to what this season will bring, mainly because I will be moving forward with a more intuitive stance this time around. As the days get longer, and the temperatures warm up, I am now gearing up to get outside a lot more now.
After the last ultra season, I have vowed not to play too hard this year. Now, I can see why I don't want to go all out this time around. I have been going hard for the last three ultra seasons, running an ultra almost every two weeks. Last year was by far the hardest. It has threatened to break my mental resolve a few times. Mind you, I still had fun at it though...
I have come to realise - especially with my increased mental and physical awareness brought on by yoga - that this may be the year to play easy. Sometimes, less is more. I now realise that I have written the story about my need to prove something to the world. I have nothing to prove. I am now in the process of rewriting that story...
I will still tackle a couple 100 milers by the end of the year, and run some of the races in the Ultra Series. The only thing that will be different is that I will not be seeking any rewards. I will go into these races with the goal of finishing them with enough energy to spare. I will spend more time volunteering at some of these events - in addition my other volunteer duties outside of running - and will also be more than willing to lend a hand as a crew and pacer where possible. I am doing this so that I can find more balance for myself. I have realised how much I miss out on when I have to recover from something else. I miss rowing with a crew on the water for the sheer fun of it (I even want to compete at the masters level one day). I miss cycling for hours on end in the country side without having to worry what effect it will have on the next activity...
Physically, I am not complaining at all. I continue to marvel at how much stronger I have become. I am attributing this to cross-training and dietary changes. They definitely make a difference. Time permitting (as well as health at that moment), I continue to get out for shorter runs, swims, lots of yoga, and I even got outside on my bicycle for an hour during last week's warm spell.
My races are still listed at the side but a number of them have been marked as tentative until I determine if my summer schedule will permit some of these events. Heck, I may even add a couple new events to the schedule (hmm... a triathlon or duathlon sounds like a good idea this year...)
I am looking forward to what this season will bring, mainly because I will be moving forward with a more intuitive stance this time around. As the days get longer, and the temperatures warm up, I am now gearing up to get outside a lot more now.
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