It’s Saturday evening. I’m buying a pint of ice cream tonight, making mac’n’ cheese, and smoking some homegrown. This is a recovery week. And I’m taking it very seriously. Mental rest. Physical rest. “Oh damn, there isn’t time to run today, well, ok *shrug*” rest. “I’m giving my dog a bath so she can sleep in the bed” rest. It’s the chill week between a few hard blocks, and this week’s mileage “goal” is merely a suggestion.
It’s a mini-vacation for the body. No serious workouts. Permission to skip the gym, even skip runs. There’s more time at home, clearing a few projects off my plate at work, making mental space.
Sure, there are studies. But does anyone actually need to read a study on why taking a break is good? Push yourself hard—physical training, studying, solving a work problem, on a creative project, even gardening—your body and brain get tired. You take a break. Come back better. A day of rest is so basic, it’s part of many world religions. Weeks of rest are so important, civilized societies have mandated paid vacation.
The plan for MMTR has ‘em built in every 3-4 weeks. Excepting this week, they always follow a heavy week built around a major training milestone.And it has to happen. I’m 47. Without rest now and then, something will break, or I’ll get burned out. Sure, I take a rest day every week, but even then, after a few weeks, something’s gotta give. I will start to hate putting in the work. A vital muscle or tendon will decide it’s had enough.
Aside from training less, there isn’t too much different about this week. I’m not eating any differently, doing or not doing anything, simply more focused on not pushing. During heavier weeks, I still partake some nights. I definitely eat ice cream. Mac’n’cheese is a go to quick dinner. But tonight? Tonight’s different. I’m not worn out from a long run or calorie starved from a weight session. Tonight’s just a lazy night at home, living the dream, watching a stupid movie.
Weekly Summary
Goal: 33 miles, and who cares how much climbing
Actual: 30.8 miles, 5300’
So-so week. Busy at work and life. A few smoky days from the Canadian wildfires. Thursday, driving into Sperryville, with mountains just a few miles away, the haze hid even the nearest ones. Body decided to be a little stiff and achy, which tends to happen when I back off. A lazy week was definitely needed, though.
Weekly Log
Mo: 3.5
Very easy miles at the beginning of a rest week. A few aches, but they mostly went away after doing some drills, squat jumps, and jump rope.
Tu: Zip
Busy morning, followed by digging a couple post holes for a horse gate. Finished the day just not caring to run. And you know what? It’s a recovery week, so that’s ok! Everything felt energetic this morning. Hoping to get out tomorrow.
We: 5.3
Sweet little Touch the Post Temp. Didn’t realize it was as smoky as it was. Had a hard time getting HR up when going downhill.
Th: Zilch
Smokey as all get out. I couldn’t see the mountains till after 3PM. Wore a mask early in day, when the sky was brown. Busy day at work. Early dinner with Wife.
Fr: 5.1
Easy miles up to where the pavement ends in Swindler Hollow. A few niggles, hoping they’re just from a lazy week. Starting to feel a little restless for more.
Sa: 9.25
Nice miles with Adam going up Pass Mt and some AT. Really forgot how much nice and fun that trail is. There aren’t many smooth, dirt trails around here that climb that much. It’s going in the rotation. Also, doing something right. I’m two years older than last effort, yet had fastest/2nd fastest times on sections while my heart was 10-20 beats slower. Like, WTF? I’m faster and stronger at 47 than at 45??? Fuck. Yeah.
Su: 7.6
The old reliable Old Hollow route. Bit warm and humid. Legs felt good, the stiffness is working itself out. Not the best time at the same effort, but close. Probably headed to the gym this evening.