November 1 marked the date on which I would return to exercise, and I was sad to realize how quickly I appear to lose strength. I know that endurance endures with little maintenance (for me anyhow) but my first Crossfit workout back was depressing. I wanted to cry. Not only do I have some weird mobility issues going on in my shoulder that prohibits me from lifting over my head, but I can only squat about half the weight I was able to squat a month ago. It's pretty depressing but I have my work cut out for me.
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| Time to trade in the beer for vegetables |
At the same time, I need to figure out how I'm going to train for Susitna. It gets pretty dreary here in these winter months, and I now remember why I committed to no early season races last year -- I hate running here in the winter. I figure I can get by though on the following "training" "plan" -- I am interested in your thoughts on this approach:
M = 2 hour roller derby (p.m.)
T = a.m. 5 mile run, p.m. Crossfit
W = a.m. or lunch Crossfit, p.m. 2 hour roller derby
R = a.m. 5 mile run, p.m. Crossift
F = rest
S = something long (7-12 hours) (Ski touring, snow-shoeing or running)
S = something sort longish (skiing (even a day of downhill), ski touring, snow-shoeing or running)
Between now and Susitna I will aim to do 2-3 12 hour runs with my sled on snow... those will probably be in January/February.
I hope this will suffice because I simply cannot bear the thought of running long every weekend in the dreary sadness that is road-running during the winter. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I ran a little under 12 road miles today and although I was in good company, I wasn't really digging it. So, hopefully this will end up being a sufficient plan. I know my Swiss-German friend will be underwhelmed, but this is the best I can reasonably do.
12 comments:
Gosh, do I know how depressing it is when one loses fitness level. It looks though like you have a very good training plan.
I say it looks like a good plan to entertain:) Don't fret, just go for it!
Congratulations on your down time -- and hooray for jumping back into the fray! I took off most of the month of September, and I totally enjoyed it. Re-entry into training is tough, no doubt about it.
I'm a month into my training now, post-Prague, and am finally feeling "normal" during my workouts. Have fun getting reacquainted with your muscle groups! XO, Mel
I'm just catching up on your blog and I'm SO sorry to hear about the death in your family. I hope everything is going to be alright. :(
You and I are both "soft!" Although, it's a Sunday morning and I bet you're out on the trails already, and I'm not quite yet. ;)
I wish you good Susitna training. Your training looks like good fun, by the way!
Hugs to you!
Yeah Ewa I should't complain. You've had it pretty tough.
Thanks Olga. You have the right 'tude.
Mel I'm glad to hear it comes back at some point! It's tough to come back!
Thanks Meghan. And I'm still in my PJs... but I do plan to hit the trails today at some point.
We're dreading the "payback" for this run of fall weather we have had and NOT looking forward to the long cold days. Hope the training plan works - looks like a reasonable mix and will keep you from burning out on the running!
Your plan looks good to me. Variety and cross-training seems to suit you.
In my experience, being undertrained is better than being overtrained or injured. So you may be a softie for a little while, but I know you'll come back better than ever. Susitna will keep you motivated!
Cynthia
Hi, Danni. I for one am actually proud of you for taking a whole month off. Surely a girl needs a serious break every now and then. You will regain your fitness before you know it, I'm sure, though yeah, that is going to suck. Your plan gets my vote of approval, but of course, I know nothing.
Danni, I really did sprain my ankle on Tuesday. I'm not just sandbagging. And now I'm terrified because it's mid-November and I still haven't run more than 10 miles at a time. Ankle isn't terrible and hopefully I will be back at it pretty soon, but I definitely have fear and trembling reverberating through my weak little feet.
When Geoff was training for the 2007 Susitna 100, he put in one of his longer training days by running with his sled around a 3K groomed cross-country ski loop 25 times! I'm not joking (flat trail options were limited in Juneau, but still). And hell, even with his natural talent and that kind of discipline, he barely got through that race. I was there to witness his meltdown. As much as I like to think I can do whatever I want, unless I can really start logging some serious mileage soon, I'll have no choice but to bring my crutch (bike :) )
But no matter what, we should definitely plan a winter training holiday to North Dakota. I think my borrowed sled is en route right now (parcel post, takes 4-5 weeks)
Yeah my training run for Susitna will be HURT :) I wonder if I should bring a sled to Hawaii!!!
Wow, I get to comment after the famous BAY-aht!
Danni - I would have to be admitted to a mental institution if I took an entire month off. That being said, there is no way it will hurt you in the long run - since you're getting back at it again. I think your training week sounds aweseome. Dude. 7-12 HOURS on Saturday! Ahhh yes - remember you once did this when you and the Tedster have kids one day.
As if! I know you. You do what ever you set your mind to. If you are even "soft" now, which I tend to doubt, you will be back in deadlift shape in no time! Running in the Flathead in the winter doesn't have to be a drag. You rock rollergrrl.
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