Taking today off - completelyNov 09 2009 07:17
I’m sitting here on the sofa, having had my cereal and just finished my coffee, and feeling like I want to close my eyes and go back to sleep. I slept a good, uninterrupted 8 hours last night, so there is no reason why I should be sleepy.
I’ve decided I’m taking today off completely. I’m tired. I'm sore. I’d love to run: the weather is beautiful and it will rain the next few days – so it makes me feel like I should get a run in because I might not be able to tomorrow or the day after (I also have a seminar tomorrow at 9 am, so there will barely be time for a good run before then).
Nonetheless, I think the fact that I’m falling asleep sitting here, having rested well last night (and what should amount to a good number of hours), means my body is tired and needs a break. So I’m giving myself permission to take one - and I am not allowing any feelings of guilt to set in. I need to cut myself some slack.
I deserve a break - and need to realize that scheduled time off is part of any good training program. My body needs to recover in order for my performance and endurance to improve and grow. And I am not a "failure" or a "sloth" for it.
Update: I ended up falling asleep on the sofa a while after submitting this entry, and just woke up (it is now 9:30 am, so I slept about 1 hr 30 min). I guess I really needed the rest. Still feeling a little drained but at least not so out of it as earlier. Will be working from home today.
I ernvy you. I'm having such a hard time taking a break. I have a 10K on the 21st. I don't feel like I'm going to make it. My feet and ankles have begun to hurt, begun to ache like they're going to break. I am closing my eyes right now imagining I'm you with the inner harmony to recognize your body's signals and take that nap. I haven't done that since I was pregnant with my first baby back in 2005. I live under the nightmarish fantasy that I will gain 50 pounds overnight because I LIKE to eat. I wish I had some kind of harmony. If life weren't so hectic... I spent so many years abusing my body and now that I NEED to pay attention to my body I don't have the ability to zone in on myself because I am too busy being responsible for the kids. |
Honestly? I bargained with myself. I would take a break yesterday, and run early this morning, for a mile little longer than my usual Tuesday run. Even after sleeping well again last night (and going to bed at 9:15), I woke up with a killer headache which lasted all day. I just realized I was totally burned out, and if I didn't take a day off, I'd be paying the price soon--and have to pull back from training altogether. I feel a lot better this evening and ready to go back to running tomorrow. I completely understand being busy and unable to hear what your body is saying - and trust me, I also get the "I'm a sloth" feelings of guilt from taking a break. I like how my body feels after a run - I like that by sweating profusely I get rid of the stagnant feeling in my legs, and the sensation of bloat. But I was so, SO sore (I mean, I was sore walking down the stairs--never happens!), and I was starting to get dizzy at otherwise completely normal times. I knew my body was telling me I'm exhausted. I really think you should consider giving yourself a day off of running. I'm not saying sit and do nothing, but just give your legs a break from the pounding. Maybe go for a good swim? I read before you're a member of the Y...does your local Y have a pool? You could do that as a break - a good swim always helps relax me, even if it is rather vigorous. |
So you can keep track of what you eat - which enables you to analyze your foods and receive the following:
- Health Score of your overall diet
- Warning when you approach your daily calorie limit
- Overview of the good and bad nutrients