We’re deep into the off-season around here, so I thought I would ‘normalize’ what the off-season looks like for me! I’m certainly NOT running all the miles, nor am I lounging on the couch everyday. I still love to be active, but those activities look different than when I am in the ‘thick’ of training for a race. I took 11 days off of running after my half last month and then I really started to crave a run, so I went out for a short 35 minute run. I wanted to wait until I was really wanting to run again and if that took me several weeks, I was totally OK with that. I think it’s just as important to give your mind a break, as well as your body. During those two weeks, I wasn’t doing nothing- I did a lot of yoga and used my peloton bike (thanks to these two cuties for playing well when I did want to get in a quick bike session)!

I also started adding back in strength training after 7 days off of running and started with much lighter weights than what I previously used during marathon training. I think I started with 10 and 15 pounds, rather than 15 and 25 pounds. I also enjoyed other things too! I love taking the dog for longer walks and baking more. Homemade bagels from this recipe is what I’m loving right now.

I’ve also used this time to check-in with a PT (virtual sessions from here are a total game-changer), as well as working on my running form. I’ve been sleeping in more, working out during nap times or while the girls play and enjoying other activities too. I’ve painted the girls closet and cleaned areas of the house that have been neglected for way too long (oops). I purposefully wanted to give my body time to rebuild and get stronger before going back into marathon training, so a late June race sounded like the perfect time table.

I am definitely a happier person when I’m able to escape outside in the mornings though (ask Alex if you don’t believe me…), so I’m missing that part of the training the most, but the break from my routine is necessary for me to put everything into the next training cycle. Getting up early to work-out downstairs in our home gym just isn’t the same. The girls wake-up early and if I know that they’re awake, I’m much less likely to finish my workout because I want to see them (mornings are my favorite hour with them ; ) …). I also have NOT been restricting my nutrition during the off-season. I’m still enjoying all the things, but also being conscience of what makes me feel best. I don’t feel great if I eat a ton of processed foods or if I go 4+ hours between meals, so I do what makes me feel best, but I’m also approaching it with flexibility. This approach has really helped me decompress from the intensity that I approach marathon or half marathon training with!

Alex and I also escaped for a long weekend in NYC for a family wedding and it was amazing (mostly- the food and getting away for the weekend)! I also went to a live peloton class (Olivia Amato’s 45min Pop Ride), which was SO fun!

• How do you decompress after a long training season?

• Favorite activities or things to eat when you’re in the off-season?!