Anyone have a lower intensity rotation?

A

AndreaL

Cathlete
I have been training like crazy for an upcoming half marathon. I've been dealing with injury and have finally gotten totally burned out. I have NO desire to run. My rotation used to include 4 runs, 2 bike/spins, 2 upper body, 1 floorwork, 3 abs, and yoga. Some days were 2-3 hour workout days.

I'd really like to have more time for my kids, garden, husband, and life! I'm having a hard time coming up with a rotation that includes 2 rest days a week. Seems like an easy job, right?

I'd also like to get back into my videos. I have most of Cathe's and then an eclectic mix of others.

If anyone has brought down their level of workouts, did it affect your physique (weight gain, muscle loss, etc)?

Andrea
 
Andrea, you're clearly in need of R&R, or in yoga terms, a restorative period. When is the 1/2 marathon & are you still committed to doing it? Is it walking friendly or are there restrictive time constraints?

My 2 cents. Take a week or two off of serious training. Play with your sons, go walking, do an easy bike ride, some yoga or stretching.

If you recommit to the 1/2, then train for it 3 days a week & decide what you want to do the other 2 days. Refamilarize yourself with John Bingham's training guidelines. Yoga, moderate weight training, gardening, soccer/basketball/whatever with the boys. You don't have to set a PR if you do the 1/2, nor do you need deltoids to die for - enjoy a balanced life.

If you decide to walk the 1/2 or ditch it, then you have a lot more options.

I'm a type A & seriously addicted to endurance exercise. I also recognize that exercising more than 5 or 6 hours per week doesn't make me healthier, though it may make me fitter & be quite an ego stroke. I find the endurance check-in at VF extremely intoxicating but it's not the right time for me to be doing that kind of training.

I wish I could say that I have found the right balance of strength training, cardio & flexibility. Somehow I got off track. But anything to extreme is bad & balance is good. To good health!

Debra
 
Hi Debra,

Good to hear from you! I agree that endurance sports and the endurance check-in at VF are intoxicating!

The half is 4 weeks away. I have pretty much decided to drop to the 10K if I go. I've already paid, so of course want my money's worth. I hired a coach and he pushed me to do 14 miles. I'm wishing I would have stuck with John Bingham and topped out at 10. I'd probably be fine right now.

I am having a hard time making myself realize that working out at a moderate level and less will be just fine. I'm also trying to deal with losing the body I've worked for. It's not perfect, but I'm very happy with it. I can't believe how much this is messing with my head. I'm near tears sometimes thinking, "Why can't I just have healthy body parts?".

I finally did a workout today. About 15 min. of Happy Hour Hi/Lo, Supersets, and a 5 minute run. See, already I was doing more than an hour.

I think I'll take your advice and chill for a week or two. At least I'll try to! I actually have a list that I made out about a month ago of things to do if I have a forced layoff from running.

Andrea
 
And thanks

I forgot to thank you for your post. I've been checking the site all day. Your post was very well written and makes a lot of sense. I'm printing it out.

Andrea
 
You won't lose much even if you take 4-5 days off of cardio completely. Overtraining is the WORST. I'm so sorry you're not even enjoying training for the half. :(

I don't like your "coach". x(
 
RE: And thanks

Hi Andrea, I can so relate to what your saying. I to was doing alot of exercising every day never took a day off. I found I was grumpy if I didnt do it but grumpy also because I felt I had to do it. So finally one day I just said enough, and tried one of Cathe's rotation which is alot less then I was doing. And I really now notice I feel better, my body seems firmer and I have not gained any weight like I thought I would. I am so glad I trusted what cathe is always saying and all the people on this forum. I feel so much better for it and I know you will to. Please let us know how you are doing. I know you can do it! Lori BC
 
Great encouragement!

Thank you Amy and Lori. I'm glad you shared your experience Lori. I only have a 20 min. opening yoga practice planned for today. I was reading my yoga book and found that opening helps to bring one out of the dumps. I'll probably just do yoga this week and one light strength session on Wed. (Supersets) since my SIL comes over that day to lift.

I'm off to the chiropractor today as my shoulder has been off kilter, and then grocery shopping.

Andrea
 
RE: Great encouragement!

Hi Andi! I just wanted to wave Helloooo! I miss you! I agree that taking some time off will not hinder you. Usually doing that makes you feel so fresh when you start back and you'll be raring to go. BTW, I've seen your body and it is amazing! A lil' time off will do you good. Keep us posted on how you are.
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Hi Deb!

I know you had a lot of frustrations with your injury last year. I keep thinking of you to help keep my spirits up!

Andrea
 
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