What’s next?

After finishing a race, most people think about what their next big goal would be.  My IT band injury forced me to slow down and take a breather from running and triathlons.  Not only did I drop out of the Charlevoix Marathon, I also dropped out of the Boulder 70.3.  Normally I would be upset having to drop out of races, but I really think I need a break mentally and physically.  I started training for marathons over 2.5 years ago, and have never taken more than 2 months off from seriously going after a running, biking or tri goal since then. 

What have I been up to?  This may seem out of left field – but last week I started the 60 day Insanity DVD program.  Even though there is a ton of jumping around and running in place, it doesn’t bother my IT band at all.  My IT band is actually doing a lot better – I ran 2 pain-free miles on the treadmill yesterday!  {Another post on that to come}.

Why am I doing Insanity?  Lately I have not been feeling awesome about myself.  I gained about five pounds during marathon training, which is pretty common for me.  It usually comes off quickly after the race.  This time it decided to stick around.  I have my two best friends’ weddings this summer and – this may be vain – I want to look and feel my best. 

So….what’s next? 

In the short term: I want to finish the Insanity program, but also start incorporating short runs back into my routine now that my leg is healing up.  Plus I will be bike commuting 1-2x a week, and may try to tag along on some longer rides on the weekends with Lauren.  In terms of race goals, I’ve signed up for two 5ks in August (one I will run for fun, one I will race), and two half marathons in September (one road race, one trail race).  My goals for the half marathons will all depend on how quickly my IT band fully heals.  Essentially, my goals for the next few months are to be active, get outside and have fun.

In the longer term: That is up in the air.  I have big dreams for 2013 but at this point they are just dreams.  I will spend the next few months resting my burnt out brain and body, and figuring those out.

P.S.  In case you were wondering about a vague reference I made a few posts ago about leaving Denver for a few months: Neil had an opportunity to spend the summer in Dublin.  Because my company has an office in Dublin and we were interested in going, his company asked him to go.  Unfortunately/fortunately they won another project that requires him to stay in the U.S.  I was disappointed but I’m also excited to spend my first summer in Denver and very relieved not to have to leave Leela for 2 months.

P.P.S.  If you think I’m crazy for not wanting to leave my dog for 2 months, you clearly don’t know how big of a dog freak I am.