I pretty much suspected this a couple of years ago, but I now know for a fact that I really need a race date in my future to be motivated to train in my present. While some of my recent running malaise can certainly be chalked up to winter blahs and spring longing, this is also the longest no-race stretch of time I’ve experienced in a very long time.
I had initially planned to run (attempt) my first-ever 50 mile race this month. The NJ Ultra Festival was the scene of my first 50k in 2012 and it really would be the perfect venue to attempt 50 miles. But I was so exhausted and burned out after the marathon and race I ran in December that I couldn’t imagine going straight into training for even higher race mileage. I needed a break.
Well I took a break and that break turned into a longer break than I meant to have. About the time I felt like running again, the weather turned against me and I felt helpless most days to face the cold wind. I just. couldn’t. do. it. Now spring is kind of springing and I’m running more, but still not back to normal. I am not signed up for any races in the foreseeable future and I think I’m going to have to find a long one to get my feet moving.
Taking suggestions.