Comments on Go, Tracy, Go!: What's next for me?

Gosh. This is a hard question to answer. I feel li...

2011-12-17T13:06:19.382-05:00

Gosh. This is a hard question to answer. I feel like I struggle with something similar... I love running and racing and pushing myself and stuff, but eventually things get stagnant and I start looking forward to taking a break or changing things up. But when it comes time to take the break, I find myself falling back into old habits and not really getting anywhere. One thing that has helped switch things up for me is that I am into the more fun/relaxed atmosphere of the trail running/racing scene now. Seems like you've enjoyed your trail races (at least the ones I've read?), so maybe that's something to consider as you continue hashing out your racing/not racing plan...

I'd say that a break from racing would be good...

2011-12-15T03:29:26.406-05:00

I'd say that a break from racing would be good for you. At least long enough that you're signing up for races because you REALLY want to do them, not just because they seem like a good idea. However, the only way I've ever been able to successfully do that is to hurt myself, which I do NOT recommend.

I'd say stick with NOLA and Ragnar because those will be wicked fun. I'd skip NYCM, though, unless you're REALLY feeling it. It's a huge, crowded, expensive race, even with guaranteed entry, that you've run before. Maybe focus on shorter distances or races that are new to you?

When you were musing for a minute there about maki...

2011-12-14T19:56:06.040-05:00

When you were musing for a minute there about making 1500 miles your goal for next year, I momentarily thought you meant 1500 *meters*. And I thought, hmmm, interesting choice... working on VO2 max and intensity and all that... so, maybe my misread is like your Freudian blog slip? I don't know. Why change at all? But whatever you do, make it FUN.

I really have no idea how to answer your question,...

2011-12-14T11:49:40.066-05:00

I really have no idea how to answer your question, but I have been reading a blog that has started to influence my way of thinking a bit. A couple recent posts ring true to what you are asking here. Take it or leave it, but it may at least give you a new way of looking at this stuff.
Self-improvement: http://zenhabits.net/improve/
Goals: http://zenhabits.net/100-days/

You've heard my opinion on this subject. But h...

2011-12-14T09:16:52.270-05:00

You've heard my opinion on this subject. But hey, we are who we are. Serial racing may affect your ability to go faster, but ultimately, you're enjoying yourself and staying healthy. Hardly something to JUST SAY NO to. *snort*

With your multiple marathons I think you are doing...

2011-12-14T09:16:28.820-05:00

With your multiple marathons I think you are doing just fine! No need to stress how many miles you ran.