Monday, December 9, 2013

Getting Back to Basics


Do you remember when...

you went out for your first run, fearful that you wouldn't succeed and discovered a new love?

Do you remember when...

running was just running or working out was just that..A workout?  A little bit of time out of your day when you just focused on exerting energy.

I guess with it being the off season and being so goal driven, I've just struggled to continue to find a purpose in training right now.

I did MAF for a while and I think I definitely might revisit it after I learn more about what's going on, if anything, but I kinda feel like I just want to go back to basics.

Do whatever workout I feel like doing on whatever day I feel like doing it.  No training plans, no goals, no expectations, just me and my body and whatever equipment is needed.

I'm missing the simplicity.  It's so easy to get all wrapped up in the next thing (and I've definitely got my eye on something).  But just as there is time for training there is also time for NOT training and just doing.

A workout shouldn't always have to qualify or "Count" towards something.  It is possible to just do something.

The off season is the perfect time of year to let it all go, change it up, do something different or do nothing at all.  Crazy talk?!  Yes, probably but you need to hear it (and so do I).

I got the chance to play volleyball for the first time last week and just picking up the ball was awesome.  I left knowing I was going to feel it the next day and it was the best feeling ever.

So I think it's time to readjust and try something new and just go back to basics.  I'm ready.  Are you?

19 comments:

  1. Love this. I'm taking the whole month to just have fun with my workouts and not train for anything. It's been a lot of fun and I feel like when I'm ready to pick my next goal, I'll feel refreshed going into training for it!

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  2. Exactly! It's hard for my personality type to be laid back and operate without a hardcore plan but I am doing it! Taking it super easy until January. Juggling work, littles, and creating the memories I want for this time a year is my goal right now.

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  3. I think this time of year is a great time to just do what you feel like. There are so many other pressures, doing just the right workout doesn't need to be one of them!

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  4. Just move! It's always the best advice I can give. Dance, run, lift...it doesn't matter as long as you move.

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  5. I've been feeling the same way lately. Just want to get back into the gym and work out like I used to when I first started!

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  6. Yes, I am taking a break from running. 1. because I hate running in the winter and dealing with black ice 2. I need some healing in my life and running just wasn't giving me that.

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  7. I think this speaks to what I think is an issue with running today--just plain old overkill. We have all these gadgets, these dialed in paces, etc, etc. Yes, all useful but we can also became slaves to it and that sucks the fun out. Back to basics can be very good!

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  8. My getting back to the basics is planning my return to the gym post baby :)

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  9. Ummm, I can't get over your ripped shoulders and arms in that pic. Talk about Hot Mama! I've been taking it easy since the Richmond Marathon to give my body time to recover and to combat a nasty case of the crud. To be honest, it's driving me crazy! I'm not quite ready to buckle down with another intense training cycle, but I am looking forward to some quality time on the trails when I finally kick this cough.

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  10. LOVE! I just finished training (and running) my marathon. NOW I am in the running/working out for the love of it stage. :)

    And yes, I agree with Nicole... your arms/shoulders look amaze-balls!!

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  11. I love this. With the holidays upon us, it is the perfect time to not stress about our fitness and just MOVE! Thanks for the advice, girl!

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  12. Love it Katie! I'm with Nicole & Rachel on this one- your pic is what we football fans like to call Beast Mode!! Perfect sentiment esp at this time of year too: if you can just get through the holidays by keeping it simple with the basics (& just maintain) then you'll be in great shape...

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  13. Yes! I'm looking forward to going back to basics too. In a lot of ways, I feel like I'm starting from scratch again since the last 3+ months have been all about yoga. I just want to move and enjoy it, you know? Not stress?

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  14. Sounds like you're a little burned out. I think the off season is a great time to get back to basics and to relearn how to do something just for the love of doing it.

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  15. Getting back to the basics is great during the off season. Even if I change it up a bit, I still have to write everything down and plan it. Otherwise I don't have the motivation to get it accomplished!

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  16. YES! I felt the same way earlier this year and followed that instinct to do just what I felt like doing and it has led me to such good places. I feel way more fulfilled and satisfied with my workouts again. I am about to head into a goal of a yoga teacher training program, but it was really nice to have a break from things I "had" to do for my workouts.

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  17. LOVE THIS!! I was struggling after my Marathon...there was nothing to work towards. Admittedly I needed to just chill, but it was strange to be without a plan. Sometimes we have to calm the workout OCD and just enjoy!

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  18. I think this is the mode I'm in now. I've slowed down probably too much though, and I feel like I don't want to get out of the mode so I haven't set any goals for 2014....

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  19. Totally agree. I'm doing the Runner's World Running Streak, but not doing any real workouts this month. I'm just running for the joy of running, not caring about my distance or time. And it feels really good!

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