Right about now Northern runners, triathletes, and the like are gearing down for a winter of easy workouts and a leaner schedule. Here is Florida most people have the summer of easier schedules and a winter filled with races.

Somehow, with the move, I missed both of these off-seasons. I started training for 70.3 Haines City in November of last year. I stopped training at the end of January when we found out we were officially moving. I guess technically I took February and March off to move but it wasn’t really “down time” I still tried to fit in runs here and there.

Now, when my mind is used to phasing out activity and simply running with no goal in mind I am ramping up again. I’ve got the marathon in January, and a couple other races in Feb/March. I don’t really know what my work schedule looks like after April yet so I don’t really have any racing plans mapped out yet.

And I think that is ok. I”m really considering pulling back and trying to find the joy in exercise again. Not because I have a big goal race or a time to beat. Just running to run. Trying out some new classes and just taking a break. Maybe sign up for some smaller races just to be a part of my local teams but I think it is time to find the joy with just me instead of the social aspects.

Have you ever just taken a break??