Saturday 27 June 2009

The Aum Factor...

Guess what I did?? I took the ENTIRE week off of training! I know. It's crazy! I'm how far away from my big race and yet, I took the week off. You know what? I feel GREAT for it!

I learned a ton from the race last weekend. One of the things was that I want to focus on internal processes rather than external goals. So this week was more about reviving myself mentally and physically and getting refocused. I spent some of my time catching up on some reading and focusing on being mindful.

One of the books I started reading was Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. My friend Leslie had read this then took the classes and said I would love it because he shares our philosophies. The biggest thing I got out of it was not just the running technique, the the re-emphasis on inner process vs external goals.

Also, I am so interested in the process of Chi Running I've signed up for some classes! Keith has also signed up for it so we'll be learning together. The classes don't start unil August so I'll be trying to get everything I can from the book and hopefully by the time I take a class it will be for tweaking my form. Leslie used this style of running in her first triathlon this year and said she was really amazed at how much better her legs felt.

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but hey, that's what makes the world so wonderful - difference! I'll let you know how it goes.

Tomorrow I get back into training mode. I'm totally ready for it after my break, which is a sign I needed to separate myself from the sport - even if it was just for a short time. I feel refreshed and ready to go.

The first thing I'll be up to is going for a bike ride with Heather. She has as a friend, Amanda, who is willing to be our vehicle support so we can ride from Banff Alberta to Radium Hot Springs British Columbia. That's right my friends, we are crossing a border in this bike ride! It's a gorgeous route and I'm really excited we can do it. It would have been impossible without some support as there is nowhere to stop once you get onto to Highway 93.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend and I hope everyone else is enjoying the wonderful weather and getting outside!!

Peace out my friends.

7 comments:

  1. I'm sure you're going to have a great ride! That's such a beautiful road.

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  2. Enjoy your ride! I think that is perfect. I often take a full week off post race to get my head straight.

    I'm jealous if you're having beautiful weather. (96F here tomorrow, gross).

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  3. Glad to hear the week off has helped! That bike ride sounds terrific. Hope it went well!

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  4. Hey! I read about your interest in the 'shirts' on Missy's blog :) One of my training partners just had a TON of them printed - send me an e-mail when you get the chance and I'll give you the info on how to get one :)

    kathrynchloe909@yahoo.com

    Cheers!! Chloe

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  5. Great idea on the week off! I always find it helps huge after a race...both mentally and physically! Hope you had an awesome ride...sounds like a gooder!

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  6. Oh I love your idea to take a full week off! So glad you feel re-energized and ready to get back at it. Funny...I was just thinking about that book and how I want to read it. Let me know what you think...I may go and pick it up this week because I've heard good things about it.

    Yay, Susi's back :).

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  7. I think breaks are necessary...good for you for taking one. And see how much better you feel?! I can't wait to hear about Chi Running!!!!!

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