Burnt

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Have I mentioned that someone else in my house is addicted to organic blue corn chips?

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James hears the sound of the chip bag opening and is immediately at my feet, begging for a chip.  He can easily put away an entire human-sized serving.  He’s not a very food-focused dog so I find it funny that blue corn chips are the one thing he loves.

 

I had some, too!

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And then I headed over to Ryan’s to help her move.  There wasn’t much to be done, but I packed up a few boxes. 

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I actually began to feel terrible at Ryan’s house… getting really hot, a sore tummy.  Whatever this is, I don’t think it’s just the after-effects of three beers.

 

I was suppose to squeeze in a long bike ride today.  The Century (100 miles) race is in 22 days, and I’m definitely in the mindset of “no room to slack off,” especially since the Metric Century (recap) was so challenging.  But sometimes… you gotta just give yourself permission to rest, especially when you’re feeling a little ill!  Pushing through a workout when you’re physically or mentally not there isn’t ideal.

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Truthfully, I am excited to take some time off from endurance events once this race is over.  Signing up for races is great motivation, but the last 5 months have included a marathon, Olympic triathlon, Metric Century, and a Century.  I need a break!  I want to just run and bike for fun, not because I “have to” to make race goals.  (Not that I’m not having fun racing; you know what I  mean.)

 

I decided to come home, make lunch, and read a book on the couch instead of exercising.  It was great!

 

Lunch:

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Tofu, parsnips, and Brussel sprouts stir-fry (I made a sauce with soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices) + brown rice:

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And… Dinner:  A sweet potato, baked beans, and a Green Monster (1 cup almond breeze, 1 banana, 2 cups spinach).

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My appetite is really off… I had to choke down both meals.  Maybe I’ll gnaw on some crackers and drink some tea later night?

 

Any other frequent racers ever feel burnt out?  How do you overcome this feeling when you’re in the middle of training?

 

Oh, and side note:  Anyone else watching the Mayweather v. Mosley fight?  I’m rooting for Mosley!

{ 55 comments }

 

  • Lauren @ A Fit Foodie May 1, 2010, 8:30 pm

    Not that I was glad the marathon last week was over but the fact that I had no pressure to get my mileage in has made me relax and enjoy the thoughts of running even more than I already did! I have a couple of months before training again and I think I’m going to really enjoy the laid back part of knowing that if I can’t get a run in, then it’s no biggie. Sometimes we need those breaks to rejuvenate what we always knew we loved… and I think it makes us love it even more when we start back.

  • Meghan@traveleatlove May 1, 2010, 8:36 pm

    I am amazed at some bloggers, like you, who do so many races. I take TONS of time off after marathons! I am at 2 weeks off right now and have done little more than go for long walks! Rest is a good thing, in my opinion! 🙂

  • Evan Thomas May 1, 2010, 8:37 pm

    After my race tomorrow, I feel no rush to run back to signing up for a new one. I feel like towards the end I start worrying too much about distances/skipping rest days–it just turns in to a not-so-fun situation until I actually cross that finish line.
    I find it funny you feed James organic food 🙂 My dog will eat anything and everything put in front of him.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 1, 2010, 8:41 pm

    So cute about James and the corn chips! That picture is epic (heh)! Hopefully all the good vitamins and minerals in your dinner will help your body feel better!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) May 1, 2010, 8:43 pm

    I’m sorry you’re feeling a little ill 😕 But I totally agree. I have to remind myself that I run for FUN, because I enjoy it. I really want to keep it like that and I’m afraid if I keep signing up for races then it will become more like a chore or a job. Definitely take some time off if you’re not feeling well!

  • jen trinque @ recipes for creativity May 1, 2010, 8:45 pm

    I’m not a frequent racer but I still feel burned out after too much training and goal setting. Sometimes I just want to work out for the fun of it, just as you said. Hope you feel better soon!

  • Marisa (Loser for Life) May 1, 2010, 8:48 pm

    Glad you’re listening to your body. Feel better!

  • Amanda May 1, 2010, 8:49 pm

    I don’t think I know how to workout for fun anymore. Sad as it is, it feels like I’m constantly training or pushing myself for something. I like structure though. So I don’t know if I could go back. Even when I’m not training for something specific I’m following my half marathon maintenance program.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) May 1, 2010, 8:51 pm

    I definitely agree that you need to feel your body and if you’re really not feeling a workout, skip it. As long as it’s not an every day thing, give yourself a little flexibility.

  • Angela (ohsheglows) May 1, 2010, 8:51 pm

    I totally can see how you would feel. It is a learning process like anything else. You find out how your bldy handles certain things and you can adjust your future races accordingly. I think it is great that you are allowing yourself to take the time to feel better. That comes #1!

  • Camille May 1, 2010, 9:03 pm

    Hahahaha, oh my god, that picture of James is killing me!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) May 1, 2010, 9:04 pm

    Rest is so important! You’re right…forcing yourself through a workout only breeds resentment and is totally not worth it.

    I find that one or two days off, and mentally telling myself “you can’t do this workout today” causes me to want to run. It sounds completely strange, but it really works (kind of like telling yourself you can’t have chocolate…it always causes a *need* for chocolate.)

    I’ll bet you’ll be feeling back to normal soon. In the meantime, keep on respecting your body like you’ve been doing. It will always pay you back for that! 😀

  • Jenny May 1, 2010, 9:05 pm

    I am in much need of taking time off tomorrow!

  • Susan @ Journey for Health May 1, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I think you should take a day to rest, especially if you’re feeling ill. That is completely understandable.

    I can only imagine how it feels to do so many high-endurance races in a five month period! Wow. You’re an inspiration (whether you’re racing or not), so that’s amazing.

    I *WAS* going to be racing my first 5K this summer in my home town of San Diego, but recent changes with my grad school plans won’t allow for me to make it out there when the race is scheduled. I can possibly do a 5K fun walk/run race in Pullman, WA (where I’ll be going for grad school), but the terrain is VERY hilly. I don’t know if I can.

    What do you suggest for a first 5K? I’m at least 100 lbs overweight and just beginning to walk longer than a mile. If the terrain is steeper than I’m used to, I’m worried about an injury. Any suggestions?

    • Caitlin May 1, 2010, 9:20 pm

      you are an inspiration for getting out there and doing that 5k! have you been training? i would try the couch to 5K program, but you might want to extend a few of the weeks so you repeat them twice (and get your doctor’s OK, too of course). race day, just do a walk/run. maybe try something like walk 4 minutes, run 30 seconds to 1 minute… or whatever your abilities are. walk up the hills. and have FUN! 🙂 🙂

      • Susan @ Journey for Health May 1, 2010, 9:26 pm

        I’ve been training, but it has been sporadic. I try to get out at least 3 times a week to walk at least a mile. I can do a little over a mile in about 30 minutes. But that’s just walking. I have the couch to 5k program from a site, and I think I’m good for what I’ve been doing. The past week and this week are a little different (it’s my last few weeks of the semester), so I try to walk, but sometimes I just can’t. So I’d be extending it a few weeks beyond the time frame for the program.

        Okay. Even if I can’t do the race on the day they hold it, I might just go and see the other racers (hehe, I actually consider myself a racer and I haven’t done a race yet, lol) and get a feel for the terrain. It’s a wonderful city for walking/running/cycling, so it should be good.

        Thanks 🙂

  • Nichole May 1, 2010, 9:12 pm

    Just wanted to pop in and say I too am rooting for Mosley. I told my 9 year old I thought he was cute. His response “Mommy you’re married!!” I guess he things marriage makes you blind, lol.

    Enjoy the fight.

    Nichole

    • Caitlin May 1, 2010, 9:18 pm

      i love his blue eyes

  • Leiane May 1, 2010, 9:15 pm

    OMG! I read the title of the post and then looked at the pic…I thought the dog had burned his tongue black! and you were pulling on his tongue! So weird.

    • Caitlin May 1, 2010, 9:18 pm

      ahh! poor jamesy!

  • Wendy May 1, 2010, 9:22 pm

    Gah, I feel your pain! I pushed myself through a long run in prep for a half I’m running next Saturday when I could tell I was coming down with something…then spent the next two days doing little more than laying on the couch with a raging case of bronchitis.

    I’ll only have two half marathons for spring once it’s all said and done, but I can sure relate to your race burnout. I think it’s more stressful finding time to fit in the workouts required for training than doing the actual workouts!

    Feel better Caitlin!

  • PhillyGirlRuns May 1, 2010, 9:38 pm

    LOVE that picture of James. My dog Sophie is the same way — not particularly food-motivated. She can take or leave treats for the most part, but she NEVER turns down a carrot.

    Your endurance races are so impressive and inspirational!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter May 1, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Haha I absolutely love that picture of James!

    I can not believe how many races you have done. You are such a strong person to train for all of those!

  • katie May 1, 2010, 9:48 pm

    Good for you for taking a break today!

    My dog (a chihuahua) loved corn chips too! Haha

  • Lee May 1, 2010, 9:58 pm

    My dog is obsessed with pita bread. Specifically pita. It’s sort of odd.

  • Mary May 1, 2010, 9:58 pm

    kudos for taking a break. you need one you’ve been working hard.

  • ashleigh May 1, 2010, 10:11 pm

    Oh no!I hope you feel better. My cat loves baked cheese flavor ruffles.. she’s obsessed!

  • Molly @fuelherup May 1, 2010, 10:19 pm

    As an 18 year old who has been competitively running since kindergarten, I definitely get burned out! In high school I took winters and summers as time off or to run in fun, out of the ordinary races. In college, I’m in season training all the time. Even summers, when school is out, I’m given workouts, times, paces, etc.
    In the end, I just keep chugging along. After getting burned out running twice a day for a while, I switched my easy morning runs to biking (better on my joints too) and saved running for my hard afternoon workouts.
    Basically, I just have to keep chugging and I always get my mojo back.

  • Lara (Thinspired) May 1, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Your stir fry looks right up my alley. Mixing soy sauce with maple syrup is GENIUS.

    I’m glad you gave yourself a rest today 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) May 1, 2010, 10:27 pm

    Great looking dinner 🙂 Hope you feel better soon!

  • Christine May 1, 2010, 10:28 pm

    Running my first half marathon tomorrow!!! I’ve done 8-10k races before. As I have been training for the last little while – I was feeling super burnt out AND resentful! Switched up the route, and the playlist – and had the best run ever last week! Beat my race day goal by 4 minutes!!!

    Finally found those race gel gummies you’ve had on here a few times! So cool!!! And yummy!

    Lulu, my mini daschie LOVES red peppers the most! CRAZY for them!

  • Kath May 1, 2010, 10:42 pm

    GREAT photo of James!!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople May 1, 2010, 10:47 pm

    The blue corn chips sound pretty good!

  • Raya @ Raya Runs May 1, 2010, 11:15 pm

    Random: James has very pretty teeth.

  • eatingRD May 1, 2010, 11:18 pm

    I completely felt burnt out today, just meh. I was wanting to do 65 miles, but it wasn’t happenin’. Last night I started to get a scratchy throat and achy muscles and slept for 10.5 hours! Better to listen to the body and rest rather than muster through a training sesh and make things worse 🙂 I will try again tomorrow 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is May 1, 2010, 11:36 pm

    I am also addicted to blue corn chips. They are my vice.

  • Vaala May 2, 2010, 12:13 am

    Yep, definitely get burnout. Hmmm, I normally take it easy on myself for a couple of days…do something different to what you planned – i.e. run instead of ride if that’s more what you feel you can handle. Eat and drink well…keep hydrated. Positive encouragement is also good (tell yourself you’re doing really well and it’s only natural your body is feeling burnt out and that it’s okay). I hope you get back on top of things soon!

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) May 2, 2010, 12:53 am

    I love your tweet that you posted. It is easy to feel like you have to keep going, try harder, squeeze in more workouts, etc. but I find that when I listen to my body and take a day off that my next few workouts are better than ever.

  • Jessica Lee May 2, 2010, 1:55 am

    I’ve taken a 2 day break now which is highly usual for me. I know I needed it though. My joints were screaming at me! Glad you are listening to your body too.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs May 2, 2010, 2:21 am

    You do soo much it wouldn’t be surprising if you were getting a litte burnt out? Good on you for taking a rest 🙂

  • Wei-Wei May 2, 2010, 2:25 am

    Sounds like you might really be burnt out… Or hopefully you’re not coming down with something. I hope you feel back to normal soon! Be strong 😀 I’m totally cheering you on in your training!

    Wei-Wei

  • Abby May 2, 2010, 5:12 am

    That’s the reason why I don’t really race. I want to run for fun..during marathon training I had the “I HAVE to go run” mindset and it wasn’t really fun. While I enjoyed my long runs, I didn’t enjoy the shorter runs during the week. I think I’ll keep my racing to a minimum!

  • Anne P May 2, 2010, 7:31 am

    I was just telling my friend on our long run yesterday I’m starting to feel burnt out, too. I’m really excited about the Half, but since we started training for this coming off our Ten Miler… I’m just starting to get a little tired of long training runs! It’ll be nice to just simmer for a bit and have long runs be 6 miles again instead of 10+! 🙂

    Feel better my dear!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com May 2, 2010, 7:38 am

    I’m not burnt out yet, but then I haven’t done any MAJOR events. Yesterday was a 5k, the 29th is a 10k, and July 11th is a sprint triathlon.

  • Kim May 2, 2010, 7:44 am

    YES!!! Sometimes I just am not feeling a run. If I’m just being lazy, I might make myself go (and generally enjoy it). But other times I just take the day off – go for a walk, or do nothing at all. I LIKE running, and nothing is going to kill the joy of it faster than MAKING myself do it! Thank you for saying it and letting others know it’s okay!!!

  • Jen May 2, 2010, 8:21 am

    Omg love that picture of James!

    I think burnout is so common in us crazy endurance athletes. I try to take an easy week each month of just maintenance training- no speed, no distance, just fun.

  • Helen May 2, 2010, 8:52 am

    Oh no I hope you feel better soon. Maybe you are a bit run down and have been overdoing it a bit too much. Maybe a day off is what you needed. I hope you are feeling a bit better now.

  • Amanda (Amanda "runs") May 2, 2010, 11:04 am

    Feel better!Keep running but only if you feel up to it!

  • jessica May 2, 2010, 3:01 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I’m sorry I’m a little late in reading your posts but I wanted to comment and recommend that you stay hydrated. The symptoms you described (getting really hot, a sore tummy) were exactly the symptoms I had before I passed out and fainted last week. The EMS said my vitals were fine but I was probably dehydrated (it was 80+ degrees out and I was in a building that was not air conditioned). So anyway, just a friendly reminder to make sure you are drinking plenty of water but also gatorade or a sports drink to keep your blood sugar levels up.

    • caitlin May 2, 2010, 4:29 pm

      i think you’re right… i need gatorade!

  • corinne May 2, 2010, 9:39 pm

    what book are you reading now caitlin!?

    smart decision giving yourself a day off! it really is best to listen to our bodies… they know us best ha. you will be better and back at it before you know it!

    • Caitlin May 3, 2010, 10:11 am

      i’m reading ‘eating animals’ its good!

  • Sammi May 3, 2010, 2:36 pm

    Sorry I’m so late! I was totally rooting for Mayweather, just because I had friends rooting for Mosley lol. Although I didn’t watch the fight, I definitely rubbed it in a certain someone’s face when I was told that Mayweather won 🙂 lol. (I was just joking around though. Honestly, I don’t even know who those people are. It was boxing right? haha)

    That picture of James is hilarious! We don’t feed Lexi people food, but she definitely loves it when she does manage to get to it before we do when we drop something!

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