I notice that a lot of people are in a down cycle right now and many of them are feeling a bit guilty about it. If this is you, don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself! I’m a firm believer that training cycles are healthy, good for your body as well as your mind. Most people need a down cycle to allow full recovery from a hard training/racing season. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule but MOST of us need to rest. Sleep. Veg. Take care of ourselves. This isn’t something that will happen over the course of a day, or a weekend, or even a week. A down cycle is a prescribed period of time where you specifically focus on different things in order to facilitate recovery.
Possibly train different muscles, hit a zumba or spin class at the gym, talk to a trainer to set up a strength workout specifically for you, swim a few laps in the pool, or maybe get up the courage to attend that yoga class that you have always wanted to try. Or maybe, just run for fun, at a relaxed pace.
Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. Recover.
You’ll know when your recovery is complete. You’ll know when it’s time to return to a training plan. Or maybe, you’ll just get bored and need to return to a regular routine. No worries, the down cycle will not become permanent. You will not become lazy after a little time off. So enjoy it, without worries. That’s right, just take a breath and enjoy it.
Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. Recover.
** Amanda – TooTallFritz **
TooTallFritz 
Talk about a breath of fresh air! Brilliant post. 🙂
what if the need for a down cycle comes in the middle of a training cycle?? either way, you said it lady – time to breath…
If you feel like you need a break, take it! I’ll be out of town this weekend so taking a break myself. Bottom line, if your burnt out or not healthy, you’ll never hit the start line. Or maybe you’ll hit the startline but not the finish. It’s all good, relax, girlie!!
Very well put. I am in down cycle…but it mostly this dreary, drab, cold winter weather. But…when I am done with Boston Marathon…I will be thinking of your profound advice….take a break baby…2-weeks without running! Gonna try that in earnest this time around!
Always best to be in a downcyle during a Chicago winter. You and I played it wrong this year. 🙂
Wonderful. February is such a depressing month indeed. I was sick all of last week (up until yesterday), but made myself run today. Best run I’ve ever had, even though it was short. What a relief!
Love this post!!!