Scott’s Blog

So you may be wondering why I’ve been off the blog for a stint. I’ve been on what I call “winter hibernation,” where I recharge my batteries so to speak, both mentally and physically. I just needed some down time from running.

So what exactly have I been doing for the past month and a half other than not blogging? Not running! When I say “not running,” I mean NOT running. I’ve always taken 4 – 6 weeks off at the end of every race season to let my muscles and mind mend from the long months of hard racing and training. I truly believe this recovery period has been instrumental in enabling me to churn out top race results year after year.

I first began “hibernating” in my nordic skiing days. At the end of the ski season, the snow would start to melt away, and suitable ski conditions along with it. The warm temps and slush caused me to lose motivation to ski or even cross train. So instead of becoming depressed, I embraced the opportunity to take a complete rest from all types of specific training. Although it seemed unnatural at first, it later felt like the right thing to do. I started recognizing it was not only beneficial physically, but also mentally. Following the hibernation period I was ready to start running and cross training with a newly found enthusiasm for my goals for next season.

Then in my first couple years of ultrarunning, I came across the book Train Hard, Win Easy: The Kenyan Way by Toby Tanser. Tanser traveled to Kenya to learn the Kenyan secrets of success. He interviewed the Kenyan elite and coaches to better understand their training philosophies. A recurrent theme in their philosophies was the importance of rest and recovery during the offseason. Yes, even the Kenyans lay on the couch at the end of their season! Many of the athletes refer to taking time off in which they do not run a single step, sometimes for two months.

Top marathoner, Moses Kiptanui, states that he takes a two month break after the race season. 800 meter runner, Nixon Kiprotich describes the importance of the break for an “opportunity to relax, put on a few pounds, and catch up on family life he has missed while spending the summer on the European circuit.”

So not only was taking a break backed up by the Kenyans, but the restocking of my fat stores was given Kenyan approval. Even though I usually put on a few pounds during all of my breaks, I never worry about it. After a couple of good base building months I am back to my normal body composition. So stop feeling guilty about those pounds you packed on during the holidays!

Cosmas Ndeti says “The marathon recovery cannot be hurried; I like to eat well and spend time with my children, then begin a hard buildup.”

I have been eating well, while my break has hardly been hurried. What I thought would be 4 weeks turned into 6 weeks, and no it was not spent in front of a tv on the couch. I have been enjoying getting back in touch with some of the activities and friends that I was not able to keep up with during my busy travel and racing schedule. The break has been physically and mentally refreshing. In my next posts I will be giving the full rundown of what I did to get recharged and what lies ahead in 2009!

So the lessons learned from the Kenyans and the art of hibernation:

1. Take a hibernation break at the end of every season.
2. During the break, run as few steps as possible.
3. Eat well and don’t be afraid to put on a few pounds.
4. Make time for friends, family, and life outside of running.
5. Hibernate four to eight weeks or until fully recharged!

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm and is filed under Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.