Taking Time Off Between Seasons

Now that my cross country season is officially over, I have a few months until track season will begin. What do I do during this time in between? Other than go absolutely crazy, I take some time off. According to this article from Runner's World, some well-timed layoffs from running are needed. 

Runners will always have different opinions about how long you should take time off from running in between seasons. Some people opt for two weeks, some two days. It all really depends on your body and what you know will help it rather than hurt it. For me personally, I'm a very injury prone runner. If I take too long off from running my body goes into a kind of hibernation mode and becomes especially vulnerable to injury. I've learned the best method of time off for me is about two weeks of running every other day. Nothing crazy, maybe 2 or 3 miles a day, at a nice slow pace. This gives my body enough time to recover from the season but also doesn't set me back into the injury zone. 

When the two weeks are up, I get back to it. I slowly build my mileage back up, because again, I'm injury prone. I can't go blast a 50 mile week after a 10 mile week. Some people can do that and God bless 'em, but I am unfortunately not part of that percentage. 

For the rest of the semester, I can almost become a normal student! I no longer have to be at practice at 6:00 a.m., which means I can stay up a little bit later than usual to focus on some schoolwork. This also allows me to go for more evening runs, which I absolutely love doing in December around Tampa because everyone's Christmas lights are up. 

I'm excited because for the first time in a few years, I'm not injured during my off season which means I can actually train! I'm looking forward to putting in work over the next few months and getting ready for my final track season. 

The Most Important Fuel For Runners: Sleep

One major stereotype about college students is that they do not get enough sleep. Being a college athlete, that proves to be especially true. My cross country practice is every morning at 6:00 a.m. which means my alarm wakes me up at 5:40 sharp. Going straight from practice to class or work leaves little time for naps or even just a moment to relax. Getting up and running so early every morning, I have to ensure that I'm always getting a good amount of sleep. An article from Competitor.com states, "As an athlete, getting enough sleep is as important as your food and exercise choices." 

At least five times a week I'm waking up before the crack of dawn, so I have to make sure I'm getting to bed early. Every night of sleep is recharging your body, and it's important as an athlete and a student. I have to make sure I'm well rested so my body performs its best at practice and my mind stays focused during class. If I do have time during the day, I'll try to squeeze in a power nap to keep my body going and ensure I don't get too sluggish. 

While many college students choose to stay up late studying or go out on weekends, I find myself in bed by 10:30 every night. I may miss a party now and then, but it's worth it when I wake up well-rested and ready to go.