By Jay Kumar
Correspondent
July 02, 2009 12:15 am On The Run Jay Kumar I'm a big fan of marathon running. I enjoy the challenge of training for months and conquering each 26.2-mile course on race day. I've got 11 marathons under my belt and two weeks ago, I began training for another in the fall. But as I was out on my first two long runs the last two Saturdays, I slowly realized something: the thrill was gone. Two Saturdays ago, I was supposed to run 13 miles and only had the energy to run 10. Then last weekend, I left the house intent on completing 15 miles, but again, I struggled. Part of it was the humidity, but a bigger part was a sheer lack of desire to run that distance. And as I trudged along to again run only 10 miles, I decided if I couldn't get fired up for my first two long runs of my 16-week training program, how miserable would I be in a month when it was 80 degrees and I was supposed to run 20 miles? So I made the decision to skip the fall marathon, instead focusing on shorter distances and possibly running a half-marathon or two in the fall. Thankfully, I hadn't signed up for the Maine Marathon yet, so I didn't have to eat the $50 registration. Simply put, I was just burned out on long-distance running. I trained all winter for Boston and had two months to recuperate until training began for the fall marathon. But apparently, neither my body nor my mind was ready for another go-round. I usually do two marathons per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The last time I decided to skip a marathon season was the spring of 2007, which means I had run four straight seasons. My legs are still tight from the spring marathon, but more importantly, I'm just ready for a break mentally. Burnout happens to everyone at some point. Sometimes it's good to shake things up, for a mental and physical break. If you feel like you're in a rut with your running, try mixing in some cross-training, play a sport, or just take a week off. I'm way too addicted to physical activity to take a week off from any exercise, but I am looking forward to the rest of the summer now that I know I don't have those torturous long runs ahead of me. I'm planning to run in a bunch of local 5Ks and 10Ks over the next few months and just enjoy being outside (if we ever get any weather worth enjoying). But I'm also going to keep doing weight training and playing some hockey and golf to keep things interesting. I'll limit my weekend long runs to 7 miles for a while, then work back up to longer distances as I get closer to the fall. There's no shame in admitting your heart just isn't into training for a particular event; of course, it's a lot easier when you realize it early on before you've committed to running a marathon (paid the registration, booked a flight and hotel room, raised charity funds, told everyone you know, etc.). Sometimes the best move is to take a break, recharge the batteries and come back stronger in the future. I fully expect to be doing those brutal long runs next winter, but in the meantime, I plan to take full advantage of my break by indulging in a little rest and relaxation. Hey, I'll be out there torturing myself soon enough. Starts and stops In about a month, two great annual traditions will take place: the Yankee Homecoming Road Races in Beverly and Newburyport. This year, the 49th annual Newburyport Yankee Homecoming 10-mile and 5K races take place on July 28; visit www.yankeerace.com for more information. On Aug. 6, the 42nd annual Greater Beverly YMCA Yankee Homecoming 5K Road Race takes place at Lynch Park. It also includes kids' fun run races. Visit www.northshoreymca.org for more information. ¬¢¬¢¬¢ If you're looking for something a little more challenging, why not head over to Lynn Woods on a Wednesday night this summer? The Lynn Woods Cross Country races take place every week at 6:30 p.m.; there are two free trail races each week, a short one of 2-3 miles and a longer race between 4-8 miles. There are also 1/4-mile and ¬½-mile races for children. The courses are mostly dirt roads and trails, with some serious hills in between. Visit www.lwrun.org for more information. ¬¢¬¢¬¢ On the Run is a biweekly column about the North Shore running scene. Send any questions, comments, or news to jay.kumar@gmail.com. Upcoming races Saturday, July 4 *Firecracker 4-Miler, Athletes Corner, 427 Paradise Road, Swampscott 9 a.m. Race to benefit Swampscott Rotary Scholarship Fund. Contact: Ted (Athletes Corner) at 1-781-598-4441 or ted.chb@verizon.net. *Whistleblowers 4K Road Race, Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan St., Gloucester, 10 a.m. Contact: Beth Vasta (LEAP Neighbors Helping Neighbors), C/o 50 Rowley Shore, Gloucester, MA, USA, 01930 or e-mail LEAPJuly4@aol.com. Wednesday, July 8, 15 *Danvers 5K Fun Run, Sweet William's Garden Center, 141 Pine St., Danvers, 7 p.m. Free, timed run. All welcome. These events are part of a weekly 52-race series. E-mail adam@danvers5k.com. ¬¢¬¢¬¢ Visit http://coolrunning.com/eventcal/index.php for more race listings.
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