For several months now, during the current training season, many runners have been working hard to build the necessary conditioning for their goal race.  While many of the really tough runs are embedded with aches and pains, tens of thousands of runners have told me that the satisfaction and achievement from pushing back the endurance barriers makes it all worthwhile.  Surprising to me at first, most novice runners who hated the long runs in the beginning, said that these same runs empowered them to make other changes in their lives.  The satisfaction and achievement of this process is often missed after race day.

Well, you don’t have to stop now.  Before raceday, write some new goals on your calendar.   These don’t have to be races.  By scheduling some fun “appointments” you can stay motivated and maintain most of the conditioning.  Here are some activities that have kept my ecoach and Galloway Training Program participants running along, after the big day.

Social runs

Set up a running appointment with friends you’d really like to catch up with, as you enjoy the glow of endorphins.  Add a new friend or two every week, and make it your weekly “social”.

Scenic runs

List several visually interesting areas within a short drive of your home.  Pick one every 7-10 days.  Trails, parks, coastal areas, mountains—different ones each week for variety. 

Festival Events

Instead of a time goal, pick a slow time for you and see how close you can come without checking your pace along the way.  Many races today are supported by the community and offer kids activities, clinics for improvement, lots of food and beverages, and interesting communities for shopping, touring, etc.

Write down at least one of the above, on at least one day each week after your goal race.  You’ll stay in shape as you inject energy into your running!

Next week: how much training will maintain marathon or half marathon conditioning

Jeff Galloway

US Olympian

www.jeffgalloway.com

E-coaching to your goal