Rest & Recovery

Duathlon Nationals was the end of my 2013 racing season, I was SO ready for some time off!  Coach Jen and I decided that I would take off the month of November from training and get back into it in December.  The past 2 years I've taken longer than that, but I don't feel the need for it this year, plus it's just too much time for me.

What have I been up to for the last few weeks??  I've slept a lot, eaten even more (I've gone hard on some chocolate), stayed relatively active with some easy workouts to keep me moving, and just embraced the offseason.  I know I've done the offseason right when I was excited to get back at it this morning and feeling a little "clunky." ;)

Here are some highlights of the last few weeks…

Pedicures with my niece...

NEVER enough time with this girl <3

Some really good food…

Chili with a side of meat…don't you judge me ;)

Do yourself a favor and try one.  Thank me later.

Some self care in the form of Gua Sha, cupping, and acupuncture…

Marks are from Gua Sha and cupping, not acupuncture.  And yeah, I know it looks awful but it feels AMAZING!  Google it.  Go see Kyla Boles at Urban Acupuncture, she's crazy good.

http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com

A Turkey Day 5k…

5ks always hurt, but when you're not in your best shape they hurt REAL bad.  Truth.

And last but not least, my new toy…

A Trek 2014 Crockett!  I need to get back into training if for no other reason than it stops me from shopping.  But, I LOVE IT!!  Cross is on my 2014 racing schedule anyway, so why not get some time on it this winter?  Yep, that's my reason and I'm sticking to it ;)

There you have it, my offseason.  It is honestly just as important as key training months in my opinion.  It was fun, relaxing, and just what I needed to fuel me for 2014…time to get moving!