Restember

So my body is jacked up. 

I did very little between Chicago and my attempt at Austin.  And I did absolutely nothing last week.  Noth-ing.  At all.  Complete rest.  Eight days of a slovenly lifestyle.

But Sunday I was ready to move and so enjoyed our 30 mile bike ride.  Fortunately, it did not hurt.  I was sore by evening, sore in my hips like I had done much more.  I realize I have no power for climbing in my left leg right now and that’s okay. It was nice to be moving again.

November is going to be the month of rest.  Physical and mental rest.  Already I’ve taken four rest days (out of five, count ‘em) and I’ve got seven more planned.  Including today! That’s a total of 11 rest days for a girl who normally takes but one complete rest day a week.  And that’s not counting the days of active rest.  Yoga = active rest for me. Sure it’s using my muscles and sure I break a good sweat, but my body isn’t taking a pounding nor am I using a repetitive motion. 

Take note there is no running until Thanksgiving Day.  I love to run on Thanksgiving morning so I selected that day for my Big Comeback of three miles.  And if I need to go two or even just one, I will.  Easing back into the swing of things.

The strength training you see are merely the exercises my doctor prescribed for my hips.  Maybe 20 minutes total of movement. 

My swimming and cycling?  Notice there are no yards, no miles, no times.  Just do what feels right.  

I’m excited about a month to do only what I enjoy and not push myself.  I’m looking forward to riding slowly and stopping to enjoy the scenery.  And if I wake up and I’m hurty, I’ll take yet another rest day.

My body is screaming for a break and I’m listening.  I’ve got a big training season ahead of me.  But maybe even more than that, my mind needs a break.  I need to sleep later, take more naps, socialize some while I can and spent time to just…be. 

And no one is more shocked than I am to realize, I’m actually looking forward to this!

Have you ever taken a Restember?