January training is HARD
Congrats to all of us training for spring races - we got through the longest month of the year!!
I managed to get in over 150km in running this month, and just under 2000m of elevation. It’s not “enough” if you look at the training plan, it definitely didn’t seem enough if I fell into the comparison trap, but it sure felt enough when the cold seeped into the bones, when the pavement felt like an ice rink for most of the month, when the sun only came out for one of thirty days.
January is one of those strange months where motivation can feel both at an all time high and low. Because of a nagging injury and lingering illnesses in the last three months of the year I decided I needed a 20 week build to my first 50km effort of the year, and that started on January 3rd. I thought this was just what I needed - a focus to get me out of the door in the dark, motivation to wrap up / break out the waterproofs when the weather wasn’t exactly “optimal” (but what is optimal weather any way - just an excuse??).
I mapped out the weeks according to cumulative distance and elevation, and broke down my weekends into two big efforts. I managed two out of five of these milestones for the weeks - some might consider that a fail - but I wasn’t going to compromise my health, my muscles or my bones on the days where running felt too wet, too cold, too much like an ice rink, mud too heavy to move through. It’s too soon in the block, and I care about my summer too much to break something, get sick or pull something. So I didn’t. I either rested, or pivoted to indoor training or upping my S&C. This wasn’t easy to sit with on the day - I felt uneasy (or guilty) not being able to tick a session off of my training plan, but I knew that by being sensible I was doing myself a favour in the long-term.
I had to work hard to not get carried away in other people’s training too - so many pals, so many in my feed, were getting out there, come wind, rain or shine, and getting it done. I wondered if I lacked their motivation (I did), I wondered if I had it in me to just get out there no matter what (I didn’t), and instead of wondering “why not me” I decided to cheer for them (kudos is a love language, as is hitting the “clapping” reaction) and know that I was doing what was right for me.
I also used January to dial in two elements of my training that I’ve often just left as an after-thought.
Fuelling - I’ve been deep diving into fuelling training weeks properly. Reading lots & practising lots to time my meals, and more importantly ingredients/nutrients according to my sessions (periodising my carbs mostly). I’ve been doing this to try and eat to support my energy levels and improve how recovery feels for me. I’ve started some good habits but still have lots to try, lots to learn, lots more to practise, so thats all I’ll say about this for now - I’m also super aware that this is a very personal experience and practise, so what works (or doesn’t work) for me is only really relevant for me.
Recovery - I’ve become very attached to understanding my HRV data that my watch gives me in relation to my training, my cycle and my overall mood. I’ve looked into red light therapy alongside a more regular yin yoga practise (20mins x3 times a week). I’ve added in a more intentional and regular breathwork practise too. (5-10 mins a day) and on those cold, wet, cloud covered days I’ve added in warm baths to either reset after a session, or to make rest days more restful.
I’ve learned a lot this month, I’ve tried a lot too. I’m grateful for the slipnslide conditions on either mud, ice or snow, I’m grateful for the hot chocolates at the end of the longer efforts. I’m glad I got out when I did, I’m glad I stayed in too. I would describe January as a base building month, and I’m looking forward to more of that in February - just adding more trails, and more vert as hopefully the weather improves, the daylight hours get longer, and hopefully the train services that get me out of the city and on to the downs finally decide to run (I’ll save that rant).
I’m lining up for a race next week, and I’m excited to put on a bib and try my best - whatever the conditions I’ll just give it a 10/10 effort and hope for a 10/10 day.
Onwards.
So difficult honestly! But we did it!