It’s been a great cozy season so far.
Over the holidays I kept my workout schedule chill, but consistent. Not only do I want to stay in shape, but I want to stay regulated. Running does help to accomplish that in my world—particularly when Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s (although lovely)—do tend to contribute to an irregular rhythm of life.
While my November and December runs were lower volume, and not aimed toward any particular goal, I did pick up a new practice right before Thanksgiving that I’m loving. I find it fun, motivating, and regulating. It’s not yoga. (I hate yoga.) And it’s not mobility or pre-run activations. (I already do those things.)
I’m logging daily. (Okay, so technically, I already did that too.) I’ve discussed here on this substack my preference for recording my workouts analog-style versus using a digital spreadsheet. I like getting creative with colors and handwritten fonts. And I just like the act of putting pen to paper, if I’m honest.
But I’ve taken it up a notch.
When I process my workout day now, I’m including mini illustrations alongside all of the appropriate data. I am loving it.
The process, the result . . . the easy way I can SEE what my training looks like. I love everything about it.
This evening, January 29th, I’ll be recording day number sixty-eight of my illustrated log. Not a run streak (I love a super chill rest day too much to do one of those!) but a daily discipline that brings me much joy, taps into my creativity, helps me process & reflect, and is very running adjacent.
In the spirit of my Adventure Log (a moniker I picked up from my digital logging days with Coach Jenny), I’ll not *describe* my log any further, and instead leave you with a little video tour:
I mention in the video tour that I’m halfway through a six week speed building block. If you’re curious about that, I’m using David & Megan Roche’s free on-line resource, but I’ve adapted it to fit the way I train—which is in a ten day “week” in order to accommodate for plenty of recovery and strength.
I’m tapping into that now, while I’m not building up to a big race, in order to develop my top end speed here in the “off season.” In March, when it’s over, I’ll test my speed, and then ease into training for longer goals, which so far for 2025, officially includes another round at IMTUF 100 in McCall this fall.
Thankfully there are a lot of days to log between now and September . . .
I love this combination of your passions!