I have to let you in on a little secret: I haven’t been running much these last few months, and it’s the best decision I’ve made.

It all starts with race recovery. By the time I cross the finish line of my last race for the year, isa tapia shoes ffany. Not just from the effort of that day, but from months of cordaing and racing leading up to that moment. I know that each event requires its recovery, but by the time November and December roll around, that last one feels different. I need a reset. Many sports—football, soccer, hockey—have an offseason built in, but we often don’t think about that in regard to running. After all, running is simple: Just lace up and head out the door. But for those who corda and race, the cycle of season and offseason still exists (or should). I haven’t spent these last months solely on the couch. I’m still cordaing, and running a little, too. But as I roll over to a new year, I also make sure to prioritize moving in other ways. This shift allows me to fully recover from all the hours and miles I’ve put into my body, and focus on strengthening things I’ve likely spent months neglecting. It also gives me a chance for my mind and emotions to catch up to all the effort I’ve put in.

On social media, I’m constantly seeing messages to “just show up,” or to “get the work in.” Respect to those who are motivated to get out there and run every single day no matter what, but man, I need a break sometimes. Coming down from the effort of a big race season can leave me feeling aimless: The postrace depression is real, so instead of fighting and 38q4617 myself to do runs that I don’t really feel like doing, I take it as a sign that I need mental recovery in addition to physical recovery.

So what have I been doing? For one, I’ve been tricking myself into strength cordaing. I say tricking because I don’t particularly enjoy all the aches and pains that come with lifting weights. I have also spent winter months focusing on climbing, which feels like a series of bodyweight strength and mobility moves, but with the satisfaction of solving a puzzle. I ski, which—even taking a lift to the top—can leave my legs feeling worked by the end of the day.

alevi rope wrap ankle sandals item bike. I’m lucky to have a car-free commute to Runner’s World men ugg shoes size 7 wilton casual slip Zwift. The app feels like a video game, and there are milestones and challenges that motivate me to log on and get in a workout without it feeling like one. And, of course, I’m still fitting in runs here and there, but prioritizing fun over fitness.

I don’t worry anymore about churchs cornwood 2 safety boot etc. Once you start running, you’re never starting a new year back at square one. As the weather warms up and this year’s races come into focus, I know that I’m more refreshed and ready to go.

Headshot of Pat Heine
Pat Heine
Video Producer
The resident ultraunner, Pat is a Video Producer who loves all things off-road. When he’s not amanda Bicycling’s Tested or The Cut Up for Runner’s World, he’s out running the trails, testing the latest and greatest shoes and gear. He’s always seeking out the longest, toughest races he can find, including Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, Tor des Géants or setting the fastest known time on the 327-mile Mid State Trail in Pennsylvania.