I made a comment to this effect in the last iteration of a post on winter running, which we seem to get every couple of weeks around here. People are so concerned about what to wear running this winter in an effort to keep running to the same degree as we have been this spring and summer. One thing I think people should consider is just taking a break.
I went to see Christopher McDougall this Wednesday for a barefoot run and presentation. One comment that really struck me was his take on winter barefoot running. A guy asked if he had any suggestions for winter running or shoes for winter running. Instead of responding with what I typically hear around here, "I wear VFFs with socks" or other such things, he said that maybe we need to just accept the fact that we as humans can't go out an conquer the world regardless of the circumstances. In Minnesota especially, there are going to be days when running outside is stupid, much less running barefoot. So he suggested NOT RUNNING (shocking...I know)!
I completely agree with his comment. There's nothing wrong with staying indoors for a work out, or winding down one's running and doing something else. I never hear much talk about concepts like periodization in running forums. But the concept of "winding down", resting, or doing another type of fitness activity during various times of the year is an important concept in areas like strength training. I had been taking whole seasons off when I did a lot of bodybuilding in college and law school, and considered it completely normal.
Personally, I plan to not run much more than once or twice a week (probably not outside all that much) and use the winter to ramp up my Crossfit and get some good strength training in. I enjoy weight lifting, but it's hard to be cooped up in a gym when it's so nice outside. I doubt I'll have that issue when it's -10 with 5 feet of snow.
Any other thoughts on the issue?
I went to see Christopher McDougall this Wednesday for a barefoot run and presentation. One comment that really struck me was his take on winter barefoot running. A guy asked if he had any suggestions for winter running or shoes for winter running. Instead of responding with what I typically hear around here, "I wear VFFs with socks" or other such things, he said that maybe we need to just accept the fact that we as humans can't go out an conquer the world regardless of the circumstances. In Minnesota especially, there are going to be days when running outside is stupid, much less running barefoot. So he suggested NOT RUNNING (shocking...I know)!
I completely agree with his comment. There's nothing wrong with staying indoors for a work out, or winding down one's running and doing something else. I never hear much talk about concepts like periodization in running forums. But the concept of "winding down", resting, or doing another type of fitness activity during various times of the year is an important concept in areas like strength training. I had been taking whole seasons off when I did a lot of bodybuilding in college and law school, and considered it completely normal.
Personally, I plan to not run much more than once or twice a week (probably not outside all that much) and use the winter to ramp up my Crossfit and get some good strength training in. I enjoy weight lifting, but it's hard to be cooped up in a gym when it's so nice outside. I doubt I'll have that issue when it's -10 with 5 feet of snow.
Any other thoughts on the issue?
