Last training week for the season?

I am torn between being excited I am practically done with structured training for races - and sad at the same time. It is always a weird feeling. Structure defines me in my daily life. I need a goal, a plan, an attitude that I can do it, and I am good to go. It is safe for me, to have a routine. I turn to it (routine and structure) when things go sideways and I am facing difficulties in any way, shape or form. That's why taking time off after a season had always been a problem for me. Heck, taking time off and laying on the beach for a day is a problem for me! But after a break-down last year, I decided I'll build in a break before it catches up to me. Interestingly, I feel it was a perfect timing, as it IS catching up. I can blame the general business, but I am never NOT busy - this is just a lifestyle I long for, operate best in, ever since I was a teenager (simply don't remember much from before in terms of routine). If I don't wake up in the morning and instead of heading out the door get (much needed) extra hour of sleep - my whole day feels like it's going to garbage. So I wake up. And within first 5 minutes of activity I am happy I did...

RRCA was awesome. A weekend of 8 hrs a day to be with like-minded individuals and talk running is almost as heavenly wonderful as running 8 hrs a day itself:) 99% of information was known - and 80% of information was already used by me, but it is always, always good to have reminders, and the woman who lead a seminar was delightful in her speaking ability. I do have to say that by Sunday now I was pretty exhausted and collapsed once home (which lasted for all of 10 minutes before I had to get back into chores of life). There is so much to do, so so many opportunities and possibilities!

Speaking of built-in break and the safety of routines, I visited Coach Mo and his partner Coach Drew. You know what happened within 2 minutes of conversation? Mo worked with Joe Prusaitis and his groups a few years back! You'd think our small pond of ultrarunners and their small pond of body builders have nothing in common - but here you go, crossing paths, sharing love for fitness and for helping others figure it out. Both Joe and Mo spoke highly of each other and Mo got a boost in my eyes as a coach. Connections are like that:) I am scared of what lies ahead and excited to test my own limits in such a new way.

In a meantime, it's still training. Checked off mile repeats last week, 1200's this week, Larry and I put a long run in on Friday at 3:30am - yes, you read it right, with a weekend overbooked, you do what you've got to do. While I ran covering ground in a neighborhood, he ventured to State Capitol, leaving me salivating over a picture he texted. Next time, I am in to see this beauty in a nightlight! It's been a cold front here, in Austin, and I enjoyed (LOVED!) some 50's for the day - and 40's for the eerie morning hours. A couple of workouts, a couple of easy runs - and off to San Diego, on a single track of PCT, to be free for some 10 hrs of running through wonderful views with awesome people...Short recovery, backpacking trip to AZ - and taper for OD100. Told ya, my training is nearing its end...my life, though, never stops.

A teaser of what Texas is...at times and in places:)