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How to Avoid Marathon Burnout

Today’s marathons+moderation guest post was highly requested! I’ve received emails and comments requesting that Meghann, from Meals and Miles, do a guest post. I think everyone, whether you’re a runner or not, can appreciate the topic: burning out.

Hey guys!

My name is Meghann, from Meals and Miles, and I’m here to talk about burning out. Yes, the elusive ‘burnt out’ feeling towards racing and/or running. Trust me, we’ve all been there before and I’m here to tell you that it’s ok to take a break. In fact, I highly recommend it!

In 2009 and 2010 I went a little racing crazy. Over the course of two years I ran 5 marathons, 1 ultra-marathon, 3 half marathons, and several other race distances. I trained hard, shaved several minutes off of my personal records, and loved every minute of it. But at the end of 2010, I realized I needed a break. My mind was fried, my body was tired, and I was just plain burnt out on racing. I knew if I wanted to keep my love for running, then I needed to take a breather. So that’s what I did.

2011 became my year of rest. I didn’t step away from racing completely, but instead I just took it easy and had fun. I cut down on my speed training, paced some friends in their big races, and didn’t worry about my own time or pace. I took a break from trying to PR and just went along for the ride. I rediscovered why I loved running and just took everything in.

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In addition to stepping back from speed training, I also picked up triathlon training. My siblings and I got this crazy idea to complete a half ironman, which ended up being just what I needed. I learned to push my body in ways it had never been pushed before in both the water and on the bike. I did something I never thought I would ever do – I crossed the finish line of a half ironman with the biggest smile on my face.

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After training for my half ironman, I realized I was ready to start training for marathons again. My legs and mind were both antsy for new PRs. The break served its purpose well. That burnt out feeling? Gone.

Getting back to speed was something I knew wasn’t going to happen overnight. I started from scratch with a new training plan and took it one run at a time. When my speed wasn’t where I remembered it being the year before, I tried not to let it get to me. Instead I stayed positive and reminded myself that we all have to start somewhere.

Slowly, but surely, the speed returned. My legs found their place and came back stronger than ever. In fact, two weeks ago I shaved a full 7 minutes off of my half marathon PR and that’s only the beginning. I’ve got plans – big plans.

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So take my advice, if you’re feeling burnt out on running or races, do not be afraid to take a break. It’s good for the body and mind. Who knows, you might just return faster than ever with fresh legs and a fresh attitude.

Question: Have you ever suffered from burn out? What do you do to avoid it?

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Reach the Beach 2012

Twelve weeks from now, I am going to have the opportunity to spend the weekend with some of my favorite bloggers. No, I’m not going to a blogger conference or a meet up. Instead, I’m going to spend 24 hours with them exploring the roads of Massachusetts via foot and van during the New Balance Reach the Beach Relay!

Massachusetts - Wachusett to Westport

I’m looking forward to one exploring the back road of Massachusetts as I’ve seen very little of the state outside of Harvard Square. If only the elevation climbs didn’t have me scared shitless and intimidated.

Good thing my fellow team Off Balance teammates are rock stars and will certainly motivate me to bust my butt in training these next 84 days! It doesn’t hurt that our friends at New Balance believe enough in us to sponsor us for the big event.  We can’t let them down, now can we?

(awesome graphic created by Liz)

Our team includes:

  1. Anne of Fannetastic Food
  2. Sarah of SarahFit.com
  3. Patricia of Run Foodie Run
  4. Tina of Carrots ‘N Cake
  5. Me
  6. Bridget of Yogurt and Berries
  7. Liz from On Tap for Today
  8. Theodora of Losing Weight in the City, whose shirt is proof that Patriots and Giants fans can peacefully coexist… in a photo collage, at least.
  9. Gretchen of Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen!
  10. Monica of Run Eat Repeat
  11. Ali of Food Fitness Fashion
  12. Melissa of Fitness NYC

As someone who still considers myself a new runner who is anything but fast, it’s exciting to be chosen to be on a team with the likes of a You Tube workout queen, speedy red head, and lots of banana lovers. Who knows, maybe during the weekend I’ll learn a thing or two from these amazing ladies!

I’ve already asked Chrissy, my relay loving guest blogger from last week, to do a part two about training for relay races. As of now, I know very little except the following:

  • Squeeze in at least one 2 a day runs in the weeks leading up to the relay.
  • Come to terms with the fact that you’ll be living in a van, squashed between other women, for 24 hours.

Until then, I’m going to start doing 2 a day run workouts next week and will share my training plan with you once it’s finalized.

Reach the Beach Relay

If you’re interested in forming your own team, Reach the Beach is already 80% full so you better act quickly! Check out their website because registration is filling up fast!  Entry fee is around $1200 for a team of 12 but the memories will be priceless! Charity options are also available for those interested in reaching the beach for a cause.

That’s all I know. This is truly a first for me so I’m hoping you, my readers, can help me out with your tips and tricks.

*Thank you New Balance and Reach the Beach for this awesome opportunity!

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Kibo NYC Restaurant Review

(Guest post by Bo)

As Ashley and our friends know, I don’t usually rave about restaurants as I’m generally hyper-critical when it comes to food.  It is for this reason that my review of Kibo is all the more meaningful. 

001On Saturday night, Ashley, Robin, Alison, and I decided to try the new Japanese steak house that’s just around the corner from our apartment.

032Kibo opened in the former location of Japonais New York which was never able to attain the success of the original Chicago location.  Kibo is owned by the BR Guest Hospitality Group with a menu designed by “The Chef of the Century” Joel Robuchon.

We arrived on time for our 9PM reservation and were told that our table would be ready shortly.  Thus, we walked over to the bar to peruse the drink menu.  Ashley and Alison ordered a Lotus Blossom (Pearl Cucumber, Raspberry Sake and Rose Water) which they both loved and proceeded to drink several over the course of the evening. 

029I ordered a Tiger Bite (Yamazaki 12-Year Whiskey, White Peach, Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA) which I found interesting, but it wasn’t my favorite drink.  The bar tender was kind enough to swap it out for a martini without charging me for a second drink.

We were then guided to our table and began studying the dinner menu.  It is divided into the following sections: Appetizers, Sushi, Robata Grill (more on this later), Main Plates, Noodles, and Rice. 

We decided to order two appetizers (Curried Cauliflower & Chicken Dumplings), a Kibo maki, and two items from the Robata Grill (Wagyu Ribeye & Oysters).  Everything was beyond delicious.  The wagyu beef was a real stand out as well as the Kibo maki (shrimp, spicy hamachi, romaine, and walnut-tamarind).

002 005 006 007 008After finishing the apps, we looked at the menu again with an eye towards the main courses.  Ashley and Alison decided to go for the sushi platter for two while Robin and I split the Skirt Steak. Their sushi platter included two of the chef’s favorite rolls, 8 pieces of sushi, 8 pieces of nigiri, and a neon blue light to spice up the presentation. The one special roll was especially unique, complete with kiwi, salmon, avocado, and apple. The sweetness was balanced perfectly and one of our favorite tastes at Kibo.

009We also ordered a Chicken Dango Ramen for the table as the ladies had never had “real” handmade Ramen noodles. 

010The food and service was all phenomenal.  In addition, the interior redesign which took place when the new owners took over has made the space feel more filled. They broke the space up very well which means that on a weeknight, if the restaurant isn’t at 100% capacity, you can barely tell.

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Other than the first drink that I didn’t care for, I have no complaints or criticisms about the food. I’m sure we’ll be frequenting Kibo often and hope more people will do the same.

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