As the 2012 race season comes to a close, many of you have asked me, “What’s next?” People experience a wide range of feelings and emotions when the race they’ve been training for is over. After months and months of training, lots of early morning long runs and way too many dates with your foam roller, you suddenly find your medal tucked away in a drawer and no detailed workouts left on your training schedule. Some people find themselves feeling a little blue or depressed – not sure what to do next. Others are immediately planning the next race and waste no time signing up for a new challenge. Many choose to take a much needed break to recover, recharge and refocus. 

Me? I’m taking a break on the distance, but not on the activity or exercise. I’m going to dial up the variety and try some new things … but instead of time goals and the added pressure that often brings, my focus is on fitness, good health and fun.

rUnladylike’s 4 “What Nexts” to Round Out the 2012 Race Season

1. I’ve joined a boot camp. When I set my 2012 race goals earlier this year, one of the things I wanted to do was incorporate more strength training into my workout regimen. I haven’t been very successful with that (ok, I’ve failed miserably on that front this year). Mr. rUnladylike has been doing a boot camp in our neighborhood for several months that he is really enjoying. I told him I’d join him after my marathon was over, not only because it will be a welcome change, but also because it will be fun to work out together. I’m happy to report that I did my first class tonight and it was TOUGH! My arms are already sore and it hasn’t even been 5 hours since our class. We did 5 circuits of kettlebell presses (sort of like shoulder presses but with kettlebells), burpies (a combination of jumping and a push-up), sit-ups and slamballs (throwing a 15-pound ball from above your head to the ground while squatting), along with sprints on the track. It was a crazy good workout, and I’m super excited to see how rounding out my fitness with this strength training may help me become a faster and stronger runner/triathlete. Stay tuned for more on this in the coming days and weeks.
2. I’m running a 10K on December 1. Most of my training during the last 3 years has been consumed by long distance running at slower paces. I’m going to run some shorter races in the next few months that will save my legs from some of the pounding while incorporating more speed. First up is the Atlanta Beltline Eastside 10K. There are 4 things I’m excited about for this race: 1) I can jog/walk to the start from my house. 2) The race starts at 10 a.m., which means no waking up at the crack of dawn! 3) The course boasts a brief off-road section which sounds fun (Can I count this as a trail race? *wink*) 4) It supports a good cause: The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership is a non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit by re-using 22-miles of historic railroad corridors circling downtown and connecting 45 neighborhoods directly to each other.
3. I’m running for chocolate. Yep, that’s right. On January 13, I’m going to run the Hot Chocolate 15K. For all you kilometer-challenged people like me, that works out to be 9 miles and 564 yards. The best part is that you get a hooded sweatshirt as your schwag, along with a finisher’s mug full of goodies. Did I mention hot chocolate and chocolate fondue fountains at the finish? Yes, please. This race also starts very close to my house which is super convenient. I know there have been some challenges with this race series in other cities, but I’m going to optimistically assume that they’ve learned from the things that have gone wrong in places like Washington D.C. and give them a try in Atlanta.
4. I’m thinking about 2013. During the next 2 months, I’ll be thinking about my 2013 goals and race schedule. I’m considering several half marathons and another Ironman 70.3. I’d love to hear your suggestions!

What do you do when race season ends? How do you stay motivated? Any suggestions on races you think I should consider for 2013? What is next for you?