I used to be the kind of runner who signed up for two or three marathons a year—because why not, right? And then, something shifted. Now, I’m more of a maybe one big race a year kind of runner. And honestly? I love it.
Here’s what changed:
The focus shifted from being focused on race day outcomes → to creating ‘yes health’
It used to be all about race day outcomes—splits, PRs, and proving something to myself. Now, the goal is YES health.
Can I say YES to any adventure, activity, or challenge at any given moment? YES, because I have a rock-solid foundation of health, fitness, and movement ability.
Being hyper focused on hitting paces and mileage per week → being detached from the outcome
I let go of the hyper-focus on hitting exact paces and weekly mileage goals. Instead, I started asking:
What feels good in my body this week?
What do I need today?
What does this run want to be?
Super rigid routines & schedules → turned sleeping in, rarely setting an alarm
I stopped planning my days around my runs. Now, I sleep in, rarely set an alarm, and fit my runs into my life instead of structuring my life around them.
Learning new paces without pressure → knowing that there is no ‘loss’
There’s no loss in experimenting. The only way to get there is to go there. So, I tried new paces, knowing that progress isn’t linear and every step forward builds something new.
& my favorite part.. More STRENGTH TRAINING
Lifting heavy. 45-60+ minute sessions. Because I’m not rushing through it—there’s time, space, and intention behind it. And it’s made a difference.
HOWEVER, the off season spiral is real..
Of course, the off-season isn’t just relaxed runs and heavy lifts. There’s also this spiral:
Am I losing my fitness?
If I skip this run, is my race goal out the window?
Am I doing enough?
Will my body remember how to run fast?
What if I never learn these new paces?
It’s a balance—staying disciplined enough to build a foundation without falling into the all-or-nothing trap. The off-season is where PRs are built, but it’s also where rest and recovery have to exist.
There is the middle ground-- doing enough without too much..
It’s not about swinging between extremes—the constant go, go, go or the total let’s just chill and do nothing. It’s about finding that space in between:
Holding myself accountable for the work I know will pay off
Allowing physical and mental rest before the next build
Trusting the process
My off season came to an end this past week– so long, farewell, YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!
This past week, my off-season officially ended as I started a 15-week build for Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth this coming June 2025.
And it ended on SUCH a high. My coach (and Strides for Strength co-founder) Erin programmed this spicy workout: 4-mile warm-up → 15 min @ 7:20 → 10 min rest → 15 min @ 6:45 (!!) → 2-mile cool down.
When I first saw it? I almost 💩 my pants.
For context: I ran my first marathon in 5:30:xx. The idea of holding anything in the 6:xx range is NEW TERRITORY. But we’ve been chipping away at it all off-season.
Here is what worked for me this off season..
Lifting 2-3 days/week (mostly 3—YAY ME!)
Maintaining weekly mileage around 25-35 miles (sometimes less, hardly ever more)
Sleeping 8-9 hours a night, no alarms, just sleepy queen vibes
Running later in the day for daylight & warmer temps
Finding joy in treadmill running while reading my Kindle (never saw that one coming)
What didn't go so well..
Hot yoga once a week like I said I would (oops)
Feeling guilty for not “working harder”
Struggling to enjoy running outside in the cold (winter girlie, I am not)
So meeting my favorite off season version of me feels a little like this..
She’s more relaxed. Detached from the outcome.
She runs at 7AM or 5PM, whenever it fits.
She sleeps in, rarely sets an alarm.
Yet, she feels her strongest physically.
She awkwardly tries new moves in the gym getting familiar with new equipment.
She lifts heavy.
She tries new paces—no pressure, no expectations.
She thinks about her next big goal but stays patient.
Some tips for you to make the most of YOUR off season:
Redefine success – Instead of focusing on race goals, think about overall health, longevity, and the ability to say YES to any challenge.
Listen to your body – Some days will be strong, some won’t. Honor what you need.
Strength train with intention – Use the extra time to build power, not just maintain mileage.
Create NEW routines – Try new workout styles, different run times, or even activities outside of running.
Give yourself GRACE – The off-season is about balance. Rest and effort can (and should) coexist.
And now? It’s time to build again. Let’s go, Grandma’s Marathon 2025. 🏃♀️
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