What I Learned During Training

Rest weeks, compartmentalization, and electrolytes

In training, and in life, I live by a simple credo: If you think it’s time to take a rest week, it’s definitely time to take a rest week. Prior to the start of a third grueling week of training for the Tamalpa Headlands 50K, I texted my coach Avery Collins and asked for rest. He immediately granted my request and reshuffled the schedule so I didn’t miss any key workouts or long runs.

Our timing was perfect because the weather burned with the heat of summer and ash from Canadian wildfires, making the air quality unsafe for heavy training. Our timing was perfect in other ways too, including trying to balance the never-ending high-wire act that is modern logistics. Other priorities simply needed to be emphasized that week, which offered a reminder that endurance training doesn’t automatically have to be the most important thing in your life.

With a refreshed body and a rejuvenated soul, I attacked the final two weeks of training with a vigor that took Avery by surprise. I have no doubt that electing to take an unplanned rest week helped unlock my potential at a critical training juncture. All of which reinforces my other recovery mantra: There is never a bad time to take a rest week.

What other valuable lessons were learned during training? Read on to find out.