The Day Off: The Dim Corner

Monday is my day off from running.  It has been my day off each week pretty consistently for a long time.  I use it as a reward during difficult times on longer weekend runs, "Just eke this out and rest Monday."  Then Monday comes.  And I want to run.  Today is no different.  The rest day is as difficult as the long run and, also, just as important.

I'm a firm believer in at least one day of rest each week.  I might get out for a walk on those days but rarely, if ever, run.  So, here I sit with a two to three hour block of nothing to do.  I'm doing just that, nothing. 

My mind hums at a lower frequency and often in darker spaces on inactive days.  Now I use tomorrow's run as my reward for my day of rest.  Rebuilding fibers, tissue, allowing previous days' training to take hold and embed strength and endurance deep into the muscle and into the mind's perception. 

I occupy the void with thoughts of races, allow my mind to wander to fast 50ks and steady 100 milers.  They'll be here soon enough and then I'll be treading the thick waters of constant challenge, aggressive competitors, and the swings of emotions from anticipation before a race to the melancholy after a race.

Monday is the anchor.  It's the time to rebuild, regenerate, and appreciate.