Today I gave my body the day off in anticipation of tomorrow’s 11-miler.  I wish I could say that my mind followed suit.

It was just another early Saturday morning, waking and prepping for my kids’ final swim meet of the season.  I sleepily went through the motions, gulping coffee in an attempt to rouse my sluggish brain.  I should have left well enough alone.  I should have let the old girl rest.  Because when she came to, she was a total beast.

If my earlier posts haven’t made you question my mental state, this one will probably convince you that I am completely batty, cuckoo, screwy and off my rocker.  My mind and I have a slippery relationship.  At times she is my number one fan.  Today she was my biggest critic.

You don’t really need a day off.

You might not want to eat that.

You think 11 miles is a lot? Just wait.

You’re going to lose your edge if you sit around on your ass all day.

See what I have to deal with? Jeez.  In reality I know that most people have internal conversations about all sorts of things.  I am not the only person in the world sometimes plagued by self doubt.  While I’ve learned over the years that having such thoughts is normal, I also don’t have to believe everything I think.     

“Rest days with little or no exercise are an important part of your training program.  Yet, some people feel guilty if they don’t train every day.  They fear becoming unfit, fat, and lazy if they miss a day of training.  Rest enhances the recovery process, reduces risk of injury, and invests in future performance.  To replace depleted glycogen stores completely, the muscles may need up to two days of rest with no exercise and a high-carbohydrate diet.  True athletes plan days with no exercise.”  Nancy Clark, MS, RD

A very compelling argument for taking it easy and for eating pasta.  I think I almost have her convinced.