November here in SE Michigan represents the end of the serious training and racing season. Most runners likely ran their targeted destination half or full marathon in mid to late October, or at the latest, the first weekend in November. November now allows them to "dial back" their training and give their body and more importantly, their mind some well-deserved time off. But that’s not all.

November brings the opportunity to simply run for pure pleasure and without the mental strain of feeling the necessity to adhere to a specified training plan or goal. Few runs are better than when Mother Nature provides an unexpected, beautiful day and you are able to go out and enjoy a scenic relaxing run. Then there are those days when life simply gets in the way. A busy personal and/or work calendar requires your attention and you don't run. But neither do you feel any shame in missing a run too!

Discover a new path or trail to run along.

Following a summer and fall of training that included many long runs, challenging tempo paced runs, and of course races. It’s time to simply “dial down” your mind and body. In doing this, runners often become afraid of losing their fitness. Runners need to learn that taking some time off actually will be more beneficial to them than continuing to train as normal. I believe November is the best month of the year to do this too!

Runners can not only maintain their fitness levels but also regain their passion for the sport and avoid becoming stale. One of the best ways to avoid any mental staleness while also maintaining fitness, is to introduce newness. This could mean not even running but perhaps doing any other activity that requires some level of endurance. The obvious ones include, swimming, hiking, biking. The less obvious ones may include, tennis, rowing, or simple taking the dog on longer walks. One of my favorites is for a faster, race motivated runner, to run with a running friend who you never run with simply because your training paces are so different! This requires the faster runner to slow down, which in all likelihood is also very beneficial for the faster runner.

But if runners are set on continuing some level of running then options such as, doing a trail run, driving to another nearby area to run a route new to you, entering a race at the very last minute, or even taking a “run-cation” for the purposes of running and not racing.

Of course, the most popular alternative event a runner can choose to do in November is to participate in a local Turkey Trot race! Again, perhaps choose a turkey trot event that you have never experienced before, or include family members to race alongside with you. This also helps to eliminate any form of guilt due to overeating on Thanksgiving too.

Take time to appreciate the unique scenery along your way.

November is also a time when runners retain their fitness, re-charge their brain cells, and enjoy the opportunity to "run simple".

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to your comments, feedback, and be sure to check back in a few weeks to learn about “December Running”. Hint, it will likely surprise you!

Thanks again.

Coach Lee