After a few years of events and races, I was burned out. I was upset at myself because I hit a plateau and I couldn't get myself out. Worse, with back to back events, there was no time to train or improve, so I was just rolling with the motions. I actually dreaded all the events I was participating in, because I could already forsee the results.. they would be the same, the same and the same.
It was like Groundhogs day, over and over again.
At the end of 2011, I told myself, no more races in 2012, (except for a very select, but awesome few) but I had nothing planned, (event-wise) except to cross-train, strengthen and improve. It was weird when people would ask me what events I had coming up, and I'd reply "Nothing". Then they would ask, "well then what are you training for?" and I'd answer, "Nothing."
Nearing the end of 2012, I'm quite happy I took this year off. I feel so much stronger and better. I see results when I train, and even the very select few events I did, I saw a lot of improvement even without much training.
I'm looking forward for this year to end and for 2013 to begin. I have some events lined up, and a training schedule set. But most of all, it feels great to feel excited again.
:)
happy racing!