For pretty much all of us the racing season is over except for those doing Disney. This is the time of year to let your body recover a bit by taking some time off from running. This is especially important if you run 4 or more days per week, or if you do not do any other exercise besides running. A short period of inactivity 1-2 weeks at the most is adequate. Once you go beyond this time period deconditioning will set in. It is important to realize that you will not, and should not attempt to maintain peak fitness during this time of year. Training all year round at high intensity results in over-use injuries, as well as physical and mental fatigue.

I find this to be a fantastic time of year to cross train. Indoor biking or swimming is much gentler on the joints of the legs and can still give you a great cardio workout. In addition, elliptical machines and steppers can also be utilized but are more similar to running so you do not get as much rest, or as much of the benefit of making your muscles work in a different manner. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and downhill skiing are a few other winter sports that can provide great cross training.