Let's do this!

no running 'til spring? i'll be interested to see how it works out.

how it works out? There is no strategy behind it. I am just taking a break. Running all year like your training just breaks the body down. I am doing something different. A different goal. That's it. There is no strategy behind the change.

strategy or not, i presume you'll start racing again after the spring - so i'm interested in seeing how you perform then vs. now

It's good to get some strength training and take a little break, work on your weak muscles so you can prevent injury. But don't totally give up running! It's so fun :)

You're the body guru! You're going to be swim suit ready by the summmma! :) Glad to see you're taking a break. I think its smart, and glad to hear Shawn cares and gives you his honest input. Good couple! Kudos for you for a healthier stronger body!

Awesome that you are taking a voluntary break. I have a friend who is a serious nutrition/personal trainer guru and she recommends basically exactly what you are saying. High intesne circuit workouts and minimal cardio. I could never do it because I basically run for my mental health. But there is no doubt in my mind that you will come back stronger. :)

Do I smell a body building competition in your future Lily? Go for it!

Melody, perhaps hhaha :)

You are going to be one ripped mama! Good luck with the lifting, I'm like Rachelle, I run for my mental health, so I couldn't give it up. I'm cutting back miles and adding some new stuff, but I couldn't give it up for good that long - Let's just say I found my perfect t-shirt at SGM: "I run so that I don't kill people" my family means too much to me :)

Keep us updated, don't shut down the blog even though you aren't running! We'll miss you too much.

Will you still blog? I'd love to hear all about your workouts!! Whatever you do you'll be great at it :)

I'm excited for your "change". I can't wait to read all about it!

I admire your bravery....I think it would do me some good to "take a break" but that only seems to happen with child birth and that isn't happening here so....I will keep running. Good for you Lily, your so smart!!!

I can see your transformation now....if it is anything like Amber Green and Anna Judd!! seriously....I think my gut is stuck protruding!! but honestly you look good so anymore will make you SPEcTACULAR!! : D

Taking a break from competitive running a few years ago and focusing more on other things (like climbing mountains) was probably one of the best things I've ever done. I came back to it 10X stronger... so will you. And mentally its a good thing as well.

I get the feeling you might find this book useful and/or interesting: http://www.amazon.com/Which-Comes-First-Cardio-Weights/dp/006200753X

I just finished reading it... I think its a great book for people who want to have a well balanced approach to exercise, diet, etc... as well as hardcore runners. Definitely worth picking up a copy.

Does this have anything to do with your friend Jen-Fit? Her story is very inspirational to me. Good luck with your new adventure.

stacie if doesn't have anything to do with her no :) The Woman who is helping me is named Lindsey Matthews. She's a certified personal trainer and meal coach. She has competed in several bikini competitions. She looks awesome.

Jake thanks for you vote of support. I really appreciate it. After thinking about it, yes I am going forward with it. However I may return to my regular running in December. I don't think I want to go quite that long without running fitness. Then I'll do what you suggested and keep volume but run slow until I incorp speed training in the early spring. That's my plan for now. Stoked. In the meantime I'm going to have fun playing around with my metabolism and lifting weights. :)

Lily here's one more thing to consider... although you said you are working with a coach and any coach worth his weight in salt would make sure of this, so it may be a mute point...

Just make sure you don't neglect weight bearing activity too much. Even when I wasn't running as much, I was on my feet (often carrying a heavy backpack!) for hours and days at a time. You can get yourself in excellent overall shape, including very strong in terms of cardiovascular fitness, but then start running again, and the pounding of running becomes a lot for your joints to handle at first. I think if you were doing things like plyos and other explosive exercises, those would likely bridge the gap during the time you weren't running and using other things (like elliptical or spinning) for cardio.

Its just something to make sure you keep in mind for when you plan to return to running... running mechanics apply a very specific loading pattern on the body, and I would hate to see you get back to it in a few months, ready to go and super fit, and then end up w/ some stupid "overuse-type" injury even though you weren't over-doing it and were actually being very smart about what you were doing!

And regardless of all that mumbo-jumbo, just have FUN no matter what you are doing!!! :-)

Jake, you're right. I thought about all of that last night. She is actually having me do 2 sprint (hiit) sessions a week. That should keep some of that weight bearing activity, and they are done outside. 40 minutes worth. The other 2 cardio days are incline walking/jogging.

Then she is worth her weight in salt! :-) That seems like a good plan to me.

My bet is that you are going to rock at this every bit as much as running. I am scared too but so excited and ready for this change. Are you going to do pics?

I agree that a break does ones body, mind, and soul good. most of us must aren't that disciplined to do it. I personally think a 6-8 week break is plenty but also think you have to do what is best for you.