"There are times of year for training, and there are times of year for playing" When Training, we are focused and dedicated to a "reasonably challenging" goal and we look forward to the steps along the way. We drag ourselves out of bed on cold mornings, run back up that hill one more time, pay extra attention to our diet, ask for understanding from family and co-workers, follow a training schedule, journal, and more... In order to get the most from ourselves, remain injury free and highly motivated, we do not aspire to this level of commitment 52 weeks a year. Rather, we look forward to Playing when we still enjoy our hard-earned fitness, but don't stress over following a regimented plan or writing down the results, measure success through fun and camaraderie vs. time spent at Lactate Threshold... We sleep in on Saturday mornings (unless it's a powder day:-)) eat with slightly less concern for nutritional value, spend more time with family and work projects, renew interest in hobbies, etc. We still run, build strength, improve weaknesses, and maintain an acceptable level of fitness, but the primary focus is on re-charging the batteries in order to give 100% the next time we decide to start Training.