By CHRISTOPHER McCLINTOCK
For Brentwood Home Page

The race is over . . . Now what?

Here in Nashville we just had our Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon, and it was four months of consistent and dedicated training. Now that it’s over there are always mixed emotions, as with any race. As a late teen or in my early 20s I would look forward to possibly sleeping in on a Saturday or being a bum all day, but that is not how most of us endurance athletes think anymore. My world view is, now all of a sudden there is nothing to do on a Saturday morning, no group meeting, no camaraderie, no endorphin kick, no guilt-free, post-run pancakes.

Never fear, I have the solution! You have a new level of fitness, and here is how to take full advantage of what your body can do whether for the t-Shirt, running high, social enjoyment or to reach a new personal best.

1.  Sign up for your next race. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a race morning be it a 5K, 10K or destination Half Marathon. Have you ever done a race in Vegas? Or on an island?

2.  Try something new. There is a world of endurance sports out there from triathlon and duathlon to trail running and novelty races. You could enter any beginner-style race of any sort at this point and do well with your current fitness level. There are all kinds of adventure races popping up that combine obstacles and running and urban scavenger hunts. 

3.  Set the next goal. Could you improve your running through extra strength training or agility drills? The best way to set your next goal or take your fitness to the next level would be to get a fitness assessment that would evaluate your current fitness abilities. After your diagnostic you could outline your potential to improve.

And by the way . . . if you're serious about taking your health and fitness to the next level, why not take advantage of our FREE Fitness Consultation at Personal Best (an $65 value)? During this consult, you'll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that's tailored to YOUR body. There's no obligation and it's totally and completely free.

We are here to help you reach your Personal Best.