Between races I mix it up a little. I will take weight training classes, Zumba or another cardio class. I also try and run at least once a week. I do drop my running significantly after a race. Also on my down time when I do run, I run about 3-4 miles at a time.
I have also set different goals each year or for a period of time. My last goal was from Thanksgiving to New Years. There actually were a small group of us. We had to run a minimum of 1 mile each and every day. We needed to post miles every day too. It helped keep us accountable. It was lots of fun. There were people that ran just the mile while there were others that ran more. We didn't run together because of life getting in the way but were there for each other when it was needed.
My first year of running, my goal was to do a minimum of one race per month. That was fun too. I think I ended up doing 12-5k's and 2 halfs. Jan, Feb, and March were hard. I ended up traveling for those ones.
My suggestion is mix it up so you don't get bored. Seek out a running group if need be. But most of all enjoy it.
I have also set different goals each year or for a period of time. My last goal was from Thanksgiving to New Years. There actually were a small group of us. We had to run a minimum of 1 mile each and every day. We needed to post miles every day too. It helped keep us accountable. It was lots of fun. There were people that ran just the mile while there were others that ran more. We didn't run together because of life getting in the way but were there for each other when it was needed.
My first year of running, my goal was to do a minimum of one race per month. That was fun too. I think I ended up doing 12-5k's and 2 halfs. Jan, Feb, and March were hard. I ended up traveling for those ones.
My suggestion is mix it up so you don't get bored. Seek out a running group if need be. But most of all enjoy it.