I am a huge proponent of time away from specific training and /or just changing up the scenery completely.  Maybe its my own head that needs it or life getting busier or probably both but my last break from any regular focused training was ~10 months. Upon returning from NYC Marathon and amidst a busy kids hockey schedule I actually began a hockey type training program, my head was in the game and i needed a change up anyway. So i spent the winter and spring training with heavy weeights and doing x-fits. I know this inconsistency in my specific running may not drop me down to a 2:35 from a 2:43 marathon time, or maybe it can and that's what i plan to find out. I am a big believer in athleticism, a word i read again  in Jay Johnsons article. To much of one thing leads to injuries, running is so 1 dimensional yet it is this 1 dimensional development that leads to body breakdown and injuries. It was a slow start at the beginning of September, with  10 km time 2 minutes slower then last fall. I was instantly filled with a lot of doubt, have i gone to far this time?But over the weeks now, while still not setting any speed records my body feels extremely good and strong quickly finding 15 mile long runs very comfortable. While I am back at running now I will continue to incorporate 1 to 2 run specific strength training sessions per week with my 3 to 4 runs and am confident this will be the recipe for strong , consistent training through the spring, my sub 2:40 at 40 yrs old and success in the Trans Rockies Run Race in August. I hope to find the time to keep this better updated with how this routine is going.