While cheering for athletes at an event, we love it when athletes give us a little love for our efforts. In fact, for just a little bit of love, we'll give you a whole lot more. I was reminded of this in a few separate occasions.
Last year while at Tri Del Sol a spectator who had been cheering for everyone who went by said something like, "I don't even know why I bother, nobody seems to care." What he was referring to was that none of the athletes gave back a wave, smile, nod, or gave him any recognition for his clapping and cheering efforts. Of course he was standing very close to the finish line and many were busy pumping their arms and sprinting for all they were worth and simply didn't have it in them to acknowldege the crowd.
Now, I'm not suggesting as atheletes that we need to acknowledge every spectator who cheers for us along the way of an event, that would be neither practical nor logical in many instances. However, giving a little love now and again in the form of a smile, a nod, a wave, a fist pump, or even a random high five can make a spectator's day and help them to feel appreciated.
Here's an example of getting more than you are giving as an athlete. While at the Boston Marathon this year, my friend Jim and I cheered on everyone who went by while we were waiting for our ultimate cheering opportunity when our wives went by. Anyway, if somebody were to wave or nod...well, they got more and louder cheers. This was especially true for those who had their names displayed. If we could read their names off their shirts, for example, we would yell or chant his or her name with words of encouragement. Our cheering would go something like this: "Bill, let's go Bill!" At this point we would move our eyes to the next set of people to cheer for. However, if Bill were to wave, nod, smile, or whatever, one of us would continue to yell something like, "Yeah Bill! Go get 'em Bill! That's the stuff Bill! Yeah!!!" Furthermore, this yelling would likely be louder and more enthusiastic than the initial cheers because it was apparent that he appreciated it. Our additional cheers almost always put a smile on the athlete's face. This was not a conscious thing that Jim and I did...or the other spectators for that matter, but it happened because it fired us up that somebody realized we existed and that they wanted us to cheer for them.
A third example is on the other side of the coin. While racing the Rev3, Olympic distance triathlon in Knoxville, TN this year I noticed a similar trend when I would give a subtle nod, smile, or wave to those cheering for us. I also made a point to pump my fists and smile while running down the finish shoot. I noticed the cheers louder again. I was pumped, in turn the spectators were pumped. People want to be pumped because they (we) get tired of seeing a steady stream of non-responsive atheletes...give us somehting man! However, we athletes need to show the spectators that we're up for it too. Granted, if I was in a sprint finish with somebody at Rev3, I wasn't going to be doing any fist pumping except in efforts to crank my arms and move my legs.
This giving of love is true of volunteers on the course as well, but I think more of us think to thank the volunteers than we think to acknowledge spectators. However, back to the volunteers. If you can help it, if there are kids volunteering, take the water (or whatever) from them. This will do at least a couple of things. One, it will make a little boy or girl's day and make them feel worthwhile. Two it may inspire the boy or girl to either return to volunteer or to participate in an event in the future. A high five to a kid can go a long way as well.
So, the next time you are out there competing, test out my theory. Wave, smile, nod, and see that not only are you giving back to those who have taken the time and energy to cheer for you, but they will give even more back to you.
Rock on...
My Book
Find at Amazon.com
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Book Review...The Barefoot Running Book, By Jason Robillard
The following is written to the author of The Barefoot Running Book, a practical guide to the art & science of barefoot & minimalist shoe runningBy Jason Robillard. He did a great job writing about his passion. The following is from the back of his book, "Jason Robillard is a barefoot ultra-marathon runner from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been running barefoot since 1992 and racing barefoot since 2005. He has participated in races ranging from 5k road races to 100 mile trail races. Jason is also the owner and director of Barefoot Running University and The Ultramarathon Store." (http://jasonrobillard.com)
I highly recommend Jason's book if you are interested in barefoot running. My review of his book (written to him)is below:
In true barefoot-running-disciple fashion, you have proclaimed the gospel of barefoot running from the mountaintop in a fairly convincing manner. Furthermore, your approach to introducing the concept is neither aggressive, nor pushy. Starting out by providing the rationale for barefoot running is wise because I’m sure that is the most frequently asked question. Why in heck would you want to do that? After addressing this issue, your sequence is logical, informative, and entertaining. However, I’m not sold that barefoot running is for everyone.
The outline of how to get started is well done, but I felt like it left me hanging. It would have been helpful to explain or provide examples for how to handle it when it isn’t going well. Arguably you noted stopping and waiting for pain and/or discomfort to subside before starting up again and to continue to move forward in the gradual manner in which you have provided. The reason this is concerning for somebody like me is that if I were to experience pain or discomfort that I didn’t previously have I would likely attribute it to barefoot running (the new variable). I would need a safety net or a support group almost to proceed without serious reservation or giving it up altogether.
It would also have been interesting to have had “testimonials” from some who tried barefoot running, but found it wasn’t for them and to explain why it didn’t. This might illustrate that it just might not be for everyone. There are certainly exceptions to every rule. Of course you would need to subscribe to the exception principle.
Another aspect of barefoot converts that has me skeptical is the revelations that seem all too simple. For example, when I hear an example like from the Runner’s World article, Barefoot Running (February 2010 issue): Ken Bob Saxton noted, “When I ran my first marathon, I wore shoes, and I got such bad blisters that I had to walk the last six or seven miles. My toenails all turned black and fell off.”
Well, is it possible that this could be a case of poor footwear choice? Could this have happened because the shoes were ill-fitting? Could it be that your socks were in a bunch? My point is that it just seems too simple to point at the shoes as being the cause of the problem when there are other variables to consider. If this led to a life of blissful barefoot running, that’s wonderful, but please acknowledge that the problems may not have been exclusively attributed to wearing shoes.
In the same article noted above, the following was posed, “In Born to Run, Chris McDougall argues that modern-day running shoes have done nothing to prevent injuries and that barefoot running might be the answer.” Dr. Kevin Kirby, D.P.M., responded as follows, “I’ve been running for 40 years, and I lecture on biomechanics internationally, and I just don’t think we have any studies to support that.”
With regard to injury, I don’t believe barefoot running makes one immune to running injuries, as some advocates for barefoot running will have you believe. Running barefoot simply makes you susceptible to different types of injuries. Whether you run shod or barefoot, the simple act of running provides the potential for becoming injured.
I believe that bodies are adaptable and most people have adapted to footwear from a very early age. Therefore, wearing shoes for most, is more “natural” (and I use that word loosely understanding that we are not born with shoes on our feet) than not wearing shoes. Therefore, wearing running shoes is not an Unnatural thing for most of us to do regardless of our activity.
Although you have presented a wonderfully written, user-friendly guide to getting started with barefoot running, I don’t believe it is the end-all, be-all for everyone. Having said that, I do believe barefoot running is exactly what some people need. I simply think there are too many different body types and needs to say shod running or barefoot running is superior to the other. I think they both have their merits and shortcomings. However, I think if more people attempted barefoot running and genuinely gave barefoot running its proper due, we would discover that it is for more of us than previously suspected, or at least a palatable alternative to shod running.
So, barefoot running certainly has its place, as does shod running. Neither in my mind is a better alternative. However, I don’t think it’s a matter of “choosing your poison” as much as being smart in your approach to running…in whatever modality you happen to choose.
Thank you for writing a well written book Jason. You have got my attention and I feel as though I have been given an opportunity to look through your window, which already has opened my door…a little…to barefoot running.
Sam Wilkinson, shod triathlete
I highly recommend Jason's book if you are interested in barefoot running. My review of his book (written to him)is below:
In true barefoot-running-disciple fashion, you have proclaimed the gospel of barefoot running from the mountaintop in a fairly convincing manner. Furthermore, your approach to introducing the concept is neither aggressive, nor pushy. Starting out by providing the rationale for barefoot running is wise because I’m sure that is the most frequently asked question. Why in heck would you want to do that? After addressing this issue, your sequence is logical, informative, and entertaining. However, I’m not sold that barefoot running is for everyone.
The outline of how to get started is well done, but I felt like it left me hanging. It would have been helpful to explain or provide examples for how to handle it when it isn’t going well. Arguably you noted stopping and waiting for pain and/or discomfort to subside before starting up again and to continue to move forward in the gradual manner in which you have provided. The reason this is concerning for somebody like me is that if I were to experience pain or discomfort that I didn’t previously have I would likely attribute it to barefoot running (the new variable). I would need a safety net or a support group almost to proceed without serious reservation or giving it up altogether.
It would also have been interesting to have had “testimonials” from some who tried barefoot running, but found it wasn’t for them and to explain why it didn’t. This might illustrate that it just might not be for everyone. There are certainly exceptions to every rule. Of course you would need to subscribe to the exception principle.
Another aspect of barefoot converts that has me skeptical is the revelations that seem all too simple. For example, when I hear an example like from the Runner’s World article, Barefoot Running (February 2010 issue): Ken Bob Saxton noted, “When I ran my first marathon, I wore shoes, and I got such bad blisters that I had to walk the last six or seven miles. My toenails all turned black and fell off.”
Well, is it possible that this could be a case of poor footwear choice? Could this have happened because the shoes were ill-fitting? Could it be that your socks were in a bunch? My point is that it just seems too simple to point at the shoes as being the cause of the problem when there are other variables to consider. If this led to a life of blissful barefoot running, that’s wonderful, but please acknowledge that the problems may not have been exclusively attributed to wearing shoes.
In the same article noted above, the following was posed, “In Born to Run, Chris McDougall argues that modern-day running shoes have done nothing to prevent injuries and that barefoot running might be the answer.” Dr. Kevin Kirby, D.P.M., responded as follows, “I’ve been running for 40 years, and I lecture on biomechanics internationally, and I just don’t think we have any studies to support that.”
With regard to injury, I don’t believe barefoot running makes one immune to running injuries, as some advocates for barefoot running will have you believe. Running barefoot simply makes you susceptible to different types of injuries. Whether you run shod or barefoot, the simple act of running provides the potential for becoming injured.
I believe that bodies are adaptable and most people have adapted to footwear from a very early age. Therefore, wearing shoes for most, is more “natural” (and I use that word loosely understanding that we are not born with shoes on our feet) than not wearing shoes. Therefore, wearing running shoes is not an Unnatural thing for most of us to do regardless of our activity.
Although you have presented a wonderfully written, user-friendly guide to getting started with barefoot running, I don’t believe it is the end-all, be-all for everyone. Having said that, I do believe barefoot running is exactly what some people need. I simply think there are too many different body types and needs to say shod running or barefoot running is superior to the other. I think they both have their merits and shortcomings. However, I think if more people attempted barefoot running and genuinely gave barefoot running its proper due, we would discover that it is for more of us than previously suspected, or at least a palatable alternative to shod running.
So, barefoot running certainly has its place, as does shod running. Neither in my mind is a better alternative. However, I don’t think it’s a matter of “choosing your poison” as much as being smart in your approach to running…in whatever modality you happen to choose.
Thank you for writing a well written book Jason. You have got my attention and I feel as though I have been given an opportunity to look through your window, which already has opened my door…a little…to barefoot running.
Sam Wilkinson, shod triathlete
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Jef Mallett's Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete
In some ways I approached reading Jef Mallett's book, Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete similarly to how I approach a triathlon. I ordered it (registered), I was prepared for his writing style through reading his columns in Triathlete Magazine and one of his Frazz books (trained), then when I read it, I enjoyed the experience (raced). Ok, that's a little dramatic, but I'm just sayin'.
If you are a triathlete, reading this book is a no brainer...do it because you'll like it. If you are not a triathlete but have even a remote interest in triathlon reading this book is still a no brainer...do it because you like it AND you will learn from it. If you are related to or involved with a triathlete reading this book is also a no brainer...do it because you will like it, you will learn from it, AND you will laugh because Mallett is talking about your significant other in a way you thought nobody else would understand.
According to dictionary.com, an addiction is "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma". Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that my self-proclaimed addiction to triathlon results in "severe trauma" but my belief that it is some form of socially acceptable "neurosis" is supported by Mallett's own observations and experiences which he shares throughout his book.
There are many great passages that struck me upside the head because they were painfully obvious. By the way, have a highlighter in your hand when you read this book. I didn't and wish I had. Anyway, here is an example which speaks very loudly to me regarding my current reality in the sport I love. It is in reference to motivation for racing and participating in triathlon:
"I don't believe any one person races for any single reason, nor does anyone's motivational matrix match the next one's, nor even his or her own a day later. But there are a few common threads at the more important seams, none so strong as pure force of habit. I've been doing this so long I can't imagine not doing it, and when my other motives fail me, that's the cable that holds it together."
I could go on and on and note my "That's what I'M talkin' about" moments, but you will certainly find your own. If you are a triathlete, don't get this from the library, buy it, highlight in it, share it, and enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing our world Jef. Well done!
Sources:
www.dictionary.com
Mallett, Jef, Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete (2009, Velopress)
For information on purchasing: www.velopress.com
If you are a triathlete, reading this book is a no brainer...do it because you'll like it. If you are not a triathlete but have even a remote interest in triathlon reading this book is still a no brainer...do it because you like it AND you will learn from it. If you are related to or involved with a triathlete reading this book is also a no brainer...do it because you will like it, you will learn from it, AND you will laugh because Mallett is talking about your significant other in a way you thought nobody else would understand.
According to dictionary.com, an addiction is "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma". Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that my self-proclaimed addiction to triathlon results in "severe trauma" but my belief that it is some form of socially acceptable "neurosis" is supported by Mallett's own observations and experiences which he shares throughout his book.
There are many great passages that struck me upside the head because they were painfully obvious. By the way, have a highlighter in your hand when you read this book. I didn't and wish I had. Anyway, here is an example which speaks very loudly to me regarding my current reality in the sport I love. It is in reference to motivation for racing and participating in triathlon:
"I don't believe any one person races for any single reason, nor does anyone's motivational matrix match the next one's, nor even his or her own a day later. But there are a few common threads at the more important seams, none so strong as pure force of habit. I've been doing this so long I can't imagine not doing it, and when my other motives fail me, that's the cable that holds it together."
I could go on and on and note my "That's what I'M talkin' about" moments, but you will certainly find your own. If you are a triathlete, don't get this from the library, buy it, highlight in it, share it, and enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing our world Jef. Well done!
Sources:
www.dictionary.com
Mallett, Jef, Trizophrenia, Inside the Minds of a Triathlete (2009, Velopress)
For information on purchasing: www.velopress.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Do Fundraising and Multisport Really Mix?
First of all, please understand I am all for raising money for a cause. This is noble and appropriate. People raise money for all kinds of worthy causes and in all kinds of interesting ways. I have not raised money for a specific cause in a long time, but I support several causes through my financial contributions. Furthermore, I have started donating blood. I've donated several times this year, and this being my first year donating.
Now, I've been running for a long time, but have been doing triathlon longer. When I started running and doing triathlon I don't recall either of these things being huge fund raising activities. I do recall them being platforms for competing and participating, and for being active however. They still are around for these reasons, but not exclusively.
Having said this, I'm not saying there is no room for people to participate and raise money for a cause in the process. Where my problem comes in is that there is now such an influx of fund raising opportunities that capitalize on endurance events. Understand however,in and of itself, this is NOT the problem. This is only part of the problem FOR ME. It's a problem because I start to feel a little guilty for competing and participating solely for the purpose of competing and participating when so many are using these events as fund raising opportunities. Fortunately, this is NOT an overwelming feeling and I don't dwell on it, and I don't lose sleep over it. I know it is perfectly acceptable to go to a triathlon, or the like, and simply compete or participate. In fact, at its core, this is what the events are for.
It may appear that there is a simple and obvious solution to rid me of the guilt I have and it follows the adage, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em". Of course I'm not trying to "beat 'em" but "joining 'em" isn't as simple as it may seem. You see, at this point, after having done swimming, cycling, and running for so long for the purpose of competing and participating and finding complete joy in this, I have a hard time asking for money to do what I love. It seems this would be similar to me(a third grade teacher) collecting money for a cause (in addition to my normal wage) for teaching students. I would expect somebody to say, "You are going to be doing that anyway, so what's the big deal?"
It seems to me that if I'm going to be doing a "feat" of some kind and using it to raise money, I should be doing something extraordinary. For me to raise money using swimming, cycling, or running for ME is not extraordinary by itself. On the other hand, if a person who has never done a marathon (or 5k for that matter) announces that s/he is going to do one of these to raise money for (insert charity here), that carries way more meaning than for me to do that because it's what I already do.
I have thought about this...more then I would like to admit. On some level, I would like to raise money for a cause by doing a triathlon, but agian, it seems silly to me for the reasons noted above.
One thing I have considered is to do an iron distance triathlon (2.4mi swim/112 mi bike/26.2 mi run), but to do it across Gun Lake (a large local lake in our community), cycle around Barry County (the county in which we live), and run from one point to finish in the Middleville High School football/track stadium in efforts to raise money for books for our school's library, or money for playground equipment, or whatever the schools need. This to me seems interesting and out of the ordinary. In this way, I'm using the skills I have and but I'm using them in a more extraordinary circumstance.
Again, I am not saying people should not use swimming, cycling, running, or triathlon to raise money, I'm just saying, it doesn't feel right for ME. So, I'll continue to support causes and the people supporting causes through these events, but I can't justify me raising money to do something I love unless, as mentioned above, I do it with a twist to make it more interesting.
Now, I've been running for a long time, but have been doing triathlon longer. When I started running and doing triathlon I don't recall either of these things being huge fund raising activities. I do recall them being platforms for competing and participating, and for being active however. They still are around for these reasons, but not exclusively.
Having said this, I'm not saying there is no room for people to participate and raise money for a cause in the process. Where my problem comes in is that there is now such an influx of fund raising opportunities that capitalize on endurance events. Understand however,in and of itself, this is NOT the problem. This is only part of the problem FOR ME. It's a problem because I start to feel a little guilty for competing and participating solely for the purpose of competing and participating when so many are using these events as fund raising opportunities. Fortunately, this is NOT an overwelming feeling and I don't dwell on it, and I don't lose sleep over it. I know it is perfectly acceptable to go to a triathlon, or the like, and simply compete or participate. In fact, at its core, this is what the events are for.
It may appear that there is a simple and obvious solution to rid me of the guilt I have and it follows the adage, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em". Of course I'm not trying to "beat 'em" but "joining 'em" isn't as simple as it may seem. You see, at this point, after having done swimming, cycling, and running for so long for the purpose of competing and participating and finding complete joy in this, I have a hard time asking for money to do what I love. It seems this would be similar to me(a third grade teacher) collecting money for a cause (in addition to my normal wage) for teaching students. I would expect somebody to say, "You are going to be doing that anyway, so what's the big deal?"
It seems to me that if I'm going to be doing a "feat" of some kind and using it to raise money, I should be doing something extraordinary. For me to raise money using swimming, cycling, or running for ME is not extraordinary by itself. On the other hand, if a person who has never done a marathon (or 5k for that matter) announces that s/he is going to do one of these to raise money for (insert charity here), that carries way more meaning than for me to do that because it's what I already do.
I have thought about this...more then I would like to admit. On some level, I would like to raise money for a cause by doing a triathlon, but agian, it seems silly to me for the reasons noted above.
One thing I have considered is to do an iron distance triathlon (2.4mi swim/112 mi bike/26.2 mi run), but to do it across Gun Lake (a large local lake in our community), cycle around Barry County (the county in which we live), and run from one point to finish in the Middleville High School football/track stadium in efforts to raise money for books for our school's library, or money for playground equipment, or whatever the schools need. This to me seems interesting and out of the ordinary. In this way, I'm using the skills I have and but I'm using them in a more extraordinary circumstance.
Again, I am not saying people should not use swimming, cycling, running, or triathlon to raise money, I'm just saying, it doesn't feel right for ME. So, I'll continue to support causes and the people supporting causes through these events, but I can't justify me raising money to do something I love unless, as mentioned above, I do it with a twist to make it more interesting.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
FOCUS
So while I was riding today with tired legs and the memory of the lower-leg pain I experienced yesterday that had me walking at mile 9.5 of my 12.5 mile run, and my recent thought of attempting to get into the Cedar Point, Rev3, full-iron distance triathlon, I realized I am insane.
I would need help from GU to justify my iron distance challenge because I am already registered for a different event (TAWAS 1/2 iron distance) on the same day and if GU did not have a comp entry available, I couldn't justify eating the registration fee for the other event, paying a fee for canceling my camping reservation, and then paying $500+ for a different event...yadda, yadda, yadda.
As it turned out, GU had no comp entries to offer. I put it out there, but it came back as negatory...nope...too late. While I waited for the response from GU, I told Maggie that I was actually more fearful that I could get in than I was about being turned down. If I got in, my whole thinking would shift for the remainder of the summer for how I approached the rest of my season and my focus would be the iron distance.
I learned that I need to smell the provebial roses. I've thought about doing the Timberman 1/2 Ironman for years. I'm registered to do this event, I have a hotel set up, I'm looking forward to it like heck, but apparently not giving it its proper due. Shame on ME!
How could I do that? It's just disrespectful. It's disrespectful to the event and it's disrespectful of me. SHEESH!! FOCUS MAN!!!
I'm a triathlon junkie. I recognize this. I can't help myself but to think of my next workout...my next race...my next season...my next bigger, better triathlon...thing. However, I still need to respect the NOW.
This weekend I will be doing the National 24-Hour Challenge cycling event where I will be attempting to ride over 200 miles. I'm excited about this. I need to focus on this. Yes, it is a piece of the triathlon puzzle, but I need to appreciate it for itself, in and of itself, and I will.
I didn't get into the Rev3 full-iron distance event because I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO! I'm supposed to honor my commitment mentally, phyically, and emotionally to the TIMBERMAN, IRONMAN 70.3. This is my race. This is my event. This should not be overshadowed by anything else this season...nor will it be.
FOCUS...
The Timberman Ironman 70.3 (aka 1/2 Ironman) is a classic event. I've drooled over the possibility of traveling east to New Hampshire and putting my best foot forward on this course. This is my year to do it. This is what I embraced as my focus for my 2010, in addition to doing shorter/faster races leading up to it.
If this rambling isn't enough to prove my insanity, well...that's ok, I know where I stand and my focus is clear.
Peace.
I would need help from GU to justify my iron distance challenge because I am already registered for a different event (TAWAS 1/2 iron distance) on the same day and if GU did not have a comp entry available, I couldn't justify eating the registration fee for the other event, paying a fee for canceling my camping reservation, and then paying $500+ for a different event...yadda, yadda, yadda.
As it turned out, GU had no comp entries to offer. I put it out there, but it came back as negatory...nope...too late. While I waited for the response from GU, I told Maggie that I was actually more fearful that I could get in than I was about being turned down. If I got in, my whole thinking would shift for the remainder of the summer for how I approached the rest of my season and my focus would be the iron distance.
I learned that I need to smell the provebial roses. I've thought about doing the Timberman 1/2 Ironman for years. I'm registered to do this event, I have a hotel set up, I'm looking forward to it like heck, but apparently not giving it its proper due. Shame on ME!
How could I do that? It's just disrespectful. It's disrespectful to the event and it's disrespectful of me. SHEESH!! FOCUS MAN!!!
I'm a triathlon junkie. I recognize this. I can't help myself but to think of my next workout...my next race...my next season...my next bigger, better triathlon...thing. However, I still need to respect the NOW.
This weekend I will be doing the National 24-Hour Challenge cycling event where I will be attempting to ride over 200 miles. I'm excited about this. I need to focus on this. Yes, it is a piece of the triathlon puzzle, but I need to appreciate it for itself, in and of itself, and I will.
I didn't get into the Rev3 full-iron distance event because I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO! I'm supposed to honor my commitment mentally, phyically, and emotionally to the TIMBERMAN, IRONMAN 70.3. This is my race. This is my event. This should not be overshadowed by anything else this season...nor will it be.
FOCUS...
The Timberman Ironman 70.3 (aka 1/2 Ironman) is a classic event. I've drooled over the possibility of traveling east to New Hampshire and putting my best foot forward on this course. This is my year to do it. This is what I embraced as my focus for my 2010, in addition to doing shorter/faster races leading up to it.
If this rambling isn't enough to prove my insanity, well...that's ok, I know where I stand and my focus is clear.
Peace.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Cooked, But Now Simmering
Although my times don't necessarily reflect this...I've been a bit cooked lately. I noticed it first last weekend when I went out for a nearly 60 mile ride and experienced a mild bonk at mile 43. I recovered from it on some lelel, but dipped again before I was done. Now that's just redicuouls and annoying. I cycled 70 miles the week prior with no issues. So...what the heck?
The next time I had a similar experience was when I was planning to run after school and then swim at the pool immediately following. I had a lackluster run in the way that I felt out of sorts and sluggish. I did however hit the average pace per mile I was looking for, and it was an easy pace. The stick that seemed to have broken the proverbial camel's back was when I went to the pool. I changed from running gear to swimming gear, stood there for a minute, then decided it wasn't going to happen, so I left.
Some may consider this wimping out or giving up, but I called it listening to my body. I determined that I would benefit more from the rest than from the workout.
I'm concerned that I'm a bit overtrained right now and my first efforts to right my ship involved easing up on the volume and intensity, but continuing to move forward with light training. However, I think it is time for phase two, which is to take the next two days completely off. This of course will be more challenging than my most difficult workouts.
Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous that this is in my head and I won't be sharp for next week's Double Time Triathon or that I'll drop off the grid at the National 24-Hour Challenge the week after. Of course worse yet would be that it is physical and I am not taking the right course of action and I'm sending myself into a downward spiral.
Overthinking? Panicking? Maybe. Listening and responding? Yes. Moving forward hopefully? Absolutely.
The next time I had a similar experience was when I was planning to run after school and then swim at the pool immediately following. I had a lackluster run in the way that I felt out of sorts and sluggish. I did however hit the average pace per mile I was looking for, and it was an easy pace. The stick that seemed to have broken the proverbial camel's back was when I went to the pool. I changed from running gear to swimming gear, stood there for a minute, then decided it wasn't going to happen, so I left.
Some may consider this wimping out or giving up, but I called it listening to my body. I determined that I would benefit more from the rest than from the workout.
I'm concerned that I'm a bit overtrained right now and my first efforts to right my ship involved easing up on the volume and intensity, but continuing to move forward with light training. However, I think it is time for phase two, which is to take the next two days completely off. This of course will be more challenging than my most difficult workouts.
Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous that this is in my head and I won't be sharp for next week's Double Time Triathon or that I'll drop off the grid at the National 24-Hour Challenge the week after. Of course worse yet would be that it is physical and I am not taking the right course of action and I'm sending myself into a downward spiral.
Overthinking? Panicking? Maybe. Listening and responding? Yes. Moving forward hopefully? Absolutely.
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