In a post a few weeks ago I mentioned that I was straying from my tri teams training plan and coaching myself for the last several weeks leading up to Eagleman since that race was not on our team calendar. The team is focused on another 70.3 that takes place in mid-July which gives me a few more weeks of not being on the team training plan and here is what I plan to do...
Yesterday my blogger buddy Colleen- a seasoned Ironman- did a wonderful post on the Ironman training cycle where she discusses the physical and mental "walls" that everyone hits while training for a full Ironman.
Last week my good friend Emily posted about how training for a full Ironman ain't easy. A conversation Emily and I have had many times about balancing life, training, work and other things we have going on in our lives. It's hard, and mentally and physically exhausting.
Knowing that these obstacles are going to be present in my life once Ironman training starts in late July, I decided that I am going to take the next few weeks as a mental vacation. I still plan to work out regularly and often- but without the pressure. If I feel like taking a kickboxing class (which I do- who wants to join me!?) instead of running, I am going to. I am going to go on long rides with my friends who are doing early or mid season Ironman races just to keep them company. I am racing this weekend (with a whole new race strategy- more on that later this week!) just to have fun, hang out with friends, and cheer on Amy as she rocks her first triathlon. My fitness level will stay up, my stress level will go down and I will be ready to start full Ironman training with a refreshed and positive attitude.
I think this mental vacation is exactly what I need!
Yesterday my blogger buddy Colleen- a seasoned Ironman- did a wonderful post on the Ironman training cycle where she discusses the physical and mental "walls" that everyone hits while training for a full Ironman.
Last week my good friend Emily posted about how training for a full Ironman ain't easy. A conversation Emily and I have had many times about balancing life, training, work and other things we have going on in our lives. It's hard, and mentally and physically exhausting.
Knowing that these obstacles are going to be present in my life once Ironman training starts in late July, I decided that I am going to take the next few weeks as a mental vacation. I still plan to work out regularly and often- but without the pressure. If I feel like taking a kickboxing class (which I do- who wants to join me!?) instead of running, I am going to. I am going to go on long rides with my friends who are doing early or mid season Ironman races just to keep them company. I am racing this weekend (with a whole new race strategy- more on that later this week!) just to have fun, hang out with friends, and cheer on Amy as she rocks her first triathlon. My fitness level will stay up, my stress level will go down and I will be ready to start full Ironman training with a refreshed and positive attitude.
I think this mental vacation is exactly what I need!
Great idea! Recharge those mental and physical batteries.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds awesome! You'll pick up your training schedule full of energy and excited to be doing it! And thanks for the shout out and support! So excited for this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI should send you the articles I've read on the benefits of post-exercise chocolate consumption to speed recovery. It works. You should try it this week.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great idea/plan! I love working out without the pressure. I took a mental vacation after my marathon in May! It was just what I needed to recharge - before I start training for Boston later in the year. Your body still craves the workout - but there's no pressure if you miss a day. It's really wonderful! I think you are making the right move!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! Just enjoying your workouts and doing things for fun will help you avoid burnout and make you excited for some painful/intense workouts next month :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'll ride with you anytime! Any distance. It'll be fun!
You totally deserve a break, and it'll be just what you need to get motivated when IM training gets going.
ReplyDeleteDoes said mental vacation include sitting by the pool? Margaritas?
I love this idea! I am going through a tough time right now and will actually have a post up tomorrow about it! Tri Training is hard! Esp when you are up in the HIM and IM distances!
ReplyDeleteBUT CANT WAIT FOR ROCK HALL :)
this is exactly what i am (still) doing right now, and it's totally necessary. but i'm down for lots of riding!
ReplyDeleteI think its a good idea
ReplyDeleteI think this is really smart. It's hard to keep (really) training all of the time. You know you're going to have to focus for your Ironman, so it makes a lot of sense to take a short break. I've kind of been doing this since Broad Street and I'm a little nervous about how it will be to get back to on a training plan for the Philly marathon.
ReplyDeleteGreat plan! I think it will do wonders for you :) stick with it, you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI think this a good plan and I also think its good to take a little break so you don't get burned out and hate training.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks for the shout out. Seems like that blog hit a chord with many many people just at the right time!
ReplyDeleteMental breaks are totally needed. You'll feel recharged for sure!
Mental (and physical) breaks are needed for performance enhancement, seriously they are its proven!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great plan, Lauren! I wish I was doing Rock Hall with everyone!:)
ReplyDelete