I'm trying not to wonder what I'll do if there isn't an "after" picture in the next few months. I'm trying very hard to use that photo as motivation to stick to my nutrition/training plan instead of fuel for the fire of my self-loathing. Bleck.
On having a partner who says things like, "I only want to try things that have worked for me before":
She was talking about finding something to soothe her unexpectedly upset tummy, but it cracked me up anyway. She's actually quite adventurous (when her innards aren't rebelling). In fact we've both talked about how we're going to have to find a balance between new tactics and what has worked in order to complete our first half iron distance tri. We know that having a plan and sticking to it is key. We also know we need to learn more about nutrition and experiment with fuel for longer distances. We know we don't want to get burned out in the "off" season, but we have to keep our aerobic base up and improve our skills. I think we're going to get really familiar with the line between confidence-building and discomfort-inducing.
On having learned to make my own sushi:
I've had three meals that were not sushi since last Saturday night when we got a sushi kit. I'm sure I need to branch out a bit, but right now it is meeting my need. I feel totally satisfied after eating. I'm not craving the soda that I gave up last Sunday. I don't feel deprived in any way.
On internalizing the mantra "sometimes training is going to suck":I've been thinking a lot on this bit of wisdom from my pal Stef. Donna constantly has to reassure me that it's ok for training to be hard. I trust myself to know the difference between the pain that comes from getting hurt and the pain that comes from pushing yourself. But...I get anxious when I push myself. It seems most other triathletes have to be kept from pushing themselves too hard. Not me. I have to keep taking away my own excuses for stopping. I have to learn not to be conservative and settle. I need to build willpower and emotional strength. This year I need to practice pushing through mental obstacles. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need that toughness come November!
That's enough rambling for now. I'm loving that my Titans won again. I hope the Dolphins play well in Toronto. Can't wait to read those race reports my friends!
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9 comments:
I know what you mean about not pushing it hard. I'm always afraid that if I do HARD stuff I may not be able to cope with the other stuff that is my life. I struggle with having enough energy to do it all as it is, without crapping myself out training!!!
But, it would seem that lately I have done some hard stuff, pushed out of my comfort zone so to speak, and I'm still alive. Sometimes tired, but nothing a good energy drink won't fix when I'm really really desperate!!!!!!
I get anxious when I push myself too! I don't like discomfort. I want to be comfortable!
Which is why one of my 2009 goals is to push myself harder during training when it's appropriate (the easy workouts are my favorite ones cause I don't have a problem with NOT pushing hard when I'm not supposed to -- lol).
Someone told me the training is designed to take you out of your comfort zone. Probably Liz.
You will find your way and be more than ready for November!
Ohhhh I'm SOOOO like this too:
"I get anxious when I push myself. It seems most other triathletes have to be kept from pushing themselves too hard. Not me."
I'm the excuse maker extraordinaire. But I think some of this has to do with my lazy tendencies as well hehe.
I think some of us have a hard time accepting when enough is enough and get injured (raises hand), but it isn't quite the same as not pushing HARD. My run coach often reminds me to get out of my comfort zone - push it a little more than I think I am capable, but not for too long. Anyway, I think you're in good company wrt not pushing it hard. :-)
I am the master at making excuses. Luckily I have some great training buddies.
I get to see the Titans when they come here to play the Texans. Sad I am looking forward to the visiting team, so sad....
Go Dolphins!! They one again!!
You definitely have to push yourself at the appropriate times in training in order for your body to adapt. One big thing when training for the 70.3 will be nutrition. When I did my long race simulation brick I realized at some point I would get sick of sucking down gels and my stomach wouldnt take any more.
Do alot of reading. Of course the magazines have lots of good info. I found the Triathletes Training Bible to have lots of great techical info. I used the Triathlete Magazine training plan book because it has training plans for every possible level.
For my first one this year, I am using a minimalist approach (no two-a-days, except for maybe on the weekend), but plan to come back to it for Miami Man.
Sushi kit eh? Yummy! I can share tons of stuff with you about half IM training if you need it. Feel free to ask :-)
I think most people prefer to remain in their comfort zones, TBH. I'm that way too, although to others it may not seem that way. (My discomfort zone is the shorter distance, faster paced stuff, which is why I'm going for the longer iron distance next year :-) At least until I'm confident my finicky hammy will hold up doing shorter faster workouts and races ...
But, yes, training does sometimes suck. Welcome to the club :-)
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