The hardest part...
I am slowly coming to the conclusion that the hardest part of training isn't the training at all. The hardest part is finding the time to get everything done...and not just the training, but other stuff, too. Things like packing for training, coordinating clothes and nutrition and hydration...or that post work-out shower. Timing really is of the essence. Especially when you often work long hours and have other commitments and actually want to maintain some glimmer of a social life.
I'm lucky to be in two different classes right now designed to push me in new ways. Without this formal structure and guidance from experienced coaches, I'd be at a great disadvantage. The cycling class has definitely made me better on the bike (which is, by and far, my weakest discipline). I'm excited to see how the past few months of bike workouts will come to fruition on my hilly race days.
The second class--this running intervals class--is pretty much a recipe for disaster. It looks like the "Run 'Till You Vomit" mindset...and I am the second slowest person in there. Most of the folks are clipping off sub-7:30 miles with ease and wanting to be in the 6:30 range. I, on the other hand...am striving for consistency on the sub-10:00 front. Me and the other BOPer, Sara, are in for a challenge this summer. Our coach has her work cut out for her. And apparently...I've got my work cut out for me, too.
I think I'm pretty fortunate to be married to someone who is going through everything right along with me. I honestly can't imagine trying to explain to your significant other that you can't do X, Y or Z because you have to go to bed before the sun just so you can wake up and do a 2 hour brick the following morning before work. Some folks just don't get the commitment, but that's okay. I really like getting to watch Mike train and go the big 140.6 before I even start toeing that type of training. I know he doesn't mind being the guinea pig. Plus it's not like he'll ever really be going at his training alone though. Sure, there are days where he has to ride 5 hours and I've only got 3 on the plan, but I'll still be out there with him...and I'll even get the privilege of setting up water stations for him along the way...and try to keep up with him for the extra company and what not.
But yeah...when there are only so many hours in the day...and sometimes, things have to drop. Like laundry. I can't remember the last time I personally did laundry (welcome to the gratuitous "My hubby rocks" section--without him, I'd probably be wearing dirty underwear inside out...okay, maybe not since that's so gross, but you get the point). And dishes? Hahahaa...my idea of doing dishes is letting them pile up in the sink as I have one foot out the door for my next training session (somewhere my mother is rolling her eyes thinking some things never change). And other times, I have to drop a mid-week run or cut back on my swimming in order to be somwhere or even for my own personal sanity.
Sometimes, something has to give...and that's okay. It's all about balance and choices.
I think Deena Kastor sums it up perfectly...
I have to admit I'm proud of the way each day this past week was tackled.
Monday - 31.8 miles on the bike (on the trainer...blech); 20 minutes yoga
Tuesday - 2300 yards
Wednesday - Cycling hills class 21.1 miles
Thursday - 4.5 miles in the running interval class
Friday - 1900 yards in the pool (3200 on the schedule, but got the boot due to a class...we'll see if I ever try to swim in the morning before work again--hah! Seriously, why is there a beginners swim class at 6:45 on a Friday morning? Go back to bed, people!)
And then tomorrow I've got an easy 10 mile run on tap...and then Sunday is a 2h15m outdoor ride. I have to get outside...have to, have to, have to...no more excuses. Galena is in 2 weeks and I'm not going to be riding the those 16.8 miles on a trainer, now am I?
Note to self: when outside, you must remember to clip out before stopping.
But I am seriously wiped out. Beyond wiped out, in fact. I think I'm going to have to start putting myself to sleep at the bedtime of a toddler. But when I'm not feeling exhausted, I usually feel ridonkulously hungry. Like I could eat an entire farm in one sitting. And when I'm not sleeping, eating, training or working...I'm usuallythinking obsessing about something triathlon-related. It's at the point where it has become ingrained in my dreams now. And for the most part, I'm okay with it. Because for now, this is the lifestyle I have chosen.
And I can't imagine it any other way.
I'm lucky to be in two different classes right now designed to push me in new ways. Without this formal structure and guidance from experienced coaches, I'd be at a great disadvantage. The cycling class has definitely made me better on the bike (which is, by and far, my weakest discipline). I'm excited to see how the past few months of bike workouts will come to fruition on my hilly race days.
The second class--this running intervals class--is pretty much a recipe for disaster. It looks like the "Run 'Till You Vomit" mindset...and I am the second slowest person in there. Most of the folks are clipping off sub-7:30 miles with ease and wanting to be in the 6:30 range. I, on the other hand...am striving for consistency on the sub-10:00 front. Me and the other BOPer, Sara, are in for a challenge this summer. Our coach has her work cut out for her. And apparently...I've got my work cut out for me, too.
I think I'm pretty fortunate to be married to someone who is going through everything right along with me. I honestly can't imagine trying to explain to your significant other that you can't do X, Y or Z because you have to go to bed before the sun just so you can wake up and do a 2 hour brick the following morning before work. Some folks just don't get the commitment, but that's okay. I really like getting to watch Mike train and go the big 140.6 before I even start toeing that type of training. I know he doesn't mind being the guinea pig. Plus it's not like he'll ever really be going at his training alone though. Sure, there are days where he has to ride 5 hours and I've only got 3 on the plan, but I'll still be out there with him...and I'll even get the privilege of setting up water stations for him along the way...and try to keep up with him for the extra company and what not.
But yeah...when there are only so many hours in the day...and sometimes, things have to drop. Like laundry. I can't remember the last time I personally did laundry (welcome to the gratuitous "My hubby rocks" section--without him, I'd probably be wearing dirty underwear inside out...okay, maybe not since that's so gross, but you get the point). And dishes? Hahahaa...my idea of doing dishes is letting them pile up in the sink as I have one foot out the door for my next training session (somewhere my mother is rolling her eyes thinking some things never change). And other times, I have to drop a mid-week run or cut back on my swimming in order to be somwhere or even for my own personal sanity.
Sometimes, something has to give...and that's okay. It's all about balance and choices.
I think Deena Kastor sums it up perfectly...
"We don't make sacrifices. If we truly love this sport and we have these goals and dreams in the sport, or in life, they're not sacrifices. They're choices that we make to fulfill these goals and dreams."
I have to admit I'm proud of the way each day this past week was tackled.
Monday - 31.8 miles on the bike (on the trainer...blech); 20 minutes yoga
Tuesday - 2300 yards
Wednesday - Cycling hills class 21.1 miles
Thursday - 4.5 miles in the running interval class
Friday - 1900 yards in the pool (3200 on the schedule, but got the boot due to a class...we'll see if I ever try to swim in the morning before work again--hah! Seriously, why is there a beginners swim class at 6:45 on a Friday morning? Go back to bed, people!)
And then tomorrow I've got an easy 10 mile run on tap...and then Sunday is a 2h15m outdoor ride. I have to get outside...have to, have to, have to...no more excuses. Galena is in 2 weeks and I'm not going to be riding the those 16.8 miles on a trainer, now am I?
Note to self: when outside, you must remember to clip out before stopping.
But I am seriously wiped out. Beyond wiped out, in fact. I think I'm going to have to start putting myself to sleep at the bedtime of a toddler. But when I'm not feeling exhausted, I usually feel ridonkulously hungry. Like I could eat an entire farm in one sitting. And when I'm not sleeping, eating, training or working...I'm usually
And I can't imagine it any other way.
Labels: Busy Busy Barbara, Sleep Deprived.
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 11:34 AM
8 Camper Comments:
Posts like this make me so happy! I have decided I HAVE to marry a triathlete, or it'll never work. LOL. I know what you mean girl...we'd be perfect training partners! Laundry? Basically I do it when I absolutely NEED to, which is why I can never catch up and always have 3+ loads to do. And dishes? Pretty much the same story hahahha. CAN'T WAIT FOR KANSAS!!! Not too much longer!
dude nice week of workouts! way to get them done!
Your week makes ME tired!
This comment has been removed by the author.
It's wonderful that you and Mike are both in the sport and able to encourage each other.
But what has impressed me about your efforts lately is how self-motivated you are. To me, the inspiration is that you know what you are doing... and why.
This is why there's a special reverance for triathletes -- the enormous time commitment to train for three different sports at once. Just make sure when you finally catch up on the laundry that you don't accidentially wash that amazing medal you'll soon be sporting.
I didn't get much training in this week. Your motivation and discipline is inspiring. I'll have to work harder. Keep it up!
Too funny....I couldn't be in a more opposite place. The idea of giving up more of my so limited free time to train is just not what I want to be right now!! Keep on getting those workouts in and race day will be a cake walk!
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