I have a lot of time to think while I'm training. A LOT. Some people ask me how I pass the time and what I do while all alone. I think about many things: what race day will be like, how I'm feeling physically, how my energy is and should I stop to eat, how my to-do list is coming along, what the upcoming week has in store.
I also compose future blog posts. I wait for inspiration and then run (no pun intended) with it. This past weekend, what struck me is that I'm far enough along in training that I'm experiencing new things daily. And yet at the same time, all of this feels terribly familiar. Follow me on a reflection of "the more things change, the more they stay the same."
What's familiar. Soreness and fatigue are the norm nowadays. What's new. The soreness and fatigue are located solely in my muscles, not my joints. And it's mostly gone the next day.
What's familar. I live for movement, the more the better, the longer the better. So this training schedule is right up my alley. I'm used to spending whole days on the bike in the spring and summer. What's new. Not being particularly fond of rest days. Itching to resume training the next day. And feeling sluggish when I do. What's also new. Sustaining this high volume day after day, week after week. I probably won't be able to sleep in without setting an alarm until June 27th. I miss that.
What's new. I simultaneously am the most tired I've ever been and feel better than I ever have. This time last year, I would have regularly favored sleeping an extra hour over getting up well before dawn to make it to the gym. With this goal comes a remarkable focus. I've always been goal-driven, but my previous efforts pale in comparison to this year's Big Event.
What's familiar. I've long been fascinated with how my body works and have been careful to take care of it. What's new. From all of my reading, my massage therapy, working with my coach, and now with my muscle activation sessions, I have learned more about how this is all possible and am infintely more fascinated with the strength and resilience of the human body.
Forgive me as I sound like a broken record. Muscle activation continues to be my saving grace. I had my third session with BJ this weekend and it came not a moment too soon. The day prior, I awoke to the entire left side of my upper back and neck on strike. It was painful even to pick things up. Lo and behold, my left upper back and neck were not the culprit. Rather, as BJ explained, my right side had decided to take the week off, leaving my left with no choice but to do double duty. I'm happy to report both sides are working in concert once again and I had a terrific weekend of some pretty tough workouts.
On that note, on to the week's totals.
Total time = 13:15
Total mileage = 129.00
Swim = 3:00, 4.50
Bike = 6:45, 111.00
Run = 2:15, 13.50
Other = 1:15
That's all I got. Off to bed, to get up and do it all again tomorrow.
Jen,
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to read this. I think it really means you're right in the thick of it, you know? The race is still far enough away that there are probably days you feel sort of like, "When is this thing gonna happen?" But then it will be over before you know it. I'm so glad the MAT is still helping you. I know it will continue to make you stronger! You're a rock star!!