It is easy to get into a "false" sense of security about overtraining and mental burnout. I thought I was "out of the woods" until I got into the pool today and realized pushing through my swim workout would be a big mistake and I don't have time to correct mistakes.
Instead, I did 25 minutes, got out of the pool and went into the sauna.
Yesterday, I did 25 minutes straight in the sauna. Today, I could only do 15 minutes, I didn't have the mental strength to go longer. Although, I did take Johan's advice and drank from a water bottle while I was in there.
I was happy that I "aborted" my swim and sauna. Pushing through would have been a bad move. Right now I'm using my MAO training program as a "recommended suggestion" and not "the law".
Instead, it's all about "self-monitoring" and asking myself, "How do I feel? Will this workout make me stronger or weaker?"
Today, I realized I wasn't feeling it and training was "a grind". It was an easy decision to stop, "If I'm not enjoying it, I'm not doing it". I have one long bike and run before Kona and I'm not doing them until I'm looking forward to doing them.
All it takes is one or two days of rest and "Bam", I'm ready. I've looked at all the sessions left and I'm already making adjustments based on what will keep me fit and mentally optimistic. I'm actually enjoying the "free falling mid-course adjustments". It's an added challenge and I have a history of "always landing on my feet".
I read a tweet and saw a picture of Sonja, she's also doing Kona. Sonja lives in Boulder and is spending time doing everything bundled up. The photo I saw was her inside her house with a toque on. I love the idea and I'm going to start bundling up, especially before I go to bed.
This morning I was pleasantly surprised to see I was down to 185 lbs, my current "red zone" watermark. I'd be ecstatic if I could get down to 181 lbs by Kona. Sleeping in a jacket may help "cook" away the remaining fat.
Tonight, after a "news hour" snooze, Alice, Alyssa, Reid and I went to the movie Wall Street. It was not very good. The original was one of my favorite movies of all time and I was hoping "lightening would strike twice". I didn't. Don't waste your money.
I have a long ride and run planned this weekend. I'm not sure what day I'm going to do which one. It will all be by "feel". I will say that watching Ironman Kona video's are getting me in the spirit. I can't believe we are only 9 days away from arriving in Kona.
I'm still bummed that Alyssa can't come. It turns out that a family friend is going to be in Toronto the same time we're away and will be staying at our place. I'm glad she'll have some company while we're away.
The other day I got a good laugh. Reid went shopping with Alice for his upcoming "class photo" outfit and as a joke came back with an "old style" paisley shirt and bow tie. I think he's also trying to find red suspenders before they shoot next week. I love it, it'll be a photo to remember and reminds me of my grade 7 class photo, except I wasn't wearing that shirt as a joke.
Finally, for those that are doing an Ironman for the first time or looking for motivation to do one. Check out http://201ironman.blogspot.com/ You can read many Ironman stories and advice. It's a great site for inspiration. My story and advice is also included, click here.
Swim- 25:20 / 1150 meters
Sauna - 15 minutes
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4 comments:
Thanks for not letting me soend $ on Wall Street. Bummer, I was hoping it would be good.
That shirt is so funny.
Loved your entry into 210Ironman site - I am trying to be a like a sponge and your entry was awesome.
Take the rest days you need to stay focused! 9 days!! Holy crap. I saw Sonja all bundled up training. That is a pretty good idea I think.
Bummer Alyssa can't come to Kona!
I am really interested if the heat acclimation stuff works. Please let us know if you stick with the bundling up. Seeing that we live up north, the climates we usually will travel too are much warmer. Seems like an easy way to adapt.
I also like you tailoring your workouts. I did the same thing today. Made the right move. No one knows your body better than yourself.
I am really liking this drinking beer thing and then the next morning getting up early and putting in some serious miles. I felt pretty good again after drinking. Not sure what it is but it appears to work.
For the record. I own 2 paisley shirts. I used to wear them in high school as a joke. People loved them hahah, Reid should get quite a few looks for that outfit. If he finds the suspenders... oh man. Please post the pic HAHA!
Keep making smart decisions. You have one hell of a fan base hoping that you have your perfect race out there and that you enjoy yourself. We can't wait to read about it!
Shocked its 9 days dude. Almost there!!!!!
resisting the urge to watch the rest of the series on youtube haha. You had better keep posting the videos!
Get PUMPED!
M, no problem, spend the money on something useful and important, like booze. haha. Thanks for the props and yup, it's getting close. Can hardly wait for that South Pacific Air.
M, yeah so am I, I was bundled up big time last night. Real sweating and smelly. Training long and hard is easier than bundling up and I'm serious. haha.
One thing about drinking, then running the next morning, is a "mushy brain" is the best to run on. It seems so "blissful". haha.
Reid did find red suspenders, he's pumped and ready for picture day, should be a blast, he liked your comment about you wearing them. Thanks for the props and yup, only 9 to go till departure.
Glad to hear you're not going to YouTube, the wait makes it even more suspensful.
B
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