My phone call with coach yesterday started something like this:
Tim: "I read your blog post about your swim and then went into Training Peaks and hit delete delete delete..."
Me: "Oh thank you!"
Tim: "WHAT?!? You're happy? You actually want rest??"
Ha! Yes. I actually want rest. Go figure, huh? I know it does not happen often but sometimes I actually do want rest. :) So that got me thinking about why in the past I have seriously resisted rest. And I think it's because I truly didn't feel like I needed it. I mean, why rest if you're not tired?
I know many traditional triathlon training plans call for a rest week every 3rd or 4th week or whatever. But honestly, that is the most arbitrary thing ever. It makes more sense to me to listen to your body and take rest when you need it. And if your life is not extraordinarily stressful, and your nutrition is really good, and you're sleeping 8+ hours/night, and your training is set up to be appropriately taxing, well, you can probably get away with just an easy day here and there and just stay on a consistent training plan for longer than those traditional cookie cutter plans call for. Tim and I have similar feelings about this which is one reason why I think our coach/athlete relationship has been a rather successful match.
Anyway, in the last few days I've been honest with myself and honest with Tim (this is key!) and just told him that I was exhausted. So yesterday I bailed on that second run and this morning I went to the pool and flopped so slow and easy that one of the older ladies there actually stopped to ask me if I was okay. Ha! Clearly I have learned to take my easy days easy... And clearly I actually am capable of embracing rest and recovery when I feel it is warranted. Tim made a good point yesterday too... he said look what it took to get you here... Indeed. I really had to do WORK, and lots of it, to get myself here and that feels rather satisfying. :) In good news, I can feel my energy levels coming back already...
8 comments:
great post, I know many that follow the plan but not their body's natural cues..
Sign of a mature athlete - one that can listen to their body and take the good and the bad signs it is giving!!! ;) Rest up, I'm sure you'll be back at it in no time!
When people start asking me why I don't have rest "weeks" I'm just gonna forward them to this post :-) I like 1-2 days rest. I'd go even more BSC if I had to do a boring week of like 4-5hours EVERY 3 weeks. No thank you very much. :-)
I like the attitude with regards to rest weeks. Those "one-plan-fits-all-from-the-book plans" are horrible. Now I understand your coaching methods better.
Rest up!
So you are human! :) What your body can handle training wise is very impressive. It has been really fun to follow your training this season.
Yup, I could not agree more!
I think the reason why I can handle such tough workouts is because I take good care of all aspects of my life. Stress in particular is huge, I think. High stress->cortisol release->less ability to heal normal wear and tear-> injury!
I hear ya sister! Totally props to you for listening to your body!
Rest is good.. taking some myself. Definitely think it will only make you stronger! Thanks for making me feel not alone!!
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