It’s days like this when I worry about burn out.
Last night I hit the pool to attempt 40×50 hard laps and barely got off the edge of the pool. I spent most of my time working on form and couldn’t catch a good rhythm. The total swim time was about 35 minutes and instead of beating myself up, I felt good about even showing up.
After the swim I added another notch in my string of cluster-fuck sleep attempts. It’s just crazy because I was definitely tired after the swim, but then ate a little and drank a bunch of water and I felt like I was ready for another workout while I tossed and turned in bed. I woke up three separate times and finally got up for good about 6:40 to go do my leg workout.
When I got to the gym I wasn’t feeling it at all. I explained my woes to Daniel who was already in the middle of his workout, and he was gracious in his understanding. I did a couple sets of walking lunges and my knee gave me some funky feedback, so I stopped. I meandered a bit, then did some upper body stuff, before calling the workout a fail.
It’s such a strange feeling preparing for an Ironman. There is still over 7 months left, but you always wonder if missing a workout is going to haunt you later. How do you know? I don’t, but I know enough to realize it is a long road and I believe it’s more important to build and keep your energy than burn it to the ground.
I’m not in the mood for the bike workout tonight, but we’ll see how I feel after my writing class. I feel very busy right now with work, training, and all of my other interests. My next focus is on simplifying my life so I am not bogged down or distracted by extra baggage. I’ll keep you posted on that process.
Stick with it. Some days just feel harder than others, you know. I have had some days where I have to force myself to get to a workout and it turns out great, others I am eager to workout and then the workout blows. Its so random. Just stick with it and all will be fine. That’s what I tell myself at least.
Thanks, Chatter! These days are tough… I’m always torn between “what is exhaustion?” and what is me just being lazy… it’s crazy to be on this intense of a program and even think about calling myself a bum, but I guess it’s all relative. Keep crankin yourself!
I agree, just hang in there. Do allow your body to communicate itself and take a rest if need be. You are building a strong base but also need to allow for adequate recovery as that is where it can make or break your entire season. Keep up the good work!
Yes… and maybe that’s exactly what I am concerned about, the “entire season.” My feeling is I just want to gradually build it up and feel stronger as I go… not be run down… It’s tricky because I really do feel great. But sometimes I can just tell that I need to back it down. Thanks for the input!