The problem with social distancing

By Mike Tarrolly, Co-host of the Crushing Iron Podcast

I like to joke that I’m most comfortable in isolation, and while that’s true on many levels (I suspect this is the case with a lot of triathletes) – I also know in my heart, that it’s bad for my health.

We’re all training for the “race unknown” and while that’s a challenge in its own right, I want to make sure we all understand how difficult this quarantine really is for our training.

Controlling the variables

One of the main reasons I lean toward my own world is . . . control. 

I don’t think this is unusual for many of triathletes because we like to make sure everything is perfect for our training. No interruptions, pristine weather, unyielding gear, etc . . . but that’s not reality. 

Training (and life changes) take a lot of focus and triathletes like to control the variables so they don’t get off course. This seems like a good plan, but the desire to control our environment should be sought in small doses.

A way of life

I’m also very big on things like meditation and yoga. Both calming practices that bring you back into the body and your breath. But when you hear “real” practitioners talk about these things, they will say, “sitting alone with your breath is really good practice for . . . sitting alone with your breath.” 

They will tell you that meditation should be a way of life . . . around real people.

I’m fucking great at being peaceful while sitting in my quiet living room in the morning. But when I actually have to go out and interact with a bunch of people (a random and uncontrolled environment) my anxiety is ready for its time in the sun. 

Anxiety

There have been times when I’ve driven to meet a very good friend, someone I’m very comfortable with, at a public place and I can feel my chest tighten. This is a totally irrational response, but also very real and I think the more we are away from people, the more pronounced this can be.

It’s no secret that chronic anxiety can lead to depression and we also know that depression can have a dramatic impact on our immune system. When our immune system is low, it’s tough to have energy because we’re closing in on ourselves. 

Which leads me to the big point. Social interaction and community are the best remedy for depression. 

Depression

Even if you don’t struggle with depression, it’s likely that not being around people you love during this time is taking a mental and physical toll. And yes, that directly impacts your workouts . . . and more importantly, recovery. 

I’m talking with a lot of athletes that are posting, “Just didn’t have it today,” or “struggle bus,” or “didn’t sleep well,” etc. I’m spending a lot of time reenforcing the fact that this is a time to give yourself grace and “aim low” with your training.

Not only do we not have race dates, we are dealing with a massive amount of undetectable stress. 

This is stress

This is a different world and we have to recognize how that affects us. 

I’ve done nearly twenty Full Ironman or 70.3 since I turned fifty and in the weeks leading up to every one I was unsure about my training. But once I got to town and was around other athletes for a day or two, the anxiety and uncertainty melted away. I was ready whether I liked it or not, and you will be too.

Much of our training is in isolation to begin with, but now we have a completely new layer that’s forced us to stay away from others. It may be “comfortable” on some level, but it’s not good for us. Keep that in mind when you’re not hitting your FTP or feel like you’re fatigued for no apparent reason. 

There is a rock solid reason.

You’re carrying far more stress than you realize, and I don’t think any of us can hear this enough.

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