The paradox of being a triathlete is that we are hell-bent on doing the best things for our body, but our methods are definitely debateable. We want to feel good, look good, and reach a higher plane, but in the process we tend to destroy ourselves.
A great example of this was on Sunday when I felt the rumblings of a summer cold or sore throat brewing. It actually started Saturday night and my thought process was sort of like, “What better way to reverse a cold than submerge yourself in an oven?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to the 2-hour-run on my schedule. It would be my longest of the year and was prefaced coaching instructions to “leave the ego at home.” An easy two hour stroll through Shelby Bottoms in 90 degree sunshine was my idea of a picnic.
I never think about being sick as “being sick.” It’s more a sign or symptom of what’s going on in my diet or lifestyle. In this case I reflected on the full pizza and junk-food-explorations I slipped down my throat a few days earlier. Comfort food that simply makes it harder for your body to work right.
When this happens it usually re-kindles the “health-researcher” in me and he uncovered a really interesting nugget about toxins and hydration. If you’re body is clean, you don’t need as many fluids as you do when you’re loaded with toxins because the body needs more water to flush that crap out of your system. Wow . . . so simple, but incredibly relevant to triathlon training.
I felt pretty strong for the first hour and a half of that run, but the last 30 minutes took their toll. My muscles and will were shredded, but I felt that elusive state of calm. The workout did its job.
As soon as I got home, I turned on the juicer and haven’t looked back. The reason I believe in juicing (mainly greens) is because it’s based on nutrients more than calories. If our cells don’t get what they need to function, they revolt and something is bound to go haywire.
Monday was a little foggy but it was a great reminder that I was do for a reset. Much like the “base-run” I had just completed, it doesn’t necessarily feel good at the time, but it’s an investment in the future.