Commute 5/6
Greatings Readers!
So I’ve been a little struggling of late, (if you’ve been reading you know this) and I’m trying to be a sponge for info on what I’m to do about it? Can’t just whine, I need a course of action right? I’ve been reading a lot of Simon Burke, and of course Joel Friel.
Both these guys take recovery very seriously, and they both subscribe to the idea that successful cyclists rank their recovery as high as their training itself. They say cyclists fear burnout for more than an injury, or accident. I’ve come to recognize that I’m on the verge of overtraining. The mileage doesn’t warrant it, but I’m guilty of the symptoms and the attitude behind them. I’m in constant fear of losing fitness, a missed workout or ride brings on the anxiety of possible further decline of what is a perceived unsatisfactory fitness level to begin with. I rarely, when confronted with the decision of “ride vs. recover” chose the later. I tend to lean towards the belief that my competitors are riding more than me, already racing, and I’m behind the eight ball. So what I really want to do is work harder and train more frequently to make up for the aforementioned. I know that this course of action is going to be detrimental to my success, however the emotional side of me says everybody else trains every day, you can force your body to adjust and get stronger. Why do I need to keep taking days off to recover? Yesterday, I made the rare decision in favor of recovery. With really tired legs I chose not to run, I instead rested.
So do I take more time to recover? Or, do I take the route of train more frequently? Which way do I go? For the 1st three months of the year I had steady improvement in my fitness. I hit a plateau in early April, and then got Za Enza. Which basically knocked me off the bike for several weeks. Now, facing May and in my mind behind where I wanted to be, I’m not sure of my course of action? I’ll definitely miss some workouts this weekend due to Mothers Day and family commitments. So I’m again faced with the worry of a missed workout. Joel Friel’s training commandment #2: Consistency.
The cold reality is that I can only do so much as my life allows, the 3 part teeter totter is difficult to navigate (work/bike/family) Each of those three elements wants their fair share, and sometimes there’s just not enough time to go around. In the end, come cross season I’ll do the best I can, “the day will end, and the end be known” Is a favorite quote of mine, meaning: the outcome is what it is. Sometimes you prepare all you can and karma befriends you, sometimes you prepare all you can and have less than satisfactory results. My pal asked me last year at the end of the season “what if you train all year and your placing doesn’t improve” I’ll be extremely disappointed, but I’ll know I did all I could (without a coach) to better my results. I tell myself this to ease the pain if I’m unable to hit my goals, or get that elusive top 20 result.
At this point my plan of action is to do as I’ve been doing, ride as much as possible and throw in running to help with my overall fitness. I’m acutely aware of my symptoms now and I’ll be hyper sensitive to how my body and legs feel. I’m going to pay more attention to sleep, and to food. Junk calories and lack of protein are not helping my cause. One thing is for sure: my focus is good. I’ve been investing a lot of energy this year, both physical and mental into improving my fitness. I certainly have the work ethic and the desire, I just don’t have the legs, yet………..
BTW, I love this post:
http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/2008/04/program.html
Good stuff Maynard.
Miles ridden today, 21
Miles ridden 2008, 1304
Cheers!