Time to Relax and Have Fun?
87
Member
635 days
WanaBSpeedy posted 35 weeks ago.
Yep. I did almost nothing from May through August, taking the entire summer off to (almost) nothing. Did it help, well that is up in the air....I got slow, and I hate that fact now that I am back into IM training. However, I could have never started training if I didn't take that break I needed.
835
Member
1508 days
deepbluex posted 35 weeks ago.
I found the best way to manage and control when this lack of interest and lazy period hit was to schedule it. I force myself to go into athletic shutdown mode between Thanksgiving to New Year's. I let myself eat holiday foods, no worries about mileage or weights or working my core. The break is a mental necessity to prevent getting sick and tired of the sport.
The few pounds I put on and the loss in fitness is not significant for a mediocre age grouper athlete like me. The enjoyment in enjoying my holiday months is significant.
7
Member
335 days
jasonbarker posted 35 weeks ago.
Yeah, had the same but mine lasted about 8 years. Didn't race and only trained the bare minimum. Put on 18kg and now am having a long slog to get it back off. Mind you I enjoyed the break and felt much more motivated when I came back last year.
I just did whatever I felt like and basically acted like a normal human being, not to say that triathletes are abnormal (even though my wife thinks I am nuts).
The fact that I am enjoying it so much now has actually motivated me to try my first Ironman which would probably never have happened if I had not had my break, so the rest can actually lead to bigger and better things and new challenges. Good luck and enjoy.
5318
Member
1999 days
kylie posted 35 weeks ago.
I needed it before -- and then found something that had me wanting to train again. But it is ok -- it is just for fun :) So keep it fun!
Miles of Life --- Powered by MarkyV
3890
Member
1723 days
Anton posted 35 weeks ago.
Part of being a good athlete is knowing when to bail...whatever the reason might be. Not just a "blow off", but a "oh, this isn't good for me" kind of thing.
I did no tri's last year and have two for this year as well as other races.
Everything I do is laid back and for fun...It's great way to proceed. Sure, there was a time when I pounded everything and threw myself on the altar of "Boston" only to be denied...but that's life. Learned more by NOT going than going. I get such a kick out of so many athletes who say "Relax and have fun!" but who's training and racing schedule and their list of injuries and disappointments show that they aren't.
It IS supposed to be fun! Having your head on right about what's important is key.
"If e wishes to sweem in dangerous waters, oo are we to deny im?
-Chef Skinner
http://antonspath.blogspot.com
1091
Member
674 days
jsk85 posted 35 weeks ago.
From what I've seen...people, like many of us TFers, who escalate to the long, endurance events like Mary's, HIMs, IMs, and on up tend to develop a skewed view of what it is to be inactive. I'd almost guarantee that if you are just enjoying your downtime and working out when you feel like it for a while, you'll still be far ahead of what most normal people consider "pretty good shape".
So, no big deal, relax and do what you want. Enjoy your "summer of macker".
107
Member
1971 days
macker posted 35 weeks ago.
thanks everyone...and tomorrow I am going to a delayed St Patty's Day party so i will be sure to enjoy a few beers to you all!
155
Member
716 days
swimmer52 posted 35 weeks ago.
I've taken a more laid-back approach the last 3 months in order to prioritize on the actual important things going on at the time. That was good, I got things done, but I also feel like I now need to play catch up because I feel like I missed out on base training. I'm getting frustrated b/c I'm trying hard now to get my miles in but work is taking up more time and stress than normal. There just aren't enough hours in a day and days in a week. I hope it all works out by summer racing time.
"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right"
1041
Member
839 days
TryScott posted 35 weeks ago.
Some people consider golfing to be an "active lifestyle"
Since 2003, I have done a bunch of Marathons, a bunch of HIMs, lots of shorter races (road races and tris) and 2 IMs, including Kona last year (got in thru the lottery). I planned on running a Marathon on May 3, hoping to qualify for Boston, but I have no fire!!! Sleeping in has been great, and getting out of bed has been hard. Runs over 11 miles have not happened, and I can't get up the desire to go for long runs. I have averaged 30-35 miles a week and I am in decent shape, but decided to bail on the marathon. The pressure and stress (self-induced) was making me crazy - why bother if it's not fun, right? So I am just going to go with the flow, exercise and enjoy some downtime - although I have not done much biking or swimming, I plan on working them back in for fun and fitness. I used to determine my fitness and self by racing, but this year I think its time for a change, and a positive one mentally I believe. If things go well, maybe a Fall marathon could work...anyone else ever have a similar path?....felt like getting that off my chest....thanks.