I DNS'd what would have been my 2nd triathlon the following day, and didn't exercise at all for about 5 days, focusing my time on Terron and allowing us some time to grieve. I soon realized that I needed my running, swimming and cycling. I needed my routine, and had to rebuild some confidence for Saturday's Sprint Tri.
Just as food fuels our workouts, I've learned that emotion also has a large impact.
- Saturday I did my first 100k ride. I felt stronger than I thought I would despite the tears that streamed down my face. Something about the wind on my face, wide open roads, sun shining brightly that made me very reflective and emotional
- Monday was a short run later at night than I had hoped, in the dark, by myself. Oddly enough, I really enjoyed it.
- Tuesday I had some extra time at lunch, so I headed to the pool. After a warmup, I did a 800m set (Saturday's tri swim will be 600m). Feeling great, I could have kept going!!! I stopped only because of my usual frustrations of circle/lane swimming with people oblivious of the slow/medium/fast lane speeds and not being in the appropriate lanes. I also managed to meet up with the group, greeted with much-needed hugs, for a windy but fast ride.
- Wednesday I dashed out for a much needed escape after some learning about some frustrating news. Came back feeling refreshed and ready to continue the day with a clearer mentality.
Today is a rest day... let's hope I don't get more bad news because I'm really want to feel refreshed for Saturday!
28 comments:
You're doing great! I see very good things coming you way on Saturday.
So glad you've been able to get out for some exercise to help clear your head.
Here's hoping for no more bad news!
Have fun on Saturday!
Ah yes, the stress reliever of exercise..... Good luck on Saturday.
One day at a time, you'll be fine for Saturday.
Mel, it just goes to show how strong you are riding 100k after what you've been through recently.
I hope the rest of the week holds great things in store for you!!
relentless forward motion.... one step at a time.... you are doing it :)
you're exactly right Mel. the mental component is just as important as the physical limitations. and we have to take care of both to be the best athletes and parents that we can be.
Glad you've been able to get back out there. Good luck on Saturday!
Keep at it! You are really doing awesome. 100k is no joke!
Every marathon training cycle (all three of them) I cried at some point during my 20 miler. For some reason running for that long and being outside in the open, alone, totally made me emotional too.
Great job on the swim! I too, hate those that don't understand swimming rules.
i need some refreshment, too. i'm under the weather and kinda feeling blah... how do you pick yourself back up? you are so resilient. i'm glad you are feeling clearer!!!! :) maybe i should go for a swim...
I definitely share your frustration with people who aren't familiar with swimming etiquette! It's always when you're just getting into a groove that they seem to get in the way :P
Either way, I'm sure you'll do great on Saturday! I'll be doing the Sprint Tri as well (although this will be my first shot at the sport)...
I'm with you on the emotions all over the map.
My run got cancelled for tonight due to weather. sigh.
comment from stefan was me - son had logged onto google with my computer and i just realized that i was signed on as him instead of myself. sorry
Great that you are coping in a healthy way. You are setting a great example for your son to deal with emotions and stress in a constructive manner instead of destructive to yourself or others. Great job, mom!
So sorry about your loss. Good luck on Saturday. By the way, you're a fantastic mom-not that you need to be told that! :-)
Emotions do play a huge part in how we perform physically. It's good that you were able to take out some of those emotions on biking, swimming, running, and taking a breather when you need to.
HUGS!
I totally get where you're coming from. I HAVE to run if negative things are happening in my life. It's a huge coping mechanism for me.
Good luck on Saturday!
Running definitely helps me cope better. So glad you are able to get back to your workouts so strong.
Good luck on Saturday.
You are doing amazing...taking time out to reflect, grieve and fuel your sole. Good Luck this weekend!
You are a very strong woman, Mel! Big hugs!
sorry about the loss, it would be hard to run after something like that...glad you're back out there getting some exercise therapy...have a great race this weekend....
I'd have to say that my workouts have helped me more "mentally" than "physically" this year for sure! Just goes to show, people would be on a lot less "psych" medication if we all just got out there and exercised!
Enjoy your rest day!
I'm so glad to hear you are taking care of yourself (by exercising which fuels you). It's very easy in grief to empty ourselves and then not be able to be there for others. You are doing a great job balancing all of those complicated factors. Best of luck Saturday!
Hey buddy - have been thinking about you guys and hoping you're doing well. You must have needed that time off, but I'm glad you're spending some time back at your training.
Good luck to Terron in his tri this weekend! WHat an amazing little fella!
You had a nice week of training! You are goin to have so much fun at the tri and you are going to do well. Good luck Mel.
excellent week of workouts for the body AND mind. i use running to 'vent' or work things out a lot. good luck tomorrow, though i know you don't need it :)
It's so hard to stay on track when emotional things are going on. You're doing great!!
Glad you've been able to get out there. Sorry you got more frustrating news. Hope it isn't too bad.
Have a good weekend!
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