Do you ever have one of those days where you feel overwhelmed by.....life? Everything seems monumental. You have about 1800 things to do in 12 minutes. Generally, my first reaction to such a situation is to panic. I've found a much better way to handle the stress. To run. I'm not alone in using this tactic. My friend Lisa does this too. See her take on it here, http://bookwoman.com/2011/09/22/runners-nothigh/
The release of endorphins improves my outlook and while I'm running, I can prioritize my mess and decide what's really important and what can wait.
Case in point - yesterday afternoon, after having spent the entire weekend supporting triathlon, I really needed to do the laundry, clean the bathroom, vacuum up the dog hair and get ready for my cycling vacation that starts on Wednesday. When I thought about the energy involved in producing such work and the available time and energy I had, I began to hyperventilate.
No need. All I needed was a run. In 35 minutes, I'd gotten my priorities straight, created a 'plan of action' and drastically improved my attitude. Sometimes, I'm not sure if it's the physical activity itself or the fresh air, but it surely makes me feel better.
Now, this is not to say that I got everything done on my to do list when I got home, but at least the list didn't depress me so badly.
So today is a new day, and with my new found optimism, I will attack my to do list and get ready for vacation!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
My helmet is BROKEN....!
Today was the final race in the North Carolina triathlon series. It took place at picturesque Pinehurst marina and on this cold, sunny Sunday morning, my daughter went to the start line of the final race of her first full season of racing.
She handled the cold really well this morning and got off to a fine start. The wind caused there to be a little current, so she swam a little off course, making her swim time a little longer than expected, but she was fine coming out of the swim.
She'd planned to don arm warmers, a bike jersey and vest, as the temperature was not expected to hit 60 during the entire bike ride. She was calm as she dried off her arms in transition and pulled on the arm warmers. Although it took a little time, it was worth the comfort. As I'm ready to move along the transition area fencing, waiting to see her emerge, I hear, 'MOM, MY HELMET IS BROKEN!!' Hmmm. At this point, I cannot go into the transition area to inspect the helmet. Instantly, I morph from calm coach into hysterical mother. I go screaming to the top of the swim finish for my friend, whom I think has ridden her bike to the race venue to spectate.
'Heather', I scream, 'Do you have your helmet? Caroline's helmet is BROKEN!' 'No', she replies. Apparently, she has jogged along as her kids rode their bikes to the race. I run back to transition, frantic. I yell to my friend Mark, who is volunteering, directing cyclists out of transition. He scrambles to find a spare helmet. Meanwhile, the resourceful Caroline, has asked for assistance from fellow participants. A member of a relay team snapped the 'broken' plastic back into place and the crisis is averted.
I feel like the previous 2 minutes have lasted half an hour. My heart rate is up like I had done an interval workout. Whew!
It's hard to be the mother of an athlete!
She handled the cold really well this morning and got off to a fine start. The wind caused there to be a little current, so she swam a little off course, making her swim time a little longer than expected, but she was fine coming out of the swim.
She'd planned to don arm warmers, a bike jersey and vest, as the temperature was not expected to hit 60 during the entire bike ride. She was calm as she dried off her arms in transition and pulled on the arm warmers. Although it took a little time, it was worth the comfort. As I'm ready to move along the transition area fencing, waiting to see her emerge, I hear, 'MOM, MY HELMET IS BROKEN!!' Hmmm. At this point, I cannot go into the transition area to inspect the helmet. Instantly, I morph from calm coach into hysterical mother. I go screaming to the top of the swim finish for my friend, whom I think has ridden her bike to the race venue to spectate.
'Heather', I scream, 'Do you have your helmet? Caroline's helmet is BROKEN!' 'No', she replies. Apparently, she has jogged along as her kids rode their bikes to the race. I run back to transition, frantic. I yell to my friend Mark, who is volunteering, directing cyclists out of transition. He scrambles to find a spare helmet. Meanwhile, the resourceful Caroline, has asked for assistance from fellow participants. A member of a relay team snapped the 'broken' plastic back into place and the crisis is averted.
I feel like the previous 2 minutes have lasted half an hour. My heart rate is up like I had done an interval workout. Whew!
It's hard to be the mother of an athlete!
Friday, September 30, 2011
I wish I could sleep
Well, for the second night in a row, I just could not fall asleep last night. I'm starting to get a complex. Nothing that Tylenol PM won't fix, I hope, but nonetheless, disconcerting.
As an employee, athlete, wife and mother sleep is precious to me. When the Sandman doesn't visit right away, I start getting anxious, which only makes me more AWAKE! AARRGG!
Well, since I have a big weekend planned, with the Pinehurst triathlon and all, I'm going to just take the Tylenol PM and be done with insomnia. Hopefully, this is a transient thing and next week, I'll be back to normal.
Night All!
As an employee, athlete, wife and mother sleep is precious to me. When the Sandman doesn't visit right away, I start getting anxious, which only makes me more AWAKE! AARRGG!
Well, since I have a big weekend planned, with the Pinehurst triathlon and all, I'm going to just take the Tylenol PM and be done with insomnia. Hopefully, this is a transient thing and next week, I'll be back to normal.
Night All!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
It's good to have friends...
Well, I know haven't ridden miles and miles and miles and miles this season, but I'm not in that poor shape, but boy did I have a humbling ride last night.
From the start, my breath was ragged and my muscles were screaming. It seemed to come out of nowhere (unless you consider the fatigue that prompted a 2-hour nap on Sunday).
I hate feeling like I can't keep up. Lucky for me, I've got some great friends and awesome cyclists on my side. I was about to give up when 2 or 3 of them (Thanks Beth Garrison, Steve Peters and Phil Benton) eased up and allowed me to catch on. Steve kept a nice steady rhythm and cadence and we just eased down the road. Beth kept telling me just to relax and Phil tried to keep me smiling with his witty anecdotes. Then there was Mike, with his timely, if not humorous, assessment of my rhomboids (a muscle I'm not even sure I can spell).
So it's nice to have good friends. I only hope that I can 'pay it forward' one day soon!
From the start, my breath was ragged and my muscles were screaming. It seemed to come out of nowhere (unless you consider the fatigue that prompted a 2-hour nap on Sunday).
I hate feeling like I can't keep up. Lucky for me, I've got some great friends and awesome cyclists on my side. I was about to give up when 2 or 3 of them (Thanks Beth Garrison, Steve Peters and Phil Benton) eased up and allowed me to catch on. Steve kept a nice steady rhythm and cadence and we just eased down the road. Beth kept telling me just to relax and Phil tried to keep me smiling with his witty anecdotes. Then there was Mike, with his timely, if not humorous, assessment of my rhomboids (a muscle I'm not even sure I can spell).
So it's nice to have good friends. I only hope that I can 'pay it forward' one day soon!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Our love-hate relationship with food
As Americans, most of us have ready access to food. Not just healthy food mind you, but fast...and fatty options. It's a struggle for athletes to choose the best options to fuel our body in our rat-race world.
How do you fuel your workouts? Are you careful to eat things that won't harm you or the environment? It's a fair question you know. Things now-a-days are not necessarily harmless, even though they're packaged as food.
In the past 9 months, I've begun a campaign to eat locally produced, healthy food. And I mean real food. Not stuff that's been sitting on a shelf for 6 months....or even would survive on a shelf for 6 months. It means shopping more frequently and it means going more places. I avoid the inner isles of the grocery store. I poll friends and scour Facebook for places where my local friends are buying local produce, eggs from free range chickens and meats from sources not in feedlots. It's a chore. Heck, by some standards, it's a job.
But I'm feeling better than ever. I'm feeling strong and I'm sleeping soundly. I still consume caffeine. (I love coffee.) My workouts are going well and I'm feeling the strength I've gained over recent months.
The other thing that I've found helpful is keeping a food diary. This is common amongst folks trying to lose weight, but how many of us do it, who are just trying to fuel our bodies efficiently?
What I've found is that I not only eliminate mindless snacking by documenting my consumption, but I'm much more careful about eating enough food on days where my training load is heavy. I definitely think this contributes to a stronger body, more complete recovery and consequently, better response to training stimulus.
I would recommend that anyone who is trying to improve performance try keeping a food diary. You'll be amazed at what you eat....or don't eat and you'll find it much easier to fine tune your training diet so that it aides in optimized performance.
How do you fuel your workouts? Are you careful to eat things that won't harm you or the environment? It's a fair question you know. Things now-a-days are not necessarily harmless, even though they're packaged as food.
In the past 9 months, I've begun a campaign to eat locally produced, healthy food. And I mean real food. Not stuff that's been sitting on a shelf for 6 months....or even would survive on a shelf for 6 months. It means shopping more frequently and it means going more places. I avoid the inner isles of the grocery store. I poll friends and scour Facebook for places where my local friends are buying local produce, eggs from free range chickens and meats from sources not in feedlots. It's a chore. Heck, by some standards, it's a job.
But I'm feeling better than ever. I'm feeling strong and I'm sleeping soundly. I still consume caffeine. (I love coffee.) My workouts are going well and I'm feeling the strength I've gained over recent months.
The other thing that I've found helpful is keeping a food diary. This is common amongst folks trying to lose weight, but how many of us do it, who are just trying to fuel our bodies efficiently?
What I've found is that I not only eliminate mindless snacking by documenting my consumption, but I'm much more careful about eating enough food on days where my training load is heavy. I definitely think this contributes to a stronger body, more complete recovery and consequently, better response to training stimulus.
I would recommend that anyone who is trying to improve performance try keeping a food diary. You'll be amazed at what you eat....or don't eat and you'll find it much easier to fine tune your training diet so that it aides in optimized performance.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Dreams
You have dreams don't you? I hope everyone does. I hope we all wish for something that is just slightly out of reach. Many of us wish for things that are way out of reach. For some, this is what helps them through mundane days. For others, it can be a harsh slap in the face of reality.
I find that I daydream about things that are totally within my grasp. When I'm at work, I dream about being at home, curled up in my big comfy chair with a good book. When I'm at home, I think about going shopping in a larger city. When I'm traveling I worry about the work I should be doing at home. A certain amount of restlessness is built into today's global society. In my opinion, a certain amount of restlessness is built into being American. But a certain amount of restlessness is innate to who we are....or are not.
As a population, it's a fair assumption that we triathletes (or most of us) are restless by nature. We strive for the excitement. We push the limits of our bodies and minds. It's been proven that most triathletes are Type 'A'. I interpret that to mean that we want more out of life...and sometimes that means we dream big.
It helps to look at the accomplishments of other athletes, and yes, sometimes we covet them. Whether it's your local hero or one of the pros, it's perfectly appropriate, and quite commendable to dream to accomplish some of what they have accomplished. Sometimes just reading an article or watching a race in TV sparks that thing inside you that helps your run faster or ride farther. Take whatever inspiration strikes you. Sometimes it's your child yelling, 'Go Mom (or Dad)' and sometimes it's simply that feeling you get when you step out and the day is perfect for training.
Take that inspiration and turn it into a dream. You can accomplish what you can dream.
I find that I daydream about things that are totally within my grasp. When I'm at work, I dream about being at home, curled up in my big comfy chair with a good book. When I'm at home, I think about going shopping in a larger city. When I'm traveling I worry about the work I should be doing at home. A certain amount of restlessness is built into today's global society. In my opinion, a certain amount of restlessness is built into being American. But a certain amount of restlessness is innate to who we are....or are not.
As a population, it's a fair assumption that we triathletes (or most of us) are restless by nature. We strive for the excitement. We push the limits of our bodies and minds. It's been proven that most triathletes are Type 'A'. I interpret that to mean that we want more out of life...and sometimes that means we dream big.
It helps to look at the accomplishments of other athletes, and yes, sometimes we covet them. Whether it's your local hero or one of the pros, it's perfectly appropriate, and quite commendable to dream to accomplish some of what they have accomplished. Sometimes just reading an article or watching a race in TV sparks that thing inside you that helps your run faster or ride farther. Take whatever inspiration strikes you. Sometimes it's your child yelling, 'Go Mom (or Dad)' and sometimes it's simply that feeling you get when you step out and the day is perfect for training.
Take that inspiration and turn it into a dream. You can accomplish what you can dream.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A New Notebook
Well, it's that time of year when I break out a new notebook. The 2010 triathlon season has ended and my athletes are starting to think about next year.
Maybe I'm old-school or maybe technologically challenged, but I still like to map out a season on paper. Not only is it easier visually, for me to grasp the 'big picture' but I like the feel of the pages and the ability to flip back and forth as I make lists and plan out weeks.
I start by writing down the date of each Monday during the training period. I group the weeks into larger cycles - sometimes those are months, sometimes 6-week blocks, sometimes 3-week blocks. Each 'block' has a training goal, as does each week. For each week, there is a designated purpose and each workout within that week is tailored to meet that purpose. Some workouts during the week are more important than others and I designate those as 'key' workouts, so my clients will know that they are non-negotiable. Other workouts are just fillers, or the 'supporting' activities to the key workouts for the week.
By doing this, it's easy for me, throughout the year, to maintain focus and to remember what the goals are. It's a proven system, and well documented in a number of triathlon training manuals.
But the notebook has greater meaning to me personally. I've always been a fan of school supplies. There's nothing like that shopping trip in the Fall, or as it occurs now, in the summer, to shop for school supplies - new notebooks, pencils, pens and rulers. I use all that stuff in my training toolbox. I color code things. The new notebook looks fresh and promising with it's crisp white pages. It seems to promise that next season is going to be even more fabulous than the one that's just ended.
Now, that I retire last season's notebook, I look at it fondly....like an old friend. I carried it everywhere - to work, to Starbuck's, to the gym. I kept in the car when I picked my kids up in case I had a few minutes to ponder. Furthermore, I kept notes on Webinars in it; notes from conversations with clients. It's something of a Bible to me, or more accurately, like a security blanket. I have no doubt, that as I plan for the new season, I will refer to my old friend for advice. Because with training, it's never out with the old and in with the new. There's always something to be learned from last season. Each season holds it's own lessons.
So break out your new 'notebook' this season. If you're not already, keep a training journal. If you haven't already, commit to paper, your goals. It's fun and rewarding and you'll be glad you did.
Maybe I'm old-school or maybe technologically challenged, but I still like to map out a season on paper. Not only is it easier visually, for me to grasp the 'big picture' but I like the feel of the pages and the ability to flip back and forth as I make lists and plan out weeks.
I start by writing down the date of each Monday during the training period. I group the weeks into larger cycles - sometimes those are months, sometimes 6-week blocks, sometimes 3-week blocks. Each 'block' has a training goal, as does each week. For each week, there is a designated purpose and each workout within that week is tailored to meet that purpose. Some workouts during the week are more important than others and I designate those as 'key' workouts, so my clients will know that they are non-negotiable. Other workouts are just fillers, or the 'supporting' activities to the key workouts for the week.
By doing this, it's easy for me, throughout the year, to maintain focus and to remember what the goals are. It's a proven system, and well documented in a number of triathlon training manuals.
But the notebook has greater meaning to me personally. I've always been a fan of school supplies. There's nothing like that shopping trip in the Fall, or as it occurs now, in the summer, to shop for school supplies - new notebooks, pencils, pens and rulers. I use all that stuff in my training toolbox. I color code things. The new notebook looks fresh and promising with it's crisp white pages. It seems to promise that next season is going to be even more fabulous than the one that's just ended.
Now, that I retire last season's notebook, I look at it fondly....like an old friend. I carried it everywhere - to work, to Starbuck's, to the gym. I kept in the car when I picked my kids up in case I had a few minutes to ponder. Furthermore, I kept notes on Webinars in it; notes from conversations with clients. It's something of a Bible to me, or more accurately, like a security blanket. I have no doubt, that as I plan for the new season, I will refer to my old friend for advice. Because with training, it's never out with the old and in with the new. There's always something to be learned from last season. Each season holds it's own lessons.
So break out your new 'notebook' this season. If you're not already, keep a training journal. If you haven't already, commit to paper, your goals. It's fun and rewarding and you'll be glad you did.
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