The start of the triathlon season has taught me the act of being patient. Reflecting on last year I often found myself constantly low of energy because I started the season too soon after I had run a marathon and there were a lot of things going on in my life. I therefore decided to delay my first triathlon until July to give me more time to recover and build up training again. I have volunteered at an aquathlon, have cheered my husband, friends and clients at three triathlons and helped out at our club time trial. This makes me quite excited to do my first triathlon of the year. I have a few weeks to wait yet but it is a good job.
Last week I had a suspect mole removed from my thigh. When my dermatologist said I might have to have it removed my first reaction was to ask how that was going to affect my training! Later that day I realised my health is more important than triathlon (the test came back saying it was fine, by the way). So I can’t swim for now and have had to lower the intensity of my cycling. I was feeling pretty tired after the treatment, although it could also have been the start of a cold or something else so I was glad to have a few days without training. Now it is over a week since the procedure, I am been feeling stronger and I have managed a relaxed but speedy 70km cycle at the weekend. I still need patience as the stitches still have to come out but I have come up with ways to help me not get too frustrated.
Losing a week or two of training (or doing less) isn’t going to mean you lose all your fitness. Actually you may find having a period of rest enhances your recovery. Here is what I have come up with to help if you have an unexpected road block in your training:
- If, like me, you can’t train one part of your body it doesn’t mean you can’t train at all. Instead of a full body workout I did an upper body focused session at the gym last week.
- Watching friends and family compete is a lot of fun and is very inspiring. Being social after many hours of training is good for you too.
- For triathletes it can be a chance to put more effort into another discipline of the triathlon, perhaps an opportunity to work on a weakness.
- For runners it is a good chance for cross training that can also have a positive effect on your running.
- Although it’s tough, there is nothing that can change the situation. So just relax, accept it and do what you can to make the process as speedy as possible. For example, if you are injured focus on good nutrition and rest to encourage healing.
- With more time available you can put more work into your movement helping with efficiency. If you are interested in a free 30 minute intake to find out if I can help you please email me to organise a it.
So, if something gets in your way of training it doesn’t mean that you won’t make your goals. Sometimes you just need to have a little patience.
Author: Lorna Wilson
Like what you see? Then send me a message or e-mail. We can meet up for a chat and find out how I can help you improve your training and help reduce injury risk.
06 460 377 74 / lorna@wilsonsworkouts.nl
