Man, mid season can be a giant mind-job. I tell ya, it’s been a struggle for me to keep my outlook consistent. One day I’m up and happy-snappy, the next day I am low and my outlook is grim. Recovering from the extreme high that I had after Alcatraz has been interesting at best. Let’s just say what goes up, must come down. Or does it have to? I’m not entirely sure? So maybe I should say, “what went up, came down”.
I have known all along that it will pass if I just stay patent and consistent, and I think I am on the “other side” of it. I have been doing a better job in public of handling this quiet time. I took a few pride blows after Boulder Sprint, but I am happy to say that I learned a lot about myself. I learned that my pride is not teflon, comments and expectations do affect me, but it’s something I need to take care of, something I need to prepare for. I used to think I could take anything, that I was super strong in my mind… and I am…when I am racing to my ability. But when I have a less than stellar performance, comments and expectations hit me harder. So, that’s something I continue to work on.
The odd thing is, I just want to train more, to train harder. When I am rested, I feel like I am under-trained, and when I am tired, I am frustrated that I can’t train harder. I have really enjoyed the training this season, especially the cycling.
I have my nutrition on the right track: fish, veggies, and whole grain rice almost every night. Breakfast has been right on and my portion desires have calmed down from growing teenager, to trained triathlete. It’s been nice.
So, where from here? I continue to work on my mental outlook, to stay strong, and to stop questioning my training. I continue to work towards performing up to my currently ability, to remain a good role model, and to keep an authentic smile on my face. Consistency, inclusiveness, and light heartedness, despite steep competition, and nerves. That’s the goal.
This weekend is the Loveland Lake to Lake triathlon. It’s a Saturday race, and I’m excited to have friends and family coming to support me. Chris, Roger, and Marla should be there for sure, along with almost the entire Practical Coaching team. Should be good times.
No need to be down – you did 3 triathlons in a very short period and did great in all of them. I’m impressed as heck at how you placed in just one of them, let alone all three as close as they were. I’d have been crawling through the last one if it were me, sure as heck not anywhere near the top ten of my age group! You’re an awesome athlete and mom, no need in trying to be superhuman as well.
Best of luck this weekend. I wish my portion size desire would calm down. Now that I have a 3 year old, I feel like it’s my job to finish my meal and hers!
Not should, will, we will be there.
I’m missing a 7:30am tennis practice for this. Ouch. Guess some things are more important. Look out Loveland, here comes Sonja!
Only you would do a 7 hour ride and still feel the need to train harder!! Don’t let the mid season doldrums get you down, all the craziness of June just sets you up to really roll in July, August, and most importantly, September! Keep on keepin on — you’re gonna rock it this weekend! Hope to see you tomorrow at packet pick-up?