You’re training for an Ironman and your training load is increasing. You’re afraid that if you don’t execute each workout perfectly that you’ll fall short of your goals. Well, after many years in the sport, I’m here to tell you that you should give yourself some grace.
Remaining in balance is tough!
Remember, the perfect amount of training for you is the amount your body and schedule/life can handle consistently. Succeeding in long course triathlon is about consistency and if you’re out of balance you won’t achieve the week in and week out training that will bring your best results.
Something has to give.
While the perfect amount of training for each of us is different, one thing is for certain. Training will increase as you approach your race! As training increases, athletes often find that something in their life has to give! Remember you not only need to be consistent in your training, but remain consistent in your life to arrive at the start line mentally and physically prepared to race.
As training progresses, remember give yourself some grace.
Remember, the goal of training is to get to the start line physically and mentally prepared to race. To achieve this goal you need to manage your training as effectively as possible. Athletes often begin Ironman training visualizing perfection. Everything looks exciting and doable in a training plan, but when rubber meets the road you realize that training is full of roadblocks and barriers. Getting through an Ironman training cycle is an achievement unto itself. For this reason you should be ready to adjust and be flexible. If you’re conflicted, too tired, or need a mental break don’t hesitate to downshift to an easier workout or simply skip the session all together.
To me, extending yourself some grace is giving permission to keep your training and life responsibilities in harmony. At the end of your training cycle, extending yourself the grace to remain in balance will get you to the start line in the best mental and physical state possible.
A little rest may be just what you need.
Giving yourself a little grace has an added side benefit. Often, backing off in a workout or skipping one altogether is just what your body and mind need to regain the motivation to continue on in training. For age group athletes especially, it’s just a reality. Strive for consistency in your training and life balance to arrive on race day ready to go!