Wednesday, February 27, 2008

What is IT?

Can you feel it, see it, hear it today?
If you cant, then it doesn't matter anyway
You will never understand it cuz it happens too fast
And it feels so good, its like walking on glass
Its so cool, its so hip, its alright
Its so groovy, its outta sight
You can touch it, smell it, taste it so sweet
But it makes no difference cuz it knocks you off your feet

I fully realize that Marcy will have no idea what that song is. That song is a metal-grunge transition song. The band: Faith No More. The inspiration (to me): the return to high intensity training. It's a feeling that I can't really compare to anything else. Part satisfaction, part desire, part hope, part dread, and a lot of "oh, I can totally kick that person's butt this year!"

As I'm sure you all know, since you hang on my every word and celebrate my every breath (LMAO!!!), I've been cruising through the off season and focusing on running time/distance. I took about 2 months off swimming (yikes!) and rode my bike sporadically at best. But now, it's game on! Go ahead, check the training log. I'll wait...

Okay, I won't wait. Whatever! Anyway, cranking up the intensity up has really got me mentally and physically energized, fueling my inner beast for more. And it has fortified the belief in me that a very healthy off-season (or mid-event rest period, if you don't follow a "season") is incredibly beneficial and supports a great follow-on season (or training cycle). I'm in such a different mindset than this time last year. I was wide-eyed, wondering what I could do for sport and competition, and eager to start, but I didn't notice that I was just training volume and not specifics, and it was dumb determination that propelled me.

So, I guess my advice to new athletes and those approaching a significant break in training cycles is to take a real break, then get things started with some smart structure, and have an idea what your plan will be toward performance peak before your "A" and "B" events. I can't say that I'll make last year's results look like a practice run before the big show, but I think I have a much better handle on what I have to do, and when, as well as how to cycle my training throughout the year.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to do a very high intensity brick to top off the short-course training for the week, and then do a long-ish run tomorrow, then a bike on Saturday. As always, my plan is fluid and can change. Plans are good, but weather and life happens: know how to adjust and keep your training goals in sight.

14 comments:

Jess said...

"weather and life happens"

I don't know why, but that cracked me up.

Mendy said...

You're advice is great! Especially about finding out what your A and B races are. Of course, your intensity level would just put me in the hospital, but nonetheless it's very inspiring.

You're right, plans are just a guideline.

Brick today for the both of us! :-)

J~Mom said...

I can "hear" the fire in both you and Mendy right now. I think you are both amped and ready to go for tri season. Either that or you had too much sugar. They both work though. No seriously, you guys are both in your zones and you rock!

I can't hear that song in my head but I do remember the band. I guess I have to find me a video!

I have to tell you...now that my shoes..pedals...even my super cute coffee socks...have come together I am so freaking scared of the darn pedals. I have a long ride on Saturday and I am thinking of taking them back off and putting the cages back on....I can't do that, can I? I so know I am going to crash. OY!

Lily on the Road said...

"I was just training volume and not specifics, and it was dumb determination that propelled me."

Thanks for that information, because that is where I'm at for my first marathon....dumb determination! Although I am enjoying the learning end of it....I'll keep checking your posts for wisdom in my training...thanks!

My Life said...

Ohhh, I miss the early 90's.

Question for you... if I'm stuck using a bike at the gym for my XT should I use the recliner or regular one? Does it matter? What do you think?

Steve Stenzel said...

That IS some good advice! Good luck out there!!

Gotta Run..... said...

I am a disco diva so I have no clue what song you are talking about. :)

This year I did better planning A and B events. Wow.. we are all growing and getting much smarter.

David said...

To Taryn's question (excerpt from answer on her blog):

To your cycling question: a lot of that depends on what muscle groups you want to cross train. For general cross training without a lot of thought, I would go recumbent. If you want to use it to become a better cyclist or have more intense workouts, go upright.

Eric said...

You crack me up! I'm pretty stoked, too! I'm a little nervous 'cause today I'm feeling a little weak-kneed and have a headache. NOT a good sign!

E

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO HAHAHAHAHAHAAA You SOOOO answered my question right when I was thinking "Huh, WTF is that song? I have no idea" Ok soooo are the dudes in the pic the homies that sing the song? Or just a bunch of tools that want to look like Renaissance men? :P

I agree with Lisa, the vibe I got from both your and Mendy's blog was sa-ssay! You guys are so ready to rock!

Fo sho! I could use about 20 drinks :P Maybe I'll even entertain you all with my other hidden talent of making rice hats with beer labels.

Marcy said...

Actually my driving skills are very superior :P My "white" father taught me how to drive so I think I'm safe from the "Bad Asian driver" stereotype LOL

Nancy said...

Good advice, keep the fire, keep the plans, but sometimes life happens. You sound stoked. (is that word out now??!) Good luck with it.

Lily on the Road said...

Thanks for the advice, please keep me in the loop & I'll check your back "blogs" for further info...not knowing the lingo, what is a 'brick'?

thanks for the energy and good wishes!

Marcy, I want to see a Rice HAT, you are soooo multi talented...bwwwaaaahhhhaaaa!

P.O.M. said...

I loved that song! ha ha.

I'm glad you knew my reference to Joe Vs Volcano. :) At least I know someone is watching good movies out there.
HA