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IM training blues
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 2009-06-21 8:54 AM |
Expert  713   Lake in the Hills, IL |  Subject: IM training bluesI am now 10 Weeks away from my race and I am getting a little tired of all of this training. It is a constant struggle around the house to get in the workouts and I find myself missing some here and there. Especially the swimming. 16 weeks are down and that seemed to go by in a blur so I know these 10 weeks will also fly but I think this might be my last full Iron for awhile. At least until the kids are older and I have more time. |
| 2009-06-21 5:10 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
Extreme Veteran 508 Fleming Island, FL | Subject: RE: IM training blues I know the feeling! I am 5 weeks out and this Florida heat/humidity is killing me on my long bike and run days. I've been getting out there before 6:00 am and still sweat like I just got out of the pool. I'm looking forward to the taper. |
| 2009-06-21 11:16 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
Master 2621 Almaden Valley, San Jose, California | Subject: RE: IM training blues I'm with you. 12 weeks out from IMMoo, and I fell on my run today. No major injuries, just rasberries, but they hurt. 12 weeks seems like so long......and way too soon! |
| 2009-06-21 11:45 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
Champion 6931   Bellingham, Washington | Subject: RE: IM training blues You take 2 or 3 days off from the regular training regime. do a trail run, power hike through the woods, play ultimate frissbee. Body and the MIND is tired. You will not loose any thing if you take a break from the grind.... |
| 2009-06-22 6:51 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
Master 2014 Ohio | Subject: RE: IM training blues moabrunner - 2009-06-21 9:54 AM I am now 10 Weeks away from my race and I am getting a little tired of all of this training. It is a constant struggle around the house to get in the workouts and I find myself missing some here and there. Especially the swimming. 16 weeks are down and that seemed to go by in a blur so I know these 10 weeks will also fly but I think this might be my last full Iron for awhile. At least until the kids are older and I have more time. I had these same thoughts yesterday after my bike. I was late to a father's day cookout because I had to get my bike in. I get there, most of the food is gone. Some of the other guests have already left... We sacrifice alot for these races. |
| 2009-06-22 7:05 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: IM training blues I'm 10 weeks out from IM Canada and I'm looking forward to doing more training. I know I have a lot of work to do and was excited after talking with my coach after my HIM this weekend that I get to ride more often. Maybe I'm just weird or it is fear or drive to improve that motivates me. I haven't been doing the same volume of riding for this IM as the last year. He mentioned having 14 workouts some weeks. All the work up until now has prepared me to do the key last 8-9 weeks of training. |
| 2009-06-22 8:22 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
| 28 | Subject: RE: IM training blues Thanks for posting this. I really have been feeling a bit lonley. Missing lots of summer fun with friends for long bike rides etc. I am also just mentally tired of the grind of training when I am not training I am getting things ready for my next workout or reading about training. Glad to see others going through this also. I have been feeling a bit guilty about it. |
| 2009-06-22 9:45 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
Veteran 250 Maine | Subject: RE: IM training blues I am right there with you guys.... I am 5 weeks away and have 3 more big weekends left! I'm trying not to dwell on what I have left and instead trying to stay positive and happy that I'm not injured and can continue to train. It's not easy!!! To be honest, I'm sick of long rides! I'm leaving right now to fly down to Orlando for a 4 day conference. Normally It would be a blast with vendors catering all kinds of parties, but this year I will be training before and after the classes are over. It will all be worth it in the end...I hope! |
| 2009-06-22 10:16 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
Champion 5782 Northridge, California | Subject: RE: IM training blues Less than six weeks for me and I'm going to start dialing back a bit, at least on the run, but probably on the swim as well. Pretty epic weekend for all three disciplines, but it left me with an inflamed right Achilles and at some point, you just have to step back and be realistic about the training load. I'm proud that I got through all my planned long workouts to-date, but the 10+ hour weekends have definitely lost their "luster" and now I have to start thinking about balancing life stuff with realistic goals for the race. |
| 2009-06-22 11:22 AM in reply to: #2232920 |
Pro 3705 Vestavia Hills | Subject: RE: IM training blues Amen, brother ... my coach used to give us a whole week off from doing anything but a minimal amount of training to allow the body to absorb the work put in and the mind to rest from dealing with the scheduling pressures. BellinghamSpence - 2009-06-22 12:45 AM You take 2 or 3 days off from the regular training regime. do a trail run, power hike through the woods, play ultimate frissbee. Body and the MIND is tired. You will not loose any thing if you take a break from the grind.... |
| 2009-06-22 11:27 AM in reply to: #2233352 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: IM training blues trigrl07 - 2009-06-22 8:22 AM Thanks for posting this. I really have been feeling a bit lonley. Missing lots of summer fun with friends for long bike rides etc. I am also just mentally tired of the grind of training when I am not training I am getting things ready for my next workout or reading about training. Glad to see others going through this also. I have been feeling a bit guilty about it. What you describe is how I felt from Jan - Aug 2008!!!  Especially from May-Aug. Those were the worst. While doing an Ironman was special and something I wanted to do... and I'm proud for having done it... it's going to be a long time (if ever) that I go back and sign up for another one. The race was fine. The training was just too much. I like balance in my life! I like being able to do something other than swim/bike/run! I cringe when I think back to last year and how hard the training was. I keep telling people I MIGHT sign up for another IM... IF I ever get the memory of the training out of my head. I respect people who do them year after year... because I know that's just not me. Maybe if were a better athlete it would be, but I'm not so for me to be OK I have to work really hard at it. Some people just really excel at the training... and the races themselves. Yep, not me. |
| 2009-06-22 11:53 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
Champion 10157 Alabama | Subject: RE: IM training blues I would not make a decision about your 2nd IM until after you complete your first. Two thoughts/opinions: 1. I think the tendancy is for people to obsess a little too much about training for their first IM trying not to miss any workouts etc. But unless you are tying to KQ, as long as you get in your long runs and long bike rides, most everything else is gravy. 2. The second IM for me was more injoyable. I didn't stress out about training. I had a good base from the frist one so it was not such a monumental undertaking to go out for a 100 mile ride. 3. Lastly, once the "can I actually do it?" question has been answered, the pressure/anxiety is gone and you can once again look forward to a simple s/b/r without the stress of sticking to a plan. OK, so I can't count.
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 2009-06-22 12:57 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
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| 2009-06-22 2:26 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Master 1376 Chicago | Subject: RE: IM training blues Fight through it. It is worth it at the end. Running through that finishers shoot last night. There is no other feeling like it. |
| 2009-06-22 3:00 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Expert 713 Lake in the Hills, IL | Subject: RE: IM training blues I enjoy training and being on a schedule, it's just that things have changed since I have had a kid. If I were single I would be eating this up. I think for me the HIM is a great distance. I have done 3 of those and know I can complete the distance so there is not much anxiety there. Also at the end of a season I feel as if I have really accomplished something and still had a life. I think it is a valid point about worrying too much about getting in all the training. I have done that for every new distance and in the end was just fine. Once my daughter is older and embarrased to hang around with dear old dad I may return to this distance. Until then I will get this one done and head back to HIM's and Oly's. It will be nice to say I have done an IM though. |
| 2009-06-22 8:51 PM in reply to: #2233633 |
| Extreme Veteran 508 Fleming Island, FL | Subject: RE: IM training blues stchase34 - 2009-06-22 10:45 AM I'm leaving right now to fly down to Orlando for a 4 day conference. Normally It would be a blast with vendors catering all kinds of parties, but this year I will be training before and after the classes are over. It will all be worth it in the end...I hope! You ought to love the weather we are having down here right now in Orlando. Swimming isn't so bad, but the running and biking is brutal. I'm hoping for much cooler weather up at Lake Placid. |
| 2009-06-23 8:12 PM in reply to: #2234808 |
| Veteran 250 Maine | Subject: RE: IM training blues moabrunner - 2009-06-22 4:00 PM I enjoy training and being on a schedule, it's just that things have changed since I have had a kid. If I were single I would be eating this up. I think for me the HIM is a great distance. I have done 3 of those and know I can complete the distance so there is not much anxiety there. Also at the end of a season I feel as if I have really accomplished something and still had a life. I think it is a valid point about worrying too much about getting in all the training. I have done that for every new distance and in the end was just fine. Once my daughter is older and embarrased to hang around with dear old dad I may return to this distance. Until then I will get this one done and head back to HIM's and Oly's. It will be nice to say I have done an IM though. Yeah, it's not the training it's the guilt! Your family/kids sacrifices a lot so you can do an IM. Yeah, it's the I don't know what to expect and the over obsessing. Oh, and my family and friends went from being impressed to thinking I'm insane! rgretsof, you were right.... it is brutally hot here in Orlando! I swam in the hotel's 25yard outdoor pool when it was 96 out and the pool had to be in the high 80's. I biked inside due to lighting, but I will attempt to run outside tomorrow. I can't promise anything but I would bet LP will be a little cooler than here. Edited by stchase34 2009-06-23 8:13 PM |
| 2009-06-23 8:33 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Pro 4608 Brooklyn, NY | Subject: RE: IM training blues I have certainly faced mental fatigue during training, but it usually creeps up about every 4 weeks, lasts a few days and then passes. I've been training for 19 weeks so I think it's perfectly normal. I, however, am feeling more like Kathy in that I am really excited about the next 9 weeks (IMWI in 12 weeks) to see what I can really accomplish. I really hit a low point a couple weeks ago so I took a weekend almost off of training, went out with my girlfriends and celebrated my birthday, skipped training for 3 days and then got re-engaged at an intense training weekend in Lake Placid. Now I'm more excited and ready to tackle this final stretch. My coach is always telling me I need to balance the needs of training now with my ability to enjoy and love this sport in the long term. I think it's important to remember the IM is just one day and we are gaining so much more through the discipline and commitment of training. I've become more effective in other areas of my life and I'm a happier person overall. I just worry about the post-race blues I'll have because I'm actually not ready for it to be finished... yet. |
| 2009-06-24 4:26 AM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Veteran 103 Nice South of France | Subject: RE: IM training blues When you get the blues, go watch a movie, get some sleep, go meet a friend. A change of scene for one day is not going to make a difference to you finishing......or if it does it might well be a positive pschological one. If you can't do that, just visualise yourself crossing that line.......... I am amazed at how sad many of you seem to be , I am not at your level of training, but at my level when I get the blues, I just stop and spend with loved ones. I think it's a sign of over training. The next day I feel better and ready to start again. |
| 2009-06-24 9:09 AM in reply to: #2238744 |
| Veteran 273 Virginia Beach | Subject: RE: IM training blues I can see both sides here. I for one love training. I love the long hours, I love getting in incredible physical and mental shape. I love the sense of accomplishment. That said, I also don't have a family to take care of! Just me, my wife and our dog (Miniature Schnauzer by the way, best breed EVA) =p I applaud those of you that take care of a family and still find time to train for IM. I know the feeling of guilt when you miss a workout. It's a terrible feeling. Even if its not going to matter that much to the overall outcome physically, the mental anxiety of missing a workout can take its toll. Everyone has their days when they are feeling down. If someone tells you they love every second of every training day they are lying to you. For me when I'm feeling beat, I usually get some good quality sleep. Like 10 hours for a few nights. I have trouble taking a day off due to the above mentioned guilt feeling. I do take one scheduled day off every week though. Also, sometimes after a long work out on Saturday I'll get some good Sushi and then take a nap and loaf for the rest of the day. Rest and good sleep are usually enough to get me back into gear. Also I find that reading books on IM or any swim.bike.run sports in general get me fired up to train more. Or watching youtube videos of people running the finish shoot. Just remember sushi makes everything better. |
| 2009-06-24 4:20 PM in reply to: #2239216 |
| Expert 713 Lake in the Hills, IL | Subject: RE: IM training blues ShawnFromNorfolk - 2009-06-24 9:09 AM I can see both sides here. I for one love training. I love the long hours, I love getting in incredible physical and mental shape. I love the sense of accomplishment. That said, I also don't have a family to take care of! Just me, my wife and our dog (Miniature Schnauzer by the way, best breed EVA) =p I applaud those of you that take care of a family and still find time to train for IM. I know the feeling of guilt when you miss a workout. It's a terrible feeling. Even if its not going to matter that much to the overall outcome physically, the mental anxiety of missing a workout can take its toll. Everyone has their days when they are feeling down. If someone tells you they love every second of every training day they are lying to you. For me when I'm feeling beat, I usually get some good quality sleep. Like 10 hours for a few nights. I have trouble taking a day off due to the above mentioned guilt feeling. I do take one scheduled day off every week though. Also, sometimes after a long work out on Saturday I'll get some good Sushi and then take a nap and loaf for the rest of the day. Rest and good sleep are usually enough to get me back into gear. Also I find that reading books on IM or any swim.bike.run sports in general get me fired up to train more. Or watching youtube videos of people running the finish shoot. Just remember sushi makes everything better. The rest would help but believe it or not when I get back from a 4 hour ride, stretch, then shower there isn't too much time to lay around on the couch. The little one knows that dad is back and it is time to play. Also the wife needs her break. So it would be nice to do that and I am sure that it would help but it is not realistic. Like I said before if I were single this would be the greatest thing in the world. I used to love the day in day out HIM training before kids. The last couple of days have been better. Had a good talk with the wife and she understands a little better now. So game on. |
| 2009-06-24 4:58 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Member 18 | Subject: RE: IM training blues I definitely struggled with low spirits during IMCDA training... just keep your head up and get those long workouts in, no matter how much they suck and you don't want to do them. There really is no feeling like sprinting across the finish line!! |
| 2009-06-24 9:32 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Master 1303 Mishicot, Wisconsin | Subject: RE: IM training blues I'm really glad I am not alone and feeling the same way. After a very challenging HIM last weekend, and knowing IM Moo is only 11 weeks away, I am feeling the strain of it. I have some good support, but I still feel very alone and am missing things and missing life. I find myself signing up for races and using them as training so that I get the miles in and have people to socialize with and have fun. |
| 2009-06-25 12:11 PM in reply to: #2240841 |
| Pro 4608 Brooklyn, NY | Subject: RE: IM training blues moabrunner - 2009-06-24 5:20 PM ShawnFromNorfolk - 2009-06-24 9:09 AM I can see both sides here. I for one love training. I love the long hours, I love getting in incredible physical and mental shape. I love the sense of accomplishment. That said, I also don't have a family to take care of! Just me, my wife and our dog (Miniature Schnauzer by the way, best breed EVA) =p I applaud those of you that take care of a family and still find time to train for IM. I know the feeling of guilt when you miss a workout. It's a terrible feeling. Even if its not going to matter that much to the overall outcome physically, the mental anxiety of missing a workout can take its toll. Everyone has their days when they are feeling down. If someone tells you they love every second of every training day they are lying to you. For me when I'm feeling beat, I usually get some good quality sleep. Like 10 hours for a few nights. I have trouble taking a day off due to the above mentioned guilt feeling. I do take one scheduled day off every week though. Also, sometimes after a long work out on Saturday I'll get some good Sushi and then take a nap and loaf for the rest of the day. Rest and good sleep are usually enough to get me back into gear. Also I find that reading books on IM or any swim.bike.run sports in general get me fired up to train more. Or watching youtube videos of people running the finish shoot. Just remember sushi makes everything better. The rest would help but believe it or not when I get back from a 4 hour ride, stretch, then shower there isn't too much time to lay around on the couch. The little one knows that dad is back and it is time to play. Also the wife needs her break. So it would be nice to do that and I am sure that it would help but it is not realistic. Like I said before if I were single this would be the greatest thing in the world. I used to love the day in day out HIM training before kids. The last couple of days have been better. Had a good talk with the wife and she understands a little better now. So game on.I can believe it. I am single with no kids and it's also hard for me so don't think not having a family would make it much easier. I work a really demanding job so I leave my apartment at 5am and arrive home usually between 8:30-9:30. Most weeks go by with the TV never having been turned on. I don't ever get to just relax on the couch with my cat or take a nap. I rarely cook anymore. I have to really work hard to make Mon-Thu work so I can have Fridays off (I do a compressed 4-day, 10+hrs/day mon-thu) to train. On the weekends I finish my long ride/brick, shower and usually head straight out for something social so I can feel human. I think it's a balancing act for anyone unless they are independently wealthy and train full time. I'm sure the reward will be well worth it though and that's what keeps me going. |
| 2009-06-25 1:23 PM in reply to: #2231633 |
| Subject: RE: IM training blues 8 or 9 weeks before IM I took 5 days off and went to Cozumel to go diving. I ran 2 of the days I think, but other than that, just took a vacation. It was great, and didn't affect my IM training or time at all. Take a few days off and just do nothing to recaharge your batteries. Or do something else you love to do. IM training can be all consuming |
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