Yes, your winter coat is indeed shed-able

I hear you on the longer days and getting back to form but I never really understand why athletes fall so out of form.  For me triathlon is more of lifestyle.  Sure I let things down for a couple of weeks a year but regardless I still try to make good eating decisions.  

Bad fuel just makes me feel like junk.  Tonight I started writing a column called "simple triathlete eating" where I hope to showcase various foods that I eat that are all super simple to prepare and are healthy.  This particular piece was on the mini-bell pepper.  Check it out and get back on the healthy food wagon.  Best of of luck in 2012.  -TG

http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2011/12/triathlon-training-diet-mini-bell.html 

Even though i have gained a few pounds since november, i always try to to do one of the three sports every day. Sometimes i cant because of work or prior commitments. It is so hard to jump on a piece of equipment this time of year and go a hour while everyone else is eating pie and other things, we just have to hang in there and do the best we can until all the fatty foods are gone.

It is a lifestyle. Plain and simple. 

Know what I crave? I crave the emotional high I get from eating well and training. Simple.

These days I am unable to even walk, ( knee surgery 2 months ago with an extensive rehab period), but I still get to the pool five days a week. Why? Because it makes me feel good.

Tough love: be very, VERY grateful that you have the ability to train.

I would give anything to be in your position.

Now get on out there........and run a mile for me would you??

I drew my line in the sand yesterday...back on the wagon for me today.  On my own positive note, this year even though my diet has been terrible the last two weeks, I didn't miss one day of training--for me that's huge.  Usually when the diet fails, the motivation to move wanes as well.  Not this year...part of it is due to this being a way of life, as others have stated, but I also got involved with a few challenge treads and didn't want to let my tri-peeps down.  This morning I feel pretty crappy after a Christmas candy-fest last night...but I'm ready to get my body back feeling good.  Besides, if I kept up at this rate, next week I'd have to teach in elastic waistband sweats!  Ha!  

Bottom line is I hear ya...but I'm stepping back into the light today.

I'm with you - the past couple of weeks I've been focused more on christmas than working out. However, my wife and I both knew that a large portion of christmas is going to be exercise stuff. Clothes, water bottles, and for her a garmin. It'll be back to getting after it today, with a run here shortly and a bike trainer session later.

And if all my gear isn't enough, I'll just count the weeks till my first century of 2012 (9?!?!? Crap!) and I'll be doubly motivated to get started over again. I dont know that it's for everyone, but for me, I like taking some time off where I dont feel obligated to train. If I start feeling bad about missing workouts, I get burnt out quickly.

Was just thinking about that on my run Christmas morning - always thankful to be able to run because I know many can't.  Another reason why I try not to fall of the wagon in the off-season - I know someday I won't be about to get on that wagon.  

I can certainly appreciate this.  This time of year I typically keep training but I do what I feel like doing without stressing about a plan, distance, pace, etc.  I love nothing more than to get out and run.  I miss it greatly when I can not.  Currently recovering from a hernia repair (about 10 days off) and while enjoying the rest and healing look forward to hitting it again ASAP.

I try to take the same approach.  There are days I simply can't do anything because of commitments but on days where I have the time yet not the desire, I think about any of the number of people I encounter regularly that would love to be able to go out for a run, swim or bike.  We are lucky to have our health and abilities.