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Does your training help beat the `blues` and more
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 2014-01-23 1:23 PM |
Veteran 325  |  Subject: Does your training help beat the `blues` and moreHi It would be fare to say i would suffer from anxiety and stress and the blues - i took up triathlons (very small ones and just started) to help me get fitter and stronger mentally but i am not sure it helps? maybe makes it worse as my body is in a i guess repair mode after many years of heavy drinking and poor diet. so taking on tri`s is a challenge , the swim is getting better but still stressful and i find running very hard in my knees . i dont want to be last all the time in just small races its hard for the family to watch me rocking up almost last at each event whether its a small swim event or tri So does tri`s help you to beat the blues and anxiety ? part of me wants to get fit and get on top of all this and feel great from doing it as even finishing he small events was a huge lift for me -part of me says for now the time is not right just relax and take it easy - i am very driven so doing that is unkown to me any thoughts |
| 2014-01-23 2:11 PM in reply to: Bigdave001 |
Veteran 485 | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more I might not have much to say and I know there will be others who are far wiser and far more inspiring then I will be, but I did want to say that "yes" it does help. It might not seem so right now but I promise you that if you stick with it, remain uninjured you will be amazed at where you are in a year from now. And two years from now it will seem like a dream. Don't stop if you can't help it. Do it to save your life, and I promise it will. |
| 2014-01-23 4:45 PM in reply to: 0 |
 Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more To answer your question, I will divide out my response into 3 parts, training, racing and both. Training: In my own personal experience, going for a ride, run or swim almost always makes me happier during but especially after, be it endorphins or just being happy DOING something. I do tend to get grouchy if I don't work out. Racing: well, that's a beast of a different color. At it's core, I do truly enjoy racing, too. Being out there with others striving for the same finish line goal, being inspired equally by those much faster than me and those who are struggling more than me is a bonding experience. The little mini relationships we strike up with others pre or post race in transition or during the race often makes a race more enjoyable for me. Of course the physical aspect is good, too; seeing if my training was enough or if I should've done more. I get anxious before most races but as soon as we start it's mostly gone and I focus on what I'm doing and what I need to do to get to the next leg. I also get a bit anxious during the swim only because I don't like being knocked around. Both: I have osteoarthritis in both knees and am heavier than I should be, so I tend to battle knee pain during both training and racing but I've also learned that staying active helps combat some of the knee pain. Doing nothing (being inactive) does more harm than good in general, IMO. Exercise helps with stress, blood pressure, etc. I hope you find the happiness you are seeking in triathlon - if not, perhaps look into something that does make you happy but also moves you toward your mental and physical goals. Edited by melbo55 2014-01-23 4:50 PM |
| 2014-01-23 5:21 PM in reply to: melbo55 |
| Veteran 325 | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Originally posted by melbo55 To answer your question, I will divide out my response into 3 parts, training, racing and both. Training: In my own personal experience, going for a ride, run or swim almost always makes me happier during but especially after, be it endorphins or just being happy DOING something. I do tend to get grouchy if I don't work out. Racing: well, that's a beast of a different color. At it's core, I do truly enjoy racing, too. Being out there with others striving for the same finish line goal, being inspired equally by those much faster than me and those who are struggling more than me is a bonding experience. The little mini relationships we strike up with others pre or post race in transition or during the race often makes a race more enjoyable for me. Of course the physical aspect is good, too; seeing if my training was enough or if I should've done more. I get anxious before most races but as soon as we start it's mostly gone and I focus on what I'm doing and what I need to do to get to the next leg. I also get a bit anxious during the swim only because I don't like being knocked around. Both: I have osteoarthritis in both knees and am heavier than I should be, so I tend to battle knee pain during both training and racing but I've also learned that staying active helps combat some of the knee pain. Doing nothing (being inactive) does more harm than good in general, IMO. Exercise helps with stress, blood pressure, etc. I hope you find the happiness you are seeking in triathlon - if not, perhaps look into something that does make you happy but also moves you toward your mental and physical goals. Hi thanks for a great reply and for your bit about your knees - i guess i know i am not going to win a race and the high i got for taking part in two small tri`s recently was awesome - |
| 2014-01-23 5:51 PM in reply to: Bigdave001 |
Master 1457 MidWest | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Originally posted by Bigdave001 Hi It would be fare to say i would suffer from anxiety and stress and the blues - i took up triathlons (very small ones and just started) to help me get fitter and stronger mentally but i am not sure it helps? maybe makes it worse as my body is in a i guess repair mode after many years of heavy drinking and poor diet. so taking on tri`s is a challenge , the swim is getting better but still stressful and i find running very hard in my knees . i dont want to be last all the time in just small races its hard for the family to watch me rocking up almost last at each event whether its a small swim event or tri So does tri`s help you to beat the blues and anxiety ? part of me wants to get fit and get on top of all this and feel great from doing it as even finishing he small events was a huge lift for me -part of me says for now the time is not right just relax and take it easy - i am very driven so doing that is unkown to me any thoughts
I was, also, an out of shape, lazy and sad person before getting into tri's. I went into it as a way to have something in common with my husband and found that I really didn't like tris all that much but I do like the running part. With that being said, I KNOW I need to get out and run again but I seem to let life's little stresses get in the way. My friends have all said that I am a much happier person when I actually get my butt out there, and I KNOW that I am. I just have to convince myself that it is in my best interest. It does take time to find that degree of satisfaction of getting out there. I hated swimming and it cause me the most anxiety so I didn't train like I should of. And guess what, it caused more stress! Keep plugging away. IT does get easier and more enjoyable. We are all in this to live a better lifestyle and to enjoy life. Always remember to have fun! |
| 2014-01-23 10:01 PM in reply to: #4937307 |
New user 84 | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more I'm glad to have come across this thread. I battle some severe depression. When I first started tri-ing a couple years ago, it was extremely beneficial and mood boosting. Now that I am working full time, I initially struggled with the stress of training as I decided to attempt a half iron this year. I was feeling very overwhelmed. I took a step back and had to remind myself of all the good things triathlon brings to my life. It is a stress reliever and endorphins are awesome. Haha. I agree with others' comments that there are bonds, even if temporary between triathletes that helps me feel not so alone (like this post!). It is what you make of it. If you feel like it's a chore or a stressor to your life, then no, it won't help beat the blues. But if it's fun and brings you joy and you can remind yourself of the exhilaration of being at an event, it definitely can be an awesome positive addition to your life. Sometimes it's easier said than done. Today I laid in bed all day instead of going swimming because I feel worn out from life in general, and after missing my opportunity to train today I'm kicking myself because I KNOW I would have felt better if I did. Oh well, luckily there is tomorrow |
| 2014-01-23 10:02 PM in reply to: #4937307 |
New user 84 | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more I'm glad to have come across this thread. I battle some severe depression. When I first started tri-ing a couple years ago, it was extremely beneficial and mood boosting. Now that I am working full time, I initially struggled with the stress of training as I decided to attempt a half iron this year. I was feeling very overwhelmed. I took a step back and had to remind myself of all the good things triathlon brings to my life. It is a stress reliever and endorphins are awesome. Haha. I agree with others' comments that there are bonds, even if temporary between triathletes that helps me feel not so alone (like this post!). It is what you make of it. If you feel like it's a chore or a stressor to your life, then no, it won't help beat the blues. But if it's fun and brings you joy and you can remind yourself of the exhilaration of being at an event, it definitely can be an awesome positive addition to your life. Sometimes it's easier said than done. Today I laid in bed all day instead of going swimming because I feel worn out from life in general, and after missing my opportunity to train today I'm kicking myself because I KNOW I would have felt better if I did. Oh well, luckily there is tomorrow |
| 2014-01-23 10:02 PM in reply to: #4937597 |
New user 84 | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Sorry my message posted twice. :/ |
| 2014-01-24 1:32 AM in reply to: Bigdave001 |
Regular 1023 Madrid | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Its the rare person that doesn't suffer from stress, anxiety, and mood swings. Exercise definitely helps purge the demons and balance things out. That said don't let the work outs add to your stress. Find a time to swim when the pool isn't crowded, or go for a run on a peaceful trail even if you have to drive some to get there. Biking in traffic can be unpleasant at the best of times so maybe climb on the indoor bike in front of the tv. Also there's no rule that says you have to compete. You can just as easily do your own thing and derive all the benefits. It takes a long time after years of neglact so expect it to take time. Set reasoanble goals with marginal increases. The older we be the harder it is too. You can do it. All you need to do is find the right way to do it. |
| 2014-01-25 9:13 PM in reply to: gr33n |
Veteran 732 Pittsburgh, PA | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more ^^^ that is great advice. Think about how you can keep it fun. I don't suffer from major depression for anxiety but I find training through the winter really helps me get through it- just being outside almost every day does a lot for my mood. And regular exercise does wonders for mood and stress. If you're doing it just to be healthy, I recommend sticking with sprints- fitting in training for a longer event can be stressful, esp if you're slow (like me!) I can understand that it must be frustrating to come in near the back of the races you do. You might consider doing a 5k that you know will have lots of walkers (big charity events, or look at last year's results for charity events) and family-friendly charity rides. Not like a MS150, but something like 30 miles. You definitely won't be last and you will probably have fun. It might be an ego boost. |
| 2014-01-26 3:24 PM in reply to: chayes |
Champion 7704  Williamston, Michigan | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Absolutely. Its a great stress buster. Work on the fitness. There is not an athlete out there who some days doesn't want to train. its normal. Dont' get caught up in where you place in a race. I'm never going to be fast but I enjoy the training and the fitness and for me, because I have accepted my inner slowness, triathlon in my mental health thing I do for ME. It keeps my head on straight. Plus you might be slow now but as you work on it, maybe loose a few pounds and become stronger and fitter it will come. Improvement is not linear so expect some peaks and valleys. Welcome to the addiction |
| 2014-01-26 5:01 PM in reply to: Bigdave001 |
| 5 Mono, Ontario | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more So let me answer this from the perspective of person with an 12 year history of depression, who has attempted suicide. (No worries that was a while ago.) The answer for me is Yes, Yes, Yes, It is an awesome adjunct to traditional therapies, andI would encourage anyone who has walked in my shoes to get out and move. Depression for me, was all about inadequacy and failure. And at its worst, it took my running. If you love running as much as I do, then it's a real sign of danger. Running, hiking, walking, biking, rollerblading, it really doesn't matter, because when you're at the bottom, and you can force yourself outside you get to: 1. Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder 2. Push a few endorphins 3. Inhibit seratonin reuptake 4. Distract your mind, even for a moment, from the descending whirlpool, and 5. Say one of "OK I did it," "I dare you to do that again," "I can do better." "I want to do more." When you are into a rhythm, the anxiety, failure, hostility or whatever that drove you to the "blues" is at a minimum displaced for a while, and at best illuminated. If you know someone who is suffering them blues, find a way to get them to enjoy standing up. |
| 2014-01-27 9:40 PM in reply to: 0 |
| 286 , | Subject: RE: Does your training help beat the `blues` and more Running and cycling definitely double as therapy, on some days. haha  Edited by SGirl 2014-01-27 9:40 PM |
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