About Damn Time
This post has been sitting as a draft longer than I would have liked. It could be that I could not figure out a title, it could be that I was stuck writing an intro, or it could be that I have been struggling with "balance." So let's say that it is "D" all of the above.
Since I've opened my business, it has been more of a challenge to coach myself. I have been frustrated with myself for not holding space for myself. I have been frustrated with myself for pushing my training plan to the bottom of the list. I've struggled with keeping myself accountable in buckling down and setting time for myself. And, like you, I have personal goals. And, like you, I am training for my goal race, which is 13 weeks away. Balance and setting boundaries are my current hurdles.
I have been self-coached for the last six years, and I have learned so much! All of the mistakes have made me more adaptable. But if I am being honest, I wanted a coach this time. I wanted a coach to help me with the sticky decisions, guide me in my training plan, and give me feedback; I wanted a coach to help me balance out this area of my life. So I wanted a coach to ease the frustrations (as stated above).
However, I haven't found a coach for me (finding a coach is like finding a hairdresser).
Recently, I needed help making a decision, and I needed to talk out loud about what would be best to move forward ( Fairy Godmother, grant my wish). I had recovered from a minor injury, but this minor injury took me out for two weeks. So I had to decide if my "B" race was worth attempting. So I asked myself the following questions; does this race make sense? What will I gain by racing? And what is the purpose of this race? I had to be honest and willing to have this tough conversation.
There are multiple reasons for being self-coached
It could be financial, trust, or you work better independently. Or you don't see it as a need, or you could be like me and just haven't found "The One."
Despite my current frustrations, reflecting after every training cycle has helped me learn from mistakes and sort out the good and bad habits.
Below are the practices I have implemented in my training:
Time. Ask yourself how much time I have available to train. Break this down in hours, including prep time and travel time to and from the trail (or wherever you go to train). Does this availability meet the demands of training for my event?
Create a long-range training plan. You don't have to write down every workout for the next six months but look at the big picture on how you will structure your training over the following months. Include where your non-goal and goal races fall in the calendar.
Be Honest. It's okay if your training isn't going perfectly or you have a setback or an injury. Things happen, but neglecting to have these honest and sometimes challenging conversations with yourself could cause more harm.
Your corner. Fill your corner with people you trust, people who support you and are knowledgeable. Do not focus on quantity but on quality. This person or persons should be your sense of reason and should have no problem telling you what you need to hear, especially when you are stubborn.
Listen to your body. Your body will have no problem telling you what it needs. Do not fight it. If it needs sleep, then sleep; if you feel hungry all day, then EAT. Become so in tune with your body that you are working with it, not against it.
Question everything and never stop learning. There is so much information available. Be willing to continuously understand the sciences, try new training modalities, and pursue research. Lastly, Question your training and why you are doing "X" workouts or why you structured your training cycle. Question where you get your information and ask questions.
I hope these insights help you in your training and shine a little light on how to move forward if you are stuck. If something has helped you in your training that is not listed, drop it in the comments below.
Happy Trails!
Quote of the Week:
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Song of the Week: Sky is the Limit -Rebelution
