Crying uncle

Let's see... the last time I posted, I was struggling to rally for an 8-mile run in the rain. That was the first time since 1/1 that I've had any resistance to a training session. The day before, my heart rate was way too high for my slow pace on a brick run. That should have been my first clue that I was about to cry uncle.

While Monday was a light day, just Master's swim, my legs still didn't feel rested by Tuesday's spin class. Simply walking up the stairs to my apartment the last few days has been draining and slightly painful. And on yesterday's run, my body just said "enough." My legs felt like lead and my heart rate was, yet again, far too high. At master's swim last night I stuck it out for 45 minutes and then just got out of the pool. I'm done. Uncle. 

I came home from the pool pretty stressed out. Am I losing my fitness somehow? Am I not eating enough protein? I know I've slacked a bit on strength lately but did that have this kind of impact? Am I going to be able to race in the coming weeks/months? Does this make me a failure or a quitter for not sticking to the plan?

This is where a coach comes in handy. The reassurance that this is a normal part of training, that "ta da!" we've simply found my temporary limit and now it's time to rest, was a big relief. I am now experiencing firsthand the old adage, "no pain, no gain." Ahh... got it. And so rest week begins a half-week early. We moved some things around and today, instead of hill repeats (the thought of which yesterday made me want to cry) I have blessed nothing on the calendar. My body is very thankful.

Somewhat reluctantly I'm learning that rather than a linear progression of fitness, training seems more like a dance. There's a forwards and backwards rhythm to it... one that requires patience and listening. I suppose if it were nice and linear -- do this for a week, and then that for a week, neatly codifiable -- everyone would be peak performers. But it's this blend of art and science, knowing when to lead and when to let go, knowing that crying uncle is not only ok, but necessary if (and because) you're pushing hard enough... these are the intangibles that make this training process so fascinating to me. I'm not sure, but I'd bet that top performers have all mastered the dance of the intangibles.

And so I totally embrace my rest week. My body is craving it. I bought some compression sleeves which feel fantastic (but my attempt to sleep in them was a total failure.) I also bought some compression shorts which ended up not being tight enough and I need to order the smaller size online. And, since I just got a new client (hurray!!) I treated myself to my own TRX. I'm SUPER excited about this! It's seriously the best exercise I've ever done. And since it's in my home I have absolutely no excuse to bag my strength training :-)

My first race is in a little more than 2 weeks. And because I don't feel remotely ready for it, I haven't wanted to fully commit to doing it. I haven't even wanted to think about it. So I'll put it out here publicly (Hey everybody, I'm doing a duathlon in 2 weeks!) to psych myself into committing, into making it real. As long as I set my expectations low, that it's just a way to practice race mode, pacing and nutrition, then perhaps I'll give myself a pleasant surprise. Underpromise and overdeliver. Or just deliver. Either way is better than the alternative.

Have you cried uncle lately? How did it feel?

 

Comments

[Lisa]

Girl I have so been there done that!! I have pushed myself so hard over and over again that I am left with no choice but to cry uncle. Sometimes I will be halfway through a workout and realize that my quality has completely tanked and a rest day would have been the better decision!! Way to be smart and listen to your coach and your body!

[Molly]

Sounds like you are on top of things - I cried uncle once last year and I swear nothing excited my coach more because she knew it meant I was really listening to my body (and yes I got some extra rest out of it).

What I LOVE about training with a coach is that it no longer becomes linear progression (every week I go longer) but insteaad hops all over the place, keeps things unpredictable for me but also ends up being the best for my body!

Keep your chin up, you are doing great!