THROUGH TH3 WALL: A New Era
I've been thinking for a few days now about how to best describe the way my year seems to be going – how I've had this personal struggle between going with the flow and fighting myself to fit everything in all at once – and I think it's really just time to pick a side already.
It's clear things have been different since Ironman, and even though I've proven I can do it all - by God, tell me I can't, and damn if I don't - I must admit when attempting to do so I don't think I do any of it as well as I could in the end. It's expensive both physically and mentally to keep the kind of pace necessary to cram everything I want to do and be into a day, not to mention the added stress of not only trying to get it all done, but get it all done well.
For the past few years I've tried to keep things spinning, which as I mentioned is definitely possible, but I've come to accept it's much more difficult, not to mention unnecessary, to try to do it all at the same time. I've found insisting on the latter only produces acceptable results at best across the board, and even then not for very long. So what's the point exactly, especially when there's a much more economical way to spend my life?
Since Ironman I've learned beyond the shadow of a doubt my time is best spent focusing on one thing at a time. For example, I try to go all out during the holidays. Everyone comes to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner and for Christmas, and I like to make special things and fancy homemade presents. Shortly thereafter there's Laura's birthday and swimming lessons, and then Michael's birthday and soccer, and around May all the family related special events seem to slow down.
Now I certainly can get the 10 hours worth of base training in and pick out my races and scramble to make it all work from December to April, but why scramble? Why not wait until May when said things slow down, and then let triathlon fill some of the extra space and time my life finally has for it? I don't know why I've tried to force it all for so long. No doubt this is an old lesson for some and likely an outrageous suggestion for others, but know I'm not suggesting completely turning off training. I'm all for staying fit and being healthy as a lifestyle, but at some point there has to be a decision made about what is top priority, which of course, is different for everyone.
For me, from November to April the priority regarding training is simply staying fit and being healthy, it's not to build my base per se, or work on my speed, or do anything obsessively the way I used to believe I should. The fact of the matter is I just need to admit I have too much else going on during these months to add it to the mix.
Fortunately, I've managed to keep things in perspective for the most part this year by not allowing triathlon to steamroll over the rest of my life as it has in the past, and it seems the only thing left to do is to stop feeling even remotely guilty about it. The holidays were a hit, I've cheered louder and consoled better at swimming and soccer, and I've made one hell of a Jedi Master of Ceremonies. Everything has been better since I've stopped spreading myself so thinly, and I can only imagine the trend will continue this summer for tri season. At the very least I'm sure looking forward to finding out.
It's clear things have been different since Ironman, and even though I've proven I can do it all - by God, tell me I can't, and damn if I don't - I must admit when attempting to do so I don't think I do any of it as well as I could in the end. It's expensive both physically and mentally to keep the kind of pace necessary to cram everything I want to do and be into a day, not to mention the added stress of not only trying to get it all done, but get it all done well.
For the past few years I've tried to keep things spinning, which as I mentioned is definitely possible, but I've come to accept it's much more difficult, not to mention unnecessary, to try to do it all at the same time. I've found insisting on the latter only produces acceptable results at best across the board, and even then not for very long. So what's the point exactly, especially when there's a much more economical way to spend my life?
Since Ironman I've learned beyond the shadow of a doubt my time is best spent focusing on one thing at a time. For example, I try to go all out during the holidays. Everyone comes to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner and for Christmas, and I like to make special things and fancy homemade presents. Shortly thereafter there's Laura's birthday and swimming lessons, and then Michael's birthday and soccer, and around May all the family related special events seem to slow down.
Now I certainly can get the 10 hours worth of base training in and pick out my races and scramble to make it all work from December to April, but why scramble? Why not wait until May when said things slow down, and then let triathlon fill some of the extra space and time my life finally has for it? I don't know why I've tried to force it all for so long. No doubt this is an old lesson for some and likely an outrageous suggestion for others, but know I'm not suggesting completely turning off training. I'm all for staying fit and being healthy as a lifestyle, but at some point there has to be a decision made about what is top priority, which of course, is different for everyone.
For me, from November to April the priority regarding training is simply staying fit and being healthy, it's not to build my base per se, or work on my speed, or do anything obsessively the way I used to believe I should. The fact of the matter is I just need to admit I have too much else going on during these months to add it to the mix.
Fortunately, I've managed to keep things in perspective for the most part this year by not allowing triathlon to steamroll over the rest of my life as it has in the past, and it seems the only thing left to do is to stop feeling even remotely guilty about it. The holidays were a hit, I've cheered louder and consoled better at swimming and soccer, and I've made one hell of a Jedi Master of Ceremonies. Everything has been better since I've stopped spreading myself so thinly, and I can only imagine the trend will continue this summer for tri season. At the very least I'm sure looking forward to finding out.
posted by Wil at 10:52 AM
10 Comments:
Quoth you:
"I've managed to keep things in perspective for the most part this year by not allowing triathlon to steamroll over the rest of my life as it has in the past, and it seems the only thing left to do is to stop feeling even remotely guilty about it.... Everything has been better since I've stopped spreading myself so thinly"
I think it is worthwhile that you read your own words again.
Btw, I thought your Jedi Party was AWESOME!
It's funny that it seems so obvious now but at one time for me too triathlon overshadowed everything in my life. When I wasn't out training I was thinking about training or looking up something online about training. There wasn't ever any break. I realized that if I don't turn it off and concentrate on other things with all my attention the way you described I just end up feeling stretched in all areas.
Also the guilt of not paying more attention to the real priorities in life also affected my training (ironically) and I don't think I was as good as I could have been. You're not alone Ironwil, welcome to the other side.
10 hours a week is crazy. I peaked at 11 for Ironman Florida. I've been 4-6 hours a week (or less) ever since and have PR'd just about every race I've done. No injuries either. I'm less tired and stressed and enjoy more time with my kids than ever before. I think the extra time with my family brightens my perspective and makes up for the lack of training compare to others. If you think of it, an olympic tri is a 2-4 hour race given your ability... that's a long race and STILL quite an accomplishment. Not every race has to be of Ironman proportions to be an achievement.
As I was sitting in the library, reading book after book to my eager seven-year-old, sitting cross-legged in my lap and just so happy and content to have my undivided attention for an hour, I believe I reached the same conclusion.
Balance is satisfaction and acceptance, not only that we are doing the right thing in the present moment, but we are not concerned about the things we have elected NOT to do with same finite amount of time.
AJ
This is an interesting take on the subject of time and priorities.
I sometimes wonder where and when to fit things in and I don't have kids.
The beauty of this insight is its malleability. Cause I would bet dollars to doughnuts things won't stay the same for long. Your kids will get older, their priorities and interests will shift, and you will no doubt continually try new things and put yourself out there . . . . .
Perspective and no guilt is key and what I take most from this post. You know that you are doing a good, and a lot of the time a GREAT job. That's what counts.
Who are you, you 'there is enough time in my life to enjoy everything; I don't have to run myself into a ragged pile of guilt' person? and what have you done with Iron Wil?
:P
((hugs))
triathlon doesn't love you back....so I think the balance and perspective is a good thing for you. great post!
I think you are doing the right thing by allowing aspects of life to have their time and place organically. It's easy to fall under the addiction of training and racing, but as with anything in excess it often turns out poorly. Yes one can come out in great shape, but this is hardly compensation for losing all the rest in life that matters. I have known several people who have found themselves divorced or distanced irreparably from their families because they have become consumed, and it's so very sad. Kudos for you for keeping good perspective Iron Wil!
I do the same thing every year. I need to. Except my slow time is usually for lack of decent weather as opposed to schedule. Mine usually gets busier come summer.
I don't believe that you can bake me more cookies!
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