Momentum Monday: A Challenge
Welcome back to another week of awesome, friends!
This weekend, I had a friend’s wedding on Friday and spent Saturday and Sunday in Toronto training and attending the PanAM games. Some of you noticed that in some of the training photos, one of the things is not like the others…
Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for the huge support that I received on my post last week of skipping a run when something felt off. I have been executing a careful and almost perfect training schedule, eating well and getting proper sleep. There is no reason for anything to happen, but sometimes our bodies don’t cooperate. After taking a couple of days off, I assessed the situation and decided to keep the entire week low-impact.
I have an appointment set up this week to investigate the issue and I will keep you posted. I always want to be transparent with you when things are going great and especially when things are going bad because that’s when we learn!
Even a year ago, I wouldn’t have stopped. I am not perfect in any way, but I am learning through experience, making mistakes and surrounding myself with athletes smarter than myself.
I’ve tried to keep training intensity despite lowering the impact. This week, I have done pool running intervals, some weight training and cycling. On Saturday, we met up with a group of cyclists and did a 100+ km ride.
We rode from Toronto to Burlington and had riders turn around at various points until we reached the waterfront with 4 lone riders.
It was a great way to spend a Saturday and also established a phenomenal cyclist tan.
This week, I am challenging myself to cycle commute to work every day, including errands in the evening. This will average about 60 – 80 KM of cycling a day and until I have the official go-ahead from my coach and sports doctor to run again, it will be a great way to ensure I am maintaining my fitness. To keep intensity, I will be hopping in the pool for some pool running and getting in some interval training.
Does deviating from a training plan suck?
YES!
But the reality is, I am still learning about my limitations and my abilities as an athlete so I am learning to be gentle with myself, stop when I need to and make the best of the situation. It helps to have positive people by my side.
Just remember, if you are needing to deviate from your training plan this summer, it is OK. Taking a break is sometimes exactly what is needed.
Make the best of the situation. Instead of skipping the long run, I strapped on a pair of roller blades and joined in.
Don’t freak out. This is a big one for me. Worrying never got anyone anywhere and stressing about things will only make it worse.
See a professional. Don’t self-diagnose. Have a team of people who can help you.
Keep active. I am just swapping out activities but maintaining training volume. Fitness does not need to be lost.
When was the last time you needed to deviate from your training plan? How did you deal with it?
Great advice, although as a self proclaimed type A planner, it can be tough to deviate from said plan. Life doesn’t always (like never) stick to a plan though so it’s probably best we can bend too. Have a great week.
I know. Unfortunately, life is not in favour of following my plans. 🙁 Have a great week too, my dear!
Serverly rolles my ankle 2 weeks ago! Still hoping around! No more running for me! Sucks! I’ve tried pool running but can’t seem to elevate my heart rate. Next thing i will try is biking!
NO! So sorry to hear that. Biking is a great, low impact way to raise your heart rate. If you have a local gym membership, try a couple spin classes this week. Just don’t hop out of the saddle and keep the cadence high with resistance low.
Guy second on the left!!
Hope it is nothing too serious!
I’m deviating now. Last week I changed things up and did 3 days of running with 2 days of cross training. It worked. I’m going to have to re-write my training plan as I think if I want to stay on the marathon training plan – I have to go down to 3x a week for the next month. My plan is just “to finish” so, it should work
Sounds like you are doing everything right. Best of luck with the rest of your training!
I saw a naked bike go past one time in England, I reckon they could have all had the WTF tan after that… As for deviating from a training plan, mine seems to deviate on a daily basis, so you shouldn’t worry too much. Anything that prevents injury is always good… 🙂
I appreciate the smile AND the vote of confidence. You are awesome James.