Training Dips

Been flat out preparing for finals for the end of Term 2.

Had to give up my weekend rides.

That was tough.

My body is aching to sweat. Get the heart pumping.

All I’ve managed to fit in for the last four days is push-ups.

Lots of push-ups. And my row home. Oh, and my 10 minute bike to school.

OK, so all is not lost.

Can hardly wait to get out there and pump again.

Truthfully, I’ve come to realize. Exercise is something special. Something our body needs and my body loves.

Not going to beat myself up too much though.

This is only a temporary training dip.

Train Not Strain

Heard another thing today, which set me straight.

“Let the body catch up to the brain.”

Anotherwards, to heal up an injury you have to work it out - slowly. Even while the brain speeds ahead saying, "You’re doing ok, work harder. Do more!”

Your body may not be ready.

Tough lessons for me. I learn things the hard way.

I’m good at working through pain.

I dream of doing a triathlon. Last year while training my Achilles injury got the better of me. I didn’t take care of it (two years of it) and I fizzled the Soleus muscle in my calf on a training run. I was toast.

Not giving either a chance to fully recover I leaped into cycling. The BC Bike Race.

Pacing the pain I recovered to head back into running. The Soleus was better I figured.

Ouch. More ouches.

Back to cycling I go.

Tonight I’m doing a core and strength workout. What I hear is to NOT push though muscle pain. To STOP! Different to fatigue or aerobic pain. Much different.

Later I’m getting my second bike fit tweak. Then the best advice I hear all week.

Train – NOT strain.

Gonna now train to gain!

No Pain No Gain

Didn’t get a ride in yesterday so I decide to roll out to Western Speedway to watch the TripleShots PreDawn Cycling Club’s beginner’s race series. Give the Club some support.

Got there just in time to try out a warm-up lap with the pack. That was fun!

Then they’re off. 15 laps to go.

Not good at sitting around and doing nothing I decide to take on the position of cheerleader.

The pack soon divides. I make sure I’ve got a cheer in for everyone.

It’s exciting I have to say. A real mix of talents rolling around in circles. Some serious. Others just hanging on.

Rolling into the last few laps I hear an experienced rider, clearly coaching up to a young’in say the funniest thing.

“Dig down into that suitcase of pain!” he screeches down to him. He seemed triumphant in his manner.

I must have been the only one that heard it on the sidelines. Sure made me howl.
I rode home thinking about what you’ve got to do to get to the top. To win. Bottom line. Train hard.

No pain, no gain…