Head Space

It’s been a few weeks since I last posted.  During this time I’ve been thinking about how important the mental aspect of training is.  I think it is even more important than the physical aspect. 

Last week I was in Ottawa on business.  I was able to catch up with my Aunt Wilma, Nancy, Fran and how my extended family up in Almonte is doing.  I found out I do have relatives on that side in Oshawa.  At some point I’ll need to go seek them out.  My Aunt Wilma really isn’t my Aunt but my Grandfather’s first cousin but when your parents are both only children distant relatives become closer than blood lines say they are.  I was stunned to see Aunt Wilma, who is 84, looks the same as I remember.  She is busily working in her kitchen and was proud to let me know she still does all her own housework.  I can only hope I will have the same vigor as she does when I’m 84.   

While in Ottawa my training schedule saw me in the gym, pool and finding a yoga class.  All very doable things but head space became an issue.  When I returned to my hotel room I was focused on getting caught up on work and my head space was there rather than training.  I did get to the gym but as for the pool and yoga it did not happen.  I have a wee bit of an issue when I don’t have tick beside the scheduled training event but sometimes head space, physical issues or other things pop up that get in the way.  We just have to remember not get trapped in this head space or we won’t accomplish our goals.  So I’m back on track this first week of May.

I can not believe this first week of May brings the end to our Monster “Spin” Class.  Monster Spin is a one and half hours on Wednesday and two hours on Saturday of intense cycling.  The City of Oshawa provides traditional spin bikes but most of us have a bike trainer which allows our bike to become stationary.  After a warm up Coach Paul shares the name of the ride we are doing which ranges from Oatmeal to Mash it up.  By the time you are done oatmeal your legs feel like oatmeal.  The trainers have a fly wheel which “rubs” against the back tire and is adjustable.  Like riding outside as you change your gears it gets tougher.  Today Coach Christine called a 4 minute gear 12 standing up.  We were doing a hill climb after already riding for 75 minutes.  Although we all find it hard and often cheerfully complain we do know every one of these classes make us stronger for riding outside and for our races. Outside here we come.

My second race of the season is just a short few weeks away.  I’m nervous but after speaking with Coach Paul I know it will be fine.  Plus I can call him and he’ll help to calm the situation down.

I was asked the other day is it true what they say "take your weakest sport and make it your strongest"?  After much thought I realized that usually our weakest sport is the one for some reason we don’t like and may not see it as fun. Now that I think about it this applies to more than just triathlon it applies to life.  Let’s try to change our head space and put some fun into those jobs or events we don’t like. I do believe the job will get be easier and accomplished quicker. 

Have a wonderful week