Mental Game

I have been absent from blogging I know. But, I have been working on some mental training. After my thoughts about my poor running at Musselman I am determined to break this downward spiral I have had with my running. I always start the run with a poor attitude and end up almost crying by the end. This has happened in my last 2 races.

I decided I needed something to aide in developing my mental health in the races to come. I got on Amazon and finally ordered a Book I have had in my Wish list for a few months now....

I have read the first few chapters and am so interested in this book. I have completed my Prime Triathlon Profile which is comprised of twelve mental, emotional and competative fators that influence my performance. I have rated myself on a 1-10 scale in all these areas and know what I need to work on. 3 being PAIN, Adversity, and EMOTIONS. These are the 3 right now in need of the most improvement.

I have read about Motivation which is the foundation on which everything I do in triathlon is built. I think I have this one down pat! I am now onto Confidence where I am reading about a viscious cycle or upward spiral and Why triathletes lose confidence. I will keep you updated on this book as I read more!! it is so good and I recommend it to all that are competing whether it is just for fun or competatively!!

On another side note, I joined the Fleet Feet Hot Feet Runs at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, NY today. What awesome inspiring runners! I met a guy who has ran quite a few marathons and is going to tackle the Syracuse Marathon in October as well as a Lady out to run her first 1/2. I was only going to do 45 min of running but it felt so effortless today that I did 7.75 miles in 1:12 min! I should also tell you that My big toe was chaffing on the inside of my sneaker and I was bleeding in my shoe, I started to feel a blister in my arch as well but kept saying I am a runner and will not stop...and I FREAKING DID IT Today!! I felt a little more confidence in my ability to run well after a long bike.                                                                          

I do have a Olympic Distance race this upcoming Sunday where I will be racing with my coach!! I am hoping I can beat last years time!!

Happy training!

First week Training like a Triathlete

This was my first week Training like the Pros..no work..no obligations but training and my daughter. This is fun! I am going to enjoy this while it lasts!

Yesterday was one of my hardest Training efforts to date. Not that I couldn't do the workout but mentally it was challenging. I am definately working on this portion a lot this past week. I had a 3:15 brick buster yesterday. 60min zone 2 on bike, 30 min z2 run, 45 min (30 min Zone 2/15min Zone 3) bike, 15 min Z3 run, 30 min Z3 bike, 15 min Z3 run. The hardest part was getting on for that last brick. I knew it was going to be tough. I knew I could challenge myself. But a little piece inside me was debating. I thought eh, Ill tell coach I just didn't have it in me...Ill make up something if I have to. Then it hit me!!! No more excuses! I have 3 months to just take it easy and train! People would kill for this right now! SUCK it up!

So...I did and finished relieved and happy that I didn't give up on myself and all through those moments I was thinking of executing my B2B race and not giving up on myself. I nailed my nutrition drinking EFS drink 24 oz (48g CHO) every hour along with powerbar gels every 30min. I don't know if I should have probably took in a little more fluid but Im going to keep trying to see what my body can handle. I finished off with Cappucino Ultragen which I am in LOVE with! I swear I think about having seconds!!

Today, same thing, I was in the pool and I felt awesome! I told myself I am a good triathlete and I am going to take this swim session to the max today! BAM 3000 meters done in 1:10. Hey, I may not be the fastest but I felt like I could maintain this pace forever!! Even with the hard efforts I had in there.

Attitude and Commitment is everything....I am getting there little by little.