Chilling Out

I've decided to chill out a little when it comes to my triathlon training.  Sure, I'm still hoping to do well at the Rocket Man coming up at the end of the month, but I also want to enjoy the journey along the way.  I mean, the point of all this swimming, cycling, and running is to have fun, right?  If it isn't fun, what is the point?  And if I enjoy running the most, followed by cycling, with swimming trailing far behind somewhere, I think that is how it should go down.

But that also fits in with my priorities.  While I will always have a desire to do well in all events, triathlons have never been the top priority.  They started out as a fun way to get through the hot summer months, but I think they have slowly tried to inch their way up the chain of importance in my life.  And when I stop to ask myself if I really care about them...I find that I don't.  What I care about is having fun, running well, and staying healthy and fit.

I haven't been to the pool all week.  I did get in a tiny ride on my bike once, and will do so again this afternoon, weather permitting.  I enjoy cycling a lot more than I used to, especially when I have a pal. My friend Shannon started riding with me a few months ago, and then introduced me to Jane, who also likes to run and bike.  The three of us have been riding one afternoon a week, and I always look forward to it.  That is how it should be!  I don't want to dread my workouts!  I want to look forward to them, whether it is a peaceful solo morning run, or a bike ride with good friends. 

I also believe when my heart is at peace, when I am having a great time doing whatever I am doing, I usually do it better.  Stress, worry, frustration, and the constant struggle for improvement wears the body down, hurting performance.  As Jason wisely reminded me, "Who cares what your time was, as long as you had fun doing it." 

I am happy to say that the fun factor is back.  I'm running a lot more, enjoying my bike rides, and fitting in a swim whenever I feel like it.  My schedule will be changing somewhat this next week as No Boundaries has started back up.  I will run with my Madison team every Tuesday afternoon, which will mean I will move cycling to another day.  That will probably mean fewer swims, but I am okay with that.  I'd much rather work with my No Boundaries peeps than swim back and forth in a pool lane.

Speaking of No Boundaries, we have a BIG group this year.  Fleet Feet kicked up the marketing just in time for our numbers to explode.  I have four friends I have talked into doing it, and I am very excited for them.  I also got to meet several other participants Monday night at kick-off and I saw hope and excitement, mixed with a little uncertainty in their eyes.  I cannot wait for them to see all that they can do.  Man, I love coaching this program.  And coaching in general.  I'm hoping and praying for new opportunities with that as well, and in the meantime learning all I can.  I'm taking Health and Wellness Concepts this semester, and hopefully Nutrition for Fitness and Sports next semester, along with Essentials of Personal Training.

So yeah, this chilling out thing is working out well. 

The Madison and Huntsville No Boundaries coaches with Liz Hurley