Hi everyone…

I know its been a while since I’ve blogged, but it isn’t because I’ve been sitting around eating bon-bons and watching TV! I’ve been busy, busy, which is awesome when you do what I do…

For instance, last night I had the pleasure and extreme honor of meeting a group of “Team Training New England” mentor coaches at a track in West Hartford, CT.

This was a group of “leader” coaches who are working under the guidance of TTNE head coaches, Lynne Tapper and Janice Cohen.

Janice and Lynne invited me to come and spend some time with these coaches, sharing some of my coaching and training experience and passing on a few tips.  We talked about all facets of running and triathlon including strength training and core training, keeping our pelvis neutral with the right kind of flexibility training, trusting our intuition when determining how “hard” we should go on any particular training day, among many other topics.

We also reviewed a few warm up and functional strength exercises and just generally had a WONDERFUL time sharing a little of ourselves with each other.

As is often the case, I went there hoping to give the coaches something that would be of value to them, and I left having received so much more than I could ever give! How so?

I was so inspired by this great group! They were motivated and excited to learn, and each has faced so many challenges and obstacles on their path of self discovery and growth! They all embody the GREATEST that we have in this great sport! I was truly honored to be there…

If you are in New England, and are interested in doing your first or second triathlon, or just want to be a part of a wonderful group of athletes and people, then check them out!

Lynne and Janice know their stuff - they are among the best coaches I have met in this sport. They give so much of themselves. Without people and coaches like this in our sport, it wouldn’t be what it is, that is for sure.

Congrats ladies! You are doing great things. Keep it up…

For more information on Team Training New England, go here: http://teamtrainingne.com/

A client of mine emailed me recently, with a very thought provoking and important message and question…

I thought you might all enjoy seeing what she wrote, and also seeing my response to it….

This topic is important for every athlete who aspires to be the greatest that THEY can be, yet also realizes that balance is necessary in all things…

Here is what she wrote:

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“Here’s a list of attributes from May/June’s Inside Triathlon that they list as attributes to make it as a professional. They really speak to me and what I need to do, to be the best that I can be.”

The patience to continually work on one’s weaknesses while on a performance plateau for months on end is often the critical characteristic that defines a pro.

• How long can you keep working on your swimming for hours every week while you still come out at the back of the field?
• How long can you continue to go to physical therapy for injury, or run in the pool or do inane muscle balance exercises?
• How long can you deny yourself dietary treats normal people eat daily?
• How long can you get to bed early every night?
• How long can you sit on the damn indoor trainer in the winter?

She went on to say, “these are the hard things! Having said that, I was out on a date last night!

Coach, I have been trying to create more balance in my life by allowing myself to get involved in some other things. I noticed that Chris Carmichael also encourages that for Lance. I want these additional activities to be part of what keeps me engaged and excited in triathlon.  On the other hand, sometimes I feel like they detract me from my focus and training. Then I read about Peter Reid’s absolute focus required to become his best. I think what I need is your objective outside opinion - if my other activities ever become a detriment to my training, I want you to bring it to my attention.”

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Here’s what I said in reply to her. I might rephrase some of this as I read through it, but I’m giving it to you here the same way it rolled off my fingers, the first time around…

“Wonderful email! thanks! As you know well, every time we’ve discussed your re-engaging yourself in some other fun activities, I’ve been very encouraging and supportive. I think its not only a good thing - it is absolutely essential, not only for your sanity, but ALSO, ironically, for your improvement!

You simply need to have balance - you need to have alternative activities that take you away from your  training game, even for a short time, to another place, that gives you some joy and relaxation and fun. When you achieve balance, your training will IMPROVE, and you’ll find yourself getting faster, more quickly, and enjoying it more along the way…

None of that means you can get away from the essence of the characteristics you listed….which is to say, you need to be willing to stick with it through tough times, and persist, despite some plateaus….you need to get accustomed to delayed gratification and sacrifice on some levels….that is what marks any person who achieves their best self, regardless of the endeavor.

Reading my previous blog post just a few days ago, where I talk about my own history: 5 years - 22 minutes.

That’s a lot of day in-day out plateaus, injuries, reassessing strategies, experimenting with new things, frustration, brief little victories, etc., etc. , all in the interest of me finding my best self. It truly was and IS a journey - it if wasn’t, and if I hadn’t managed to achieve some balance along the way too, then I surely wouldn’t be typing this right now…

So, I don’t think you have any concerns that you will get too involved in other things. I know you too well! My job moving forward will be to help ensure that you stay focused enough to keep improving, yet also balanced enough to keep it fun! Enjoying the process is far and away the most important thing. Finish lines and PRs come and go. Yes, those results ARE forever. But what we learn, and how we grow, and who we meet and can help along the way, is what makes all the difference, and what makes it all worthwhile…