Thursday, February 28, 2008

Sleep or Swim?

I woke up begrudgingly at 5:30 this morning for a 6:00 am swim workout. I was packed and ready to go. I was looking forward to it. As I showered, dressed, and ate a quick breakfast, I kept waiting for the cobwebs to clear. They didn't. I felt like crap--plan and simple. I remembered what my nutritionist had said yesterday: "You're walking on a tightrope now. If you have to choose between, let's say, a master's swim and more sleep, choose sleep." For better or worse, her words echoed in my head. Depressed and pissed off at missing my swim, I went back to bed.

....and slept soundly for 3 hours. Hmmm. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea afterall?

It's a recovery week, I keep reminding myself. If I don't feel fresh and eager in my workouts, I will get absolutely no benefit. I'm trying to listen to my body. It's hard. I don't like it. I got on the trainer Wednesday morning. Told myself if I didn't feel better after 10 minutes, I could quit. After 20 minutes of toiling in a low gear, unable to produce any quality power, I got off. And stretched for 30 minutes.

I hope my body will thank me for it.
And feel better already!
Afterall, it's Thursday!

16 comments:

Wes said...

Way to train smart!!

don said...

LOL!
Thank you for this post. It is very timely as I am having the same sort of week (and discussion with my inner self). Glad to know that I am not the only one.

Jessica said...

After reading your blog for a few years, I think this is the first time rest and recovery has won out over your drive to do more. Way to stay healthy!

Benson said...

Me too.
Feeling good.
Smart.

Ryan D said...

2 weekends ago, I was spent from training. As the week progressed, I had ZERO motivation to train. So, i dropped from a 10 hour week to a 1.75 hour week. It was supposed to be a recovery week anyway.

This week, I feel GREAT when I am training.

Listen to your body.

Anonymous said...

you don't become strong by training, your body becomes stronger at rest.

think training = stimulus, resting = adaptation. that should set the mind straight :-)

cheers.

Shan said...

Rachel, funny how we are in the same boat right now. The last week and a half (and especially after this weekend's epic rides and runs), I found that I've been sluggish and performance has decreased during my workouts (and unfortunately for me, I'm halfway through a build period!!) - not to mention other tell-tale signs of overtraining (crankiness, loss of hunger, lack of motivation). After feeling really crappy after Masters last night, I pulled the plug and am taking today and tomorrow off totally. I've been talking to a lot of people who are experienced with this sort of thing, and your nutritionist is right - we are walking on a *very* fine line 5-6 weeks out from the race. The training volume is high and some workouts are pretty intense, and it's easy to fall into deep overtraining syndrome, which isn't something that you can easily bounce back from.

Nip it in the butt and REST! After spending a little while feeling guilty about missing 2 days of training, I know this is the right thing to do (and my coach thinks so too! :) ). We are so close now, it's not worth the possibility of injury!!

Sending restful vibes your way!!

beth said...

whoa...people shower before 6am masters?

Rainmaker said...

Nice choice. Resting is where you get stronger. :)

triguyjt said...

totally agree with anyonomous post...good advice...good for you in the long run

Unknown said...

Man, I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks so much for your comment regarding our loss. I'm sorry about yours.

I can't wait to get caught up on your training adventures and watch you as the weeks tick by.

teacherwoman said...

Just dropping by. You made a great choice in listening to your body. It's a hard decision to make, but most of the time, it is very smart!

Stacy

Cliff said...

I always consider the one long bike and one long run as the key session of every week. If I have to bail on a few trainings before hand so i am fresh to nail those key sessions, I will do so.

That's a smart move. Your body definitely need the rest :)

JeffM said...

I agree with Jessie! Must be because you're almost iron now. Six weeks out- fun- fun- fun.

Unknown said...

Very true, indeed. Recovery is supposed to be just that...and it is the least well executed part of most athletes training. I think you made the correct decision.

Anonymous said...

"Step back to jump higher". You did the right thing!

Good luck in your final training and good luck in the event! I have really enjoyed your blog! I also live vicariously as you swim in the ocean and ride the coast while it is still 15 degrees back here in Chicago (-: