Sunday, February 19, 2012

Consistency

It takes a lot to reduce me to this.

But it was worth it, because I finished this 3-week training block with all workouts successfully completed.  Despite 3 weeks of crazy at work and a whole bunch of dog classes, I fit in the workouts, the recovery, adequate sleep and fairly good nutrition.  Win!

Triathletes are constantly looking for that next big way to get faster - and any glance at a tri magazine or message board proves it.  Do more volume, do less volume, do something special for recovery, get this coach, get that coach...people will do it all!  As best I can tell, the boring and simple answer may be the best one - consistency.  Just getting the work done, day in and day out.  You can only get by so long and so well with skipping workouts, moving workouts around, eating like shit, not fueling well, and not resting enough.  I think the science of how much you push your body and how performance gains are made in your recovery from that are fairly well documented - so it's hard to expect big gains if key workouts aren't done and recovery isn't taken seriously, right?  Again, NOT rocket science.  I've always been reasonably consistent (my husband would tell you I've only missed about 3 workouts since I started working with my coach 3+ years ago - that's not *quite* accurate) but one of my goals for this year is to put in the extra effort needed to be even better.  Nailing this training block was just step one!

Now I get to take rest week just as seriously and let my body soak in all that hard work.  The first race of the year is just a few weeks away!

12 comments:

mtanner said...

Yes consistency is numero uno!

Stef0115 said...

Isn't that just the way. Consistency is important for anything worthwhile that we want to do in life.

3 missed workouts in 3 years -- you're my hero! ;-)

San said...

Amazing and congrats on nailing this training week. Love this picture, sooo darned cute.

Actually my body has become totally used to grain-free. But going grain-, sugar- AND dairy-free seems to make a huge difference. My skin is starting to slowly (very slowly) heal up and I'm getting rid of fat (water or let's call it just undefined weight) even though it is the time of month when I usually put on weight (water). So, even though I'm not too happy about it, I'll stick to this way of eating and will finally lean out. And in a few weeks I will start with running again. There is still my crazy dream of the Ironman Hawaii. But first I have to dial in my food and then... One step after another.

Enjoy your rest week.

ADC said...

Well said.

Molly said...

Oh no, there's definitely been more than 3!!!

Unknown said...

Nice job on your solid training block. Enjoy the recovery part of it!

Meera said...

I appreciate how even your dogs are consistent: consistent cuddlers :)

Sherry said...

Great post... and I couldn't agree with you more. Consistency (encompassing work, eat, sleep, recover), day in and day out... month after month... training cycle after training cycle... is key. There is no "quick fix" in the world of endurance sports. Great job, Molly... and oh, that fluffy "baby" dog (as you like to call him)! Swoon!

Steve said...

Molly, I am following your blog. You help support people which I love. I typically comment a lot, and hopefully on your blogs I will.

Letting you know, and you can not publish... cuz I could care less. Wish the best for you. :)

Take care, and really hope I see you around. Your talent is your energy, and your ability to be ... very happy. Why I like you a lot. :) xoxo

Jennifer Harrison said...

AMEN!!! :))) Enjoy your rest week!!

Meredith said...

Yay! You are doing awesome, your commitment is a true inspiration and always encourages me to keep going!

Enjoy your "rest week" because I'm sure the dogs have other plans for "rest week".

The Original MAJ said...

couldn't have said it better, nor could most coaches.

:)