The intensity of marathon training comes to a peak with increased fatigue and limited patience for life pressures. The training novelty wears off and you find yourself in the hardest part of the training cycle, I call this period The Grind. This is a period when you are committed and so deep into the training process that you have no option but grind out workouts and deal with life.
The Grind sneaks up on you even though you can forecast it like clock work in your training plan 6 weeks from race day. Your friends are tired of hearing about the long runs, fueling preferences and new running gear. Your family is struggling with the need for training runs to consume family time. Although you are excited about the upcoming event, you have less patience for small things, frustrated when things just don't line up right, and for some reason always hungry.
I am no expert at effectively managing The Grind, but I do have a strategy that I am working on:
I am in the second week of The Grind for this training cycle. I am relieved to say that things seem to be headed in the right direction. I have one more long run remaining before I start the Taper. I feel strong and confident in my training and looking forward to race day.
The Grind sneaks up on you even though you can forecast it like clock work in your training plan 6 weeks from race day. Your friends are tired of hearing about the long runs, fueling preferences and new running gear. Your family is struggling with the need for training runs to consume family time. Although you are excited about the upcoming event, you have less patience for small things, frustrated when things just don't line up right, and for some reason always hungry.
I am no expert at effectively managing The Grind, but I do have a strategy that I am working on:
- Accept it - You know that this is the part of the training plan that this tests your commitment, dedication and support system. The long runs and speed work are pushing your physically which then makes everything else harder. Ideally your family, friends and co-workers understand the situation and provide you a little bit of grace and space. You also need to be aware and accept that things may take more effort or seem a bit more rough than usual. Try to be flexible and aware of your mood.
- Get sleep - The best thing to help recovery is sleep. This helps the body and the mind prepare for the next workout and next day at the office. Get as much sleep while in the Grind as possible to help the recovery and coping process.
- This too will end - The Grind wont last forever and is the precursor to the Taper. The Taper enables your body to recover for the final event with reduced training volume. Use the Taper as a prize at the end of the Grind and look forward to the rest and free time.
I am in the second week of The Grind for this training cycle. I am relieved to say that things seem to be headed in the right direction. I have one more long run remaining before I start the Taper. I feel strong and confident in my training and looking forward to race day.
No comments :
Post a Comment