I am attempting to step up my training this year. (As an aside, I am working with a coach, with whom I am very happy...feel free to PM if any questions about this.) I also have a challenging career.

I would love to hear from those of you who have consciously taken your capacity for training to the "next level," whatever level that is.

I am not so much looking for the extremely practical how-to stuff of creating schedules, calendars, etc. I am more curious to hear musings on how you handled the effects of pushing through barriers, both mental and physical. (Edited to add...I guess, unless all the practicalities are what enabled you to handle the new physical/mental challenges!)

For instance, learning to stay mentally disciplined and focused at work when your body is experiencing a new level of training, and makes you want to nap! Or, as you have added volume, how has it been to mentally juggle more transitions in time/focus throughout the day (like adding 2-a-day workouts, or sneaking in workouts during the workday). I guess, just what was it like learning to handle the increased physical and mental demands of stepping it up in a structured way?

I guess this is kind of a long, rambling, open-ended question about sort of growing the capacity to handle all aspects of what it means to take your training to the next level.

Thanks for any insights!