Successfully taking it to the next level...Insights?

[Starfish]

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!

[Veronica]

I like to sleep. Seriously, I structure my time around making sure I get enough sleep.

I also think shorter, intense workouts are good.

But this year I'm being a slacker so you can just ignore me.

V.

[solveig]

I'm in the same boat, so I'm not sure I can offer much advice, but I'd love to hear some!

I guess most of all I've discovered the early-morning workout. And from there, just making progressively harder workouts just a normal part of my life, so skipping or sandbagging seems out of the ordinary. It sure helps to have a supportive partner! (And it helps that it's not quite busy season yet...)

[Starfish]

you can just ignore me. V.

Yes...such a shrinking violet...NOT!!!

I hear you about sleep...tonight it is Tylenol PM and I am off to bed soon to see if I can get in 10-11 hours.

[Veronica]

Well, I have decided to bag the doubles for now, not just because of my knee but also to have more time to ride with Thom.

Yoga has really helped me get better sleep. I often wake up in the middle of the night with my mind whirring on some work related thing. I've had good success with putting myself into relaxation pose and falling back asleep.

I know when I don't get enough sleep I turn into a sleep deprived monster that no one wants to be around.

V.

[maillotpois]

So you want to know, not necessarily what people are doing NOW, but what we may have done at some point where we pushed through some barrier (mental, physical or ecumenical) and did something we otherwise may not have thought possible....

I'll think about that....


Anyone else?

[bouncybouncy]

my coach (hubby) always asks "so I guess you don't want to get any faster???" in a loving, sarcastic way...which guilts me into a workout!!!

We have been weight-lifting lately since he broke his ankle...so weight-lifting is a new way for me to "take it to the next level"...will see in a month how that is working for me.

Going to include more interval training...

Using my dog as a guilt measure...she likes to run so I take her running!...you should see the look on her face when I pack up the mtbike for a ride and she does not get to go...pathetic! (btw: not often)

I WANT SCHWAG!!!!!! (gotta get on the podium to get schwag!)