An Epiphany

[maillotpois]

I'm sorry you're not doing it.

I think I would have a really hard time with a training schedule like the one you describe. X miles at Y mph, etc. I need to sneak training in so it looks like I'm just riding my bike and having fun, usually with friends. That's why the brevets work so well for me, I think. I did my third 200k of the year yesterday and it was a blast. Tough ride and I struggled mid way through, but I had 160 of my friends (well I don't know all of them) out there and we all cheer each other on. I don't use a HRM. Ever.

If you change your mind and decide to tackle DMD sometime, I can't recommend using the brevets as training highly enough. I'm basically following the schedule I posted on your original thread. And the rando clubs have grown in popularity since I started using the brevets as training for DMD in 2007, so there are more riders out there - but I would never describe the rides as crowded. There's a perfect amount of riders out there, so you'll always see someone or be able to ride with someone, but it's nothing like an organized century with roads packed with riders.

If you decide to do an Ironman, then you're a whole different type of crazy.

[Wahine]

I've had that epiphany. It's wonderful when you recognize it and give yourself permission to let it go.

[Becky]

That's exactly how I felt about grad school when I was taking the GREs and filling out applications. The day that I decided not to go felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.

[Veronica]

If you decide to do an Ironman, then you're a whole different type of crazy.

It's funny, but it really does seem less daunting than DMD. I think it's because my running has finally gotten to be fun. Not sayin' I'm doing one. It's just crossed my mind lately, while I'm running...

Veronica

[kacie tri-ing]

It's funny, but it really does seem less daunting than DMD. I think it's because my running has finally gotten to be fun. Not sayin' I'm doing one. It's just crossed my mind lately, while I'm running...

Veronica

Crossing your mind is the first step

[MomOnBike]

I had that epiphany in another part of my life. For many years I defined myself as a violist. My younger daughter was in junior high before she discovered that not all parents go to rehearsals multiple times a week.

Then I found myself whining "I don't want to go to rehearsal tonight." Finally, I listened to myself and quit going.

I now define myself as a recovering musician - and I'm much happier.

[Dogmama]

Had the exact same epiphany about riding/yoga/lifting. I was always pushing to do more, do it better, do it on a schedule, blah blah. It finally dawned on me that this was turning into a JOB.

My main fear was that I'd just stop doing everything, my arthritis would take over & I'd spend my next 50 years sitting in a chair b*tching like my grandmother (I loved her but she was difficult at times.) Here's the interesting part - my "training" (like, what am I training for? A good looking corpse?) hasn't deteriorated one bit, but I'm liking it a lot better! Sometimes I swear that my brain is not my friend.

[ivorygorgon]

This is a bit like what I was trying to get at with my post about balance a few weeks ago. How do we challenge ourselves yet retain balance and a sense that riding and training if fun, not work and a chore. I love riding, I love training, but at some point riding and training can become drudgery, and I don't ever want that. How do we continue to challenge ourselves yet still "smell the roses?"

[maillotpois]

I was really interested in your post ivoryg - but it came out at a time when I was slammed with work and I didn't really have a chance to put a response together. There's only so much I can do on my iphone. So I guess I'll respond to your thread here.

My motivation definitely ebbs and flows, and I let myself take a month or two off (or light) here and there. I also have a teenager and run my own demanding law practice, so I have a lot of "stuff" to balance. My husband also rides and is stronger than I am, and pushes me. Usually in a good way, but sometimes I get annoyed with him and I usually speak out when I do. He's actually decided to do DMD with me and TT as well, and has been doing the brevets with me, which is nice. I just have to constantly check in with myself as to the pace when I am riding with him. He's often right that I could be pushing myself harder, but I need to know when he's wrong and when I need to respect my limits and pull the pace back a bit.

I don't think you ever get it perfect, but it's what you said - the balance.

I'm absolutely convinced that making the "training" rides fun is key for me. I could never do my long rides at X miles at Y heart race or pace like V described. It reminds me of a cookbook I had when DD was young, called something like "Stealth Health" - about how to fit healthy foods and vegetables into a kid's diet. I feel like the brevets are "stealth training" because they're fun and full of camaraderie, but good training as well.

[tealtreak]

This is a bit like what I was trying to get at with my post about balance a few weeks ago. How do we challenge ourselves yet retain balance and a sense that riding and training if fun, not work and a chore. I love riding, I love training, but at some point riding and training can become drudgery, and I don't ever want that. How do we continue to challenge ourselves yet still "smell the roses?"

Can only speak from personal experience- but always trying new sports and activities does it for me (: I don't compete, but over the years have tried any and all outdoor adventures and sports opportunities life with 3 active sons throws in my way. Every time I try something new I discover muscles I didn't know I had and renew my enthusiasm for fitness in general.......... Returning to running, riding and the gym after a week backpacking or on the river is then like returning to an old friend.