"Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent." - Epictetus (55 AD - 135AD)
Tuesday's Tip - February 3rd
Get that PVC Ready...
I've done quite a few solo workouts recently. Putting my money where my mouth is, I made the time and effort to hit the gym regardless of whether or not my partner in crime was able to join me. In doing so, I realized something immense.
My training partner validates me.
Obviously, I'm talking about a sense of validation that exists purely in my head. I already know that I'm neurotic, with a whole host of silly issues (I have a friend who is readying the PVC pipe right now to give me a solid beating). But until this week, I didn't realize how much I rely on my training partner's company to make me feel strong.
Of course, it's possible that it's simply a girl thing. Maybe it's just that I have a hang up spending time in a portion of the gym that is predominantly male? I'm not really sure. But I do know that when I was in the back, doing the main site thruster WOD and the accessory work - I just felt stupid. I felt like people were walking by, wondering why this short little girl was playing with the big boy toys. Or, even worse, assuming that I didn't know what I was doing.
When my partner in crime is with me, that stuff never crosses my mind. In fact, when we're training together - that gym is ours. Seriously. It's amazing and absolutely fabulous. Just thinking about it makes me smile :) Of course, it helps that my training partner resembles Wonder Woman and is the strongest woman you'll ever meet. Nobody is going to mess with us. You touch our bumpers, we're going to know about it (OK, David at the front desk will tell us. We're not omnipotent. Yet.). What it comes down to is that she's an incredibly strong woman, and it is obvious watching her train that she knows what she's doing and she means business. And in reflection, it seems (to me) as though there is a bubble of competence that surrounds her when we're training and widens outward to engulf me in it as well.
It's difficult living in my imaginary world.
So, the question arises: at what point do I realize that I am perfectly competent on my own? That I have a right to lift a big 'ole barbell by my little 'ole lonesome? Will I wake up one day, miraculously cured of this random self doubt? Will it be the day I can perform Fran as rx'd in under 5 minutes? Or maybe the day I can pull a 2x bodyweight deadlift? Maybe just confronting the ridiculousness of the feeling will banish it from my consciousness.
Regardless of our relative strength or visual "buffness", we should never feel out of place with a barbell in our grip. Especially when we're alone. By walking towards that squat stand or piling on those bumpers, we have all done something incredibly strong, powerful and empowering.
Set that hook grip up and drop under that bar. Let's show them all how it's done.
My training partner validates me.
Obviously, I'm talking about a sense of validation that exists purely in my head. I already know that I'm neurotic, with a whole host of silly issues (I have a friend who is readying the PVC pipe right now to give me a solid beating). But until this week, I didn't realize how much I rely on my training partner's company to make me feel strong.
Of course, it's possible that it's simply a girl thing. Maybe it's just that I have a hang up spending time in a portion of the gym that is predominantly male? I'm not really sure. But I do know that when I was in the back, doing the main site thruster WOD and the accessory work - I just felt stupid. I felt like people were walking by, wondering why this short little girl was playing with the big boy toys. Or, even worse, assuming that I didn't know what I was doing.
When my partner in crime is with me, that stuff never crosses my mind. In fact, when we're training together - that gym is ours. Seriously. It's amazing and absolutely fabulous. Just thinking about it makes me smile :) Of course, it helps that my training partner resembles Wonder Woman and is the strongest woman you'll ever meet. Nobody is going to mess with us. You touch our bumpers, we're going to know about it (OK, David at the front desk will tell us. We're not omnipotent. Yet.). What it comes down to is that she's an incredibly strong woman, and it is obvious watching her train that she knows what she's doing and she means business. And in reflection, it seems (to me) as though there is a bubble of competence that surrounds her when we're training and widens outward to engulf me in it as well.
It's difficult living in my imaginary world.
So, the question arises: at what point do I realize that I am perfectly competent on my own? That I have a right to lift a big 'ole barbell by my little 'ole lonesome? Will I wake up one day, miraculously cured of this random self doubt? Will it be the day I can perform Fran as rx'd in under 5 minutes? Or maybe the day I can pull a 2x bodyweight deadlift? Maybe just confronting the ridiculousness of the feeling will banish it from my consciousness.
Regardless of our relative strength or visual "buffness", we should never feel out of place with a barbell in our grip. Especially when we're alone. By walking towards that squat stand or piling on those bumpers, we have all done something incredibly strong, powerful and empowering.
Set that hook grip up and drop under that bar. Let's show them all how it's done.
Jumping off the Treadmill
After a long hiatus, I am adding regular runs back into my life! I have registered for all 3 of NYRR's March races, with the possibility of a February race in there as well. In addition, I've Post-it noted some evening runs with a friend here in NYC for next week.
Now that my work day extends past 8pm, the plan is to squeeze some quality (and distance) runs into my day - at least until the work pile becomes unbearable. Hopefully I'll be able to get a weekday morning run in there as well. Fingers crossed, the game plan is as follows:
Now that my work day extends past 8pm, the plan is to squeeze some quality (and distance) runs into my day - at least until the work pile becomes unbearable. Hopefully I'll be able to get a weekday morning run in there as well. Fingers crossed, the game plan is as follows:
- CF/Lift 6x a week, following the main site 3 on, 1 off.
- Supplement with at least 2 weekday evening runs, and perhaps 1 morning run.
- Race or run one morning per weekend, preferably not on a CF/Lift day.
- Rest one day per week. Completely.
I'm not sure how realistic this is, as I'll soon be working 7 days a week. But if I keep the runs short and quality - I am optomistic. And flexible. Most importantly, I'm excited to see how all the increased lower body power will influence my race times (not to mention the fact that I am not overtraining and running superfulous mileage).
Ahem.
I'm going to keep saying that to myself, in order to silence the mileage whore (who is currently kicking and screaming) inside my brain.
Ahem.
I'm going to keep saying that to myself, in order to silence the mileage whore (who is currently kicking and screaming) inside my brain.
Don't Forget to Scrub behind your Ears
I hate leaving the house un-showered or, heaven forbid without brushing my teeth (hey, don't judge me- it happens!). Occasionally, my socks don't match. And, I'll admit that I've even left home wearing an outfit primed for a spot on the worst dressed list (that's what I get for not owning a full length mirror). Obviously these are things that happen under extenuating circumstances - hitting snooze one time too many, tax season exhaustion leading to extreme mental fog, cruddy lighting in the bedroom, misplaced fashion sense. But when they do happen, the occurrence is rarely (if ever) repeated the following day. I mean, who in their right mind would purposefully set themselves up to feel icky? Again?
Little things, that when overlooked, can completely set your day on end. Now, being intelligent people, we take pains to avoid sabotaging our day with something completely in our control. Right?
Well, let's look at this past week. Training partner was out of town. I had the best of intentions to continue along without her, following the CF main site and getting some runs in. Got sick, didn't train for 9 days. 9 days! My training partner returned, and with her came my mojo. Going to the gym was no longer an option - it was a scheduled, non-negotiable portion of my day (even when solo). Planned the evening before, and adhered to.
Light bulb moment - no matter what the workout was, or how I performed, I felt better after training. Alternatively, when I got sidetracked and didn't make it to the gym or for a run, I felt icky. Which begs the question - if I know that I feel icky when I'm (for lack of a better word) lazy, why do I allow those days to happen? Repeatedly?
There is no reason that I can't make time to train every single day that I plan to. I may have to alter my workout to accommodate time constraints that are beyond my control, but I should be able to squeeze something in, whether it be some KB swings, a quick run, or some body weight exercises. Without fail. No excuses.
Remember - shower, brush your teeth, check the mirror and be flexible with your training plans. You many have to short, go body weight, heck - even Body Sculpt with Gilad. But get the training in.
Just don't be icky.
Little things, that when overlooked, can completely set your day on end. Now, being intelligent people, we take pains to avoid sabotaging our day with something completely in our control. Right?
Well, let's look at this past week. Training partner was out of town. I had the best of intentions to continue along without her, following the CF main site and getting some runs in. Got sick, didn't train for 9 days. 9 days! My training partner returned, and with her came my mojo. Going to the gym was no longer an option - it was a scheduled, non-negotiable portion of my day (even when solo). Planned the evening before, and adhered to.
Light bulb moment - no matter what the workout was, or how I performed, I felt better after training. Alternatively, when I got sidetracked and didn't make it to the gym or for a run, I felt icky. Which begs the question - if I know that I feel icky when I'm (for lack of a better word) lazy, why do I allow those days to happen? Repeatedly?
There is no reason that I can't make time to train every single day that I plan to. I may have to alter my workout to accommodate time constraints that are beyond my control, but I should be able to squeeze something in, whether it be some KB swings, a quick run, or some body weight exercises. Without fail. No excuses.
Remember - shower, brush your teeth, check the mirror and be flexible with your training plans. You many have to short, go body weight, heck - even Body Sculpt with Gilad. But get the training in.
Just don't be icky.
Tuesday's Tip - January 27th
"Familiarity breeds contempt - and children." - Mark Twain
It's cold out there. Figured we could all use a little reminder to be safe ;)
Kleenex, Puffs, or the Store Brand?
Mondays. I always dread them, and yet....once they're upon me I find them somewhat exciting. Maybe it's because the entire week is laid out before me, blank and ready to be filled. There is something oddly cleansing about Monday mornings, once you get past the initial horror of actually having to return to the real world :P
Speaking of - after an entire week of rest and recuperation, I am back in action! Last week I was felled by a monumental cold that pretty much left me useless for anything other than tissue consumption and self-medication. I normally would power through and work myself ragged anyway, but my training partner was out of town so I had the perfect excuse to be self-indulgent :)
I'm still trying to decide if the rest was helpful or not, but what's done is done.
Well she's back, and today I hit the gym for some much needed action.
What's your game plan when it comes to illness and training? Do you forge forward, regardless? Or do you take the time to heal?
Speaking of - after an entire week of rest and recuperation, I am back in action! Last week I was felled by a monumental cold that pretty much left me useless for anything other than tissue consumption and self-medication. I normally would power through and work myself ragged anyway, but my training partner was out of town so I had the perfect excuse to be self-indulgent :)
I'm still trying to decide if the rest was helpful or not, but what's done is done.
Well she's back, and today I hit the gym for some much needed action.
What's your game plan when it comes to illness and training? Do you forge forward, regardless? Or do you take the time to heal?
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