Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Week 07 - Don`t you think it`s time for a change?

After Tuesday`s workout, the next rest cycle of my summer preparation started. With 4 anaerobic capacity trainings in 9 days, the previous training cycle ended quite intense. The body is reacting pretty good on this type of workout. 



As already mentioned, the trainers of the High Performance Running Team already know this via the tests of our in-house scientist (Dr. Jan Olbrecht). On Monday, I had a bad training day. A day where you get up at 5:30 AM to catch a flight, travel 2.5 hours, work another 8, unpack in the hotel and start your long(er) easy run at 8:00PM in the evening is not really the best preparation.

Don`t get me wrong. I`m not complaining at all! I get sick and tired of some of our running friends that are constantly looking for excuses. Lack of rest, getting sick, incorrect blood values, … it all comes down to yourself. If you`re not happy with the balance between your day-to-day activities and your workout load, you should CHANGE. When we came to the US, Nathalie and I were very well aware that the European work-life balance wouldn`t work over here. When you change games, you`ll have to comply to the new rules as well.

I`m from the understanding that combining determination and focus allows you to overcome the main obstacles. Yes, I`m aware that you`ll not be able to squeeze in all aspects of being an elite athlete. I don`t have time for ice baths and I would want to spend more time on stretching and core training. 

However, you should keep track of the things that add the most value in gaining better performance. For me the focus at this moment is increasing my basis. My weak point since I started competition at the age of 23. I`m sure I want to do more, but on the other hand I like working as a consultant. I just don`t want to give in on one side. As such I find ease of mind without worrying if I do everything I can.

Think about it dear friends: are you satisfied with your balance? Do you think you get the most value out of your precious time? Don`t you think it`s time for a change? Go for it, you`ll only live once!


Sportive regards,
Wout

1 comment:

T. said...

Nice post Wout! And damm you are right...:-)