Different people learn in different ways. I learn best by experimenting, which although effective over time, can be a slow process. I'm pretty sure that if I balanced it out by using more proven techniques, and more expert advice, that I would progress quicker. I don't know if it is inherited stubbornness, or just the satisfaction I get from figuring something out on my own, but I am reluctant to take the path well travelled.
Either way, the problem with my current undertaking is that the fruits (or lack thereof) of my experimentation take an entire year to be borne out. With the complexity of Ironman training you could theoretically spend your entire year working your butt off, and not see any improved results.
That's kind of the worry state I'm in now. I feel like I'm working hard, and certainly I feel fit, and yet most of my workouts are no faster, or perhaps even slower than in 2009. This however is not necessarily a negative indicator. If I'm working harder and more consistently, then it stands to reason that my workouts may well be slower. I have to resist the tendency to measure my fitness based on my training. The temptation of course is to take it easy for a week or so just too see how I feel, but unless I am overtrained this would be counterproductive. I need every day I can get between now and Penticton.
Today was a perfect example of my challenges. I rode for 2 1/2 hours in half decent conditions and although it seems like the uphills are significantly easier than even last year, my speed was still under 30 kms/hr. Perhaps the improved hill riding is simply due to my weight loss, or perhaps my lack of speed is simply due to the fact that I did a tough leg workout at the gym yesterday. Or maybe I'm getting old?? Hmmm??
I suppose I will just try to trust my instincts, and although my training is not near as structured as a coach would call for, generally I believe I am doing most of the right things. And If it doesn't make me any faster then so be it. I can always do it again eh?
(ride 72.5 kms, 2:27:51)
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."---Albert Einstein
"It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know."---Henry David Thoreau
"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."---Ralph Waldo Emerson"
"There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes"---Richard Buckminster Fuller
Love
Peter
Either way, the problem with my current undertaking is that the fruits (or lack thereof) of my experimentation take an entire year to be borne out. With the complexity of Ironman training you could theoretically spend your entire year working your butt off, and not see any improved results.
That's kind of the worry state I'm in now. I feel like I'm working hard, and certainly I feel fit, and yet most of my workouts are no faster, or perhaps even slower than in 2009. This however is not necessarily a negative indicator. If I'm working harder and more consistently, then it stands to reason that my workouts may well be slower. I have to resist the tendency to measure my fitness based on my training. The temptation of course is to take it easy for a week or so just too see how I feel, but unless I am overtrained this would be counterproductive. I need every day I can get between now and Penticton.
Today was a perfect example of my challenges. I rode for 2 1/2 hours in half decent conditions and although it seems like the uphills are significantly easier than even last year, my speed was still under 30 kms/hr. Perhaps the improved hill riding is simply due to my weight loss, or perhaps my lack of speed is simply due to the fact that I did a tough leg workout at the gym yesterday. Or maybe I'm getting old?? Hmmm??
I suppose I will just try to trust my instincts, and although my training is not near as structured as a coach would call for, generally I believe I am doing most of the right things. And If it doesn't make me any faster then so be it. I can always do it again eh?
(ride 72.5 kms, 2:27:51)
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."---Albert Einstein
"It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know."---Henry David Thoreau
"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."---Ralph Waldo Emerson"
"There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes"---Richard Buckminster Fuller
Love
Peter
I too am an experiment, one with very frustrating results sometimes. Hang in there and try not to overanalize; sometimes too much time to think is a dangerous thing. You continue to inspire with your struggles and your journey
ReplyDeletebest post in ages!! love ya!
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