November in Numbers

If October was about changes and decisions, a bit of a re-set and re-think, my November was about deliberate actions, patience, and just plain old enjoying things without pushing them.  I have gently eased back into training, although in some ways this may not seem gentle when you look at the numbers!  It is the most consistent training I have done since before my bike topple in May, and probably the most enjoyable too.  I guess I am one of those lovers of “just training”, feeling better for being active. Not having a race on the horizon means I am just focused on taking enjoyment from what I am doing at the moment, and enjoying feeling good.

The Numbers

61: kilograms – my current weight
60: beats per minute – my current morning resting heart rate
42: my age now
31: training sessions completed
22: kilometers of running
21: hours of training for the month
17: the date in November when I turned 42
6: hours of intense sports therapy on my leg muscles to loosen atrophy caused by my neuromuscular disease
3: shoulder physiotherapy sessions
1: sign off to start doing weight bearing and loading on shoulder – hurrah!
1: long haul trip to Chicago for the CMTA conference
1: new triathlon coach

A New Triathlon Coach

I am really excited to be working with Russ Cox.  I met up with Russ in the summer to talk about all things triathlon, including his approach to training and coaching.  In addition to having pushed himself to Kona and back, and being known for the relentless pursuit of his own limits, Russ is also probably the most methodical, data-oriented coach that I have come across. 

When we met up we discussed how I might learn from him, to learn to use data to learn more about my body, to learn more about the way that training was impacting me through data, and how data could be used to see if there were patterns to help me to understand more about how to optimally train and manage my CMT.  A lot of what he said resonated with me. Although I explored other coaching options – some halfheartedly some seriously, including self coaching – I just kept flipping back to Russ’ site and blogs, reflecting on both our conversation and the conversations I had with those who had worked with him. I was pretty sure if Russ would work with me he would be able to show me new approaches, new ways of seeing things.  I knew I could learn from him.  So I was really really pleased when he agreed to work with me for the upcoming triathlon season.

I have to admit, if you are a coach who decides to work with me, you are in for a handful.  I have a work schedule that changes constantly. My travel means that training can be thrown for a loop, needing constant adjustment.  I like to communicate – I don’t expect answers to everything, I am just a verbal person, and a person with pretty strong opinions at that. And of course, there are my physical issues.  Managing CMT, rebuilding post bike topple.  It is not an easy task, and I am not always an easy person.

But despite all of that, I think I can safely say that both Russ and I are looking forward to working with each other.  The challenges AND the opportunities – especially the opportunity for both of us to learn.  And that is of course what this – this wonderful world of multisport – is all about.  Learning from the situations that we put ourselves in, from the people we surround ourselves with.

Lying Down Is Training Too

I love this photo from yoga the other day…

So much of what people talk about when they write training blogs is about what they *do* – the hours they spend on their bikes, the miles they run, the time in the pool.

For me, after 5 years of trial and error, of starting from nothing with zero athletic background, I feel like I have accummulated nothing if not for a better sense of what makes me tick.  It is not just about what I do – it is about what I learn, about what I am becoming.  And I know after 5 years that when it comes to sport, a patient, quiet and deliberate approach with my training is what makes me happiest.  Kind of like yoga in that sense – mostly introspective and focused.  But also a celebration of the self.

Rest, recovery and reflection are as much a part of my active lifestyle as sport itself.  So when I added yoga back into my training mix in October I suddenly felt whole again.

Yoga is not easy – it is demanding physically AND mentally. 

My favourite part of class is just at the end, when Lucia took this photo (I am in the pink on the left). Yep, the part when we look like we are asleep – shavasana.  A time to reflect and relax deeply, consolidating the hour of practice we just did.  It is the time when I let myself go, when I reaffirm how great being active makes me feel.  When I reconnect with myself.

Live and learn. Reflect. Continuous forward motion and continous self improvement.