I don’t know what has gotten into me. I was so good for a while. But then something happened. I used to get my training programme and, knowing that strength was my weakness, I prioritised getting my weekly strength session done. I would get to the gym before work and knock out the day’s squats, push ups, planks – whatever was on offer. I looked forward to the sweatfest that a good session brought, especially when adding a 5 minute aerobic leg-oriented exercise in between sets (elliptical, stairs, whatever). And then something happened. Maybe it is because time has seemed more precious recently. Maybe it is because I am falling into the old trap of focusing on what I enjoy the most (the swim). Maybe it is because the strength exercises were agitating my foot. Whatever it is I stopped doing my strength days… This can’t be good. Ever since I was little (my first full blown knee injury was at about age 11, I had knee surgery at age 13), I have known that I have to focus on strength. I need to build my leg strength to have stronger joints. And with my elbow injury in 2007 I know that the same logic applies to my arms. But I have not been doing it. When I was in University the answer was a friend of mine, Jarod. We used to go to the gym together, spot for one another, and generally have a laugh. I was pretty good with the strength stuff, for at least a semester… So I know I can do it. But I haven’t been. So I put my confession out there. The first step in fixing a problem is to become aware of it. To recognise it. And then to make some changes. Step one done. Step two is also done. I confessed to my coach. I asked him to do a comprehensive session with me within the next month, to get back into the swing of things. I’ve asked for help. Now I just need to fix it. To get over the mental block I have built up. To just do it. And I will. Please keep me honest. And help me to help myself to get strong…
Ahh! I hear you here. I really struggle with my weight sessions as well. Recently my training partner michelle (she’s @michelleford6p on twitter) and I hired our masters swim coach who has a strength and conditioning background to work us out. It’s been great having both a friend and a trainer at the same time! Just needed a kick in the butt!
Thanks Khara. I figure if we write it and talk about it we will do it! Have a great weekend, Donna
Thanks H – that is such a great bit of insight. I never thought about my commitment to fitness that way before – but it is true. The fact I *have* to do it has been a real demotivator for me, and also one of the reasons why I love triathlon – it has given me a continuous goal and three disciplines to work on. Thanks so much for the food for thought! – D
Hi Sonja! I follow Michelle on twitter too – you are really lucky to have a training partner at your level right by you! My coach has really motivated me, I guess I just need to get a session or two in his books to put me back on track… I still have not done my session yet, but am thinking of Sunday…. Always tomorrow…. That mentality of mine needs to stop, tomorrow!
Ahhh, time.When you find a way to get an extra five hours in every day can you please let me know??But seriously, kia kaha on the strength training – thats a Maori saying which means Keep Strong. I use it on me a lot.Please don’t forget how far you have come – sometimes its too easy to think about how far we have to go, instead of how much you have achieved – which is a massive amount.Kia kaha.
Consider me as a training buddy – even though I’m all the way across the pond! I just got back into a strength training program after a year OFF! A very bad girl, indeed! After being terribly sore after just a 25 minute reintroduction a few weeks back, I’ve realized the error of my ways. So, I’ll help you if you help me
. I got my weights in this week (just this morning, after putting it off for 3 days).
Thanks Maria! Training buddies from afar, love it! I have managed to make my last two weeks of strength training which is great. It makes me so sore, but I think each time of what my coach said – “Pain is weakness leaving the body!” When do you swing into full Ironman mode? So excited for your training!
Kia Kaha. Thanks Jacky for adding a new phrase to my mantra list! Sometimes I forget about taking a step back and looking at my journey and appreciating the journey and not the destination… Thanks for the reminder…Hope your training is going well – so nice to hear about nice weather when we are entering into darkest winter!