Dont forget yourself...

Those who will relate to this article will know exactly what I am talking about, for those that have yet to be bitten by the bug of multi sport and endurance events in general... read a little further...

Prior to your early morning and/or evening training routine, life seemed pretty different. For starters, there was no need to set the alarm clock for the early hours of the morning, traditionally reserved for those who either worked night shift or those who enjoy a good party! There was also no need to pack an extra lunch to combat the onset of starvation at 9am or to ensure that your training kit for the afternoon session was packed the night before so as to avoid being late for work the following day... Late nights after work/training are avoided as you know how this will impact on the following day in the office...and the possibility of it snowballing the rest of your week? Your weekend is the best time for lengthy training sessions as you have the time for recovering...

Now lets consider a normal lifestyle and then illustrate how these two routines differ... or should they?

Your "normal" scenario may be being woken up for work at a time when light is actually already filtering through your curtains. Perhaps the thought of going to gym after work, if you are not held up in the office after hours, crosses your mind. Returning home after a days work or gym workout, you are greeted by your family and perhaps a good meal, perhaps a glass of wine to complement it and good telly that normally sees you off to bed a little later than you would have hoped... Hey, who is watching the time anyway? This scenario filters through to the weekend where enjoying the company of friends and family take up most of your spare time...

These two scenarios seem imbalanced, however they needn't be. Although training is imperative in order to achieve goals of completing and competing an event, your body requires positive feedback from "yourself"...an unhappy "you" will result in unhappy training. I have mentioned the importance of balance before and the search for this will have a positive effect on your training and more importantly...You!

Its important to remember to enjoy the parts of your life that bring you happiness and satisfaction even during your toughest training periods. It is very easy to become too absorbed in your training that important aspects of your life become secondary... Don't forget the things that bring out the best in you, this will surely translate into your training, racing and enjoyment of the sport!