Lessons Learned

We grow up being taught that we're supposed to learn from our mistakes...

Sometimes I think that is easier said than done :)

Here are a few things I'm learning...sometimes more than once!

1) Though Masters Swim Class is early, and I'm exhausted at even the thought of getting up at 5am to go swim, it is WELL worth it to get it in, done, and out of the way. Even if I THINK that I've got everything figured out and scheduled in to do a swim on my own at the local aquatic center. Ex. Last night I got home late from doing a late workout at the gym. I was super tired and DID NOT want to set my alarm. So... ignoring the fact that I've learned my lesson many times before, I decided I could EASILY make it to the South Marietta Aquatic Center for my swim which would be perfect since I had a track workout to do and they have a brand new track right behind their center!

Mistake: Forgot the kid factor!! The one that says, Mom... um, we're number one! Upon arriving at school today, another little girl in Gracie's class had brought in a Barbie doll. Gracie LOVES anything of the sort and decided it would go perfectly with her collection. Hence a dispute ensued and the doll was put away. Gracie then was successful in convincing her teachers that her problem was NOT the doll, but that she indeed did not feel good. Leaving my PT appointment this morning, I was called to come pick her up. I KNEW her issue was the doll, but the teachers were convinced she didn't feel well, so I figured either way, it sounded like she was having a bad day, and I'd go rescue her! I picked her up and asked her what happened. Her reply, "I was crying because I wanted the baby!" I figured as much. She's been her usual chirpy self ever since. But, I did bribe her with some color crayons and m & m's to sit on the bleachers while I swam in Woodstock. She made for a VERY good coach actually. During everyone of my rests, she would yell at me to "Start Swimming!"

2) Propel # Gatorade Endurance

Due to the majority of the races that I participate in serving Gatorade Endurance, that is generally what I train with. However, I LOVE Propel. I prefer it's taste, even though GE isn't bad. I can do Propel if I'm just riding. But If I am doing a brick, I really need the extra electrolytes to keep me going. Honestly, I could have done well with some salt tabs last night. I'm not really sure what the deal was, but I was sweating like a MAN last night during my spin class. Buckets I tell you!! Had one Propel bottle during the ride, then fixed another for the run, but even though I made it through ok, I just didn't feel quite right.

3) Gels ARE what work for me!

Everyone has their personal fuel source during workouts. When I'm riding I do a mixture of things... z bars, pb and j's, and gels. Too much of that sugary stuff can send me over the edge and make me want to puke!! However, a gel is the last thing I take 20-30 min coming off of the bike onto the run. Not sure if it's become psychological or my body's way of accepting things, but I ran out of gels here lately and have now 3 TIMES NOW tried a banana, a z bar, and nothing... NONE of them were good choices!! Gels are ordered and on their way!!

4) LISTEN to what your body tells you!!

Last year I was gearing up for a training race and attended a tri-nutrition meeting a few days beforehand. During that meeting, information was presented that favored no electrolytes during races Olympic or less. I found that interesting. The push was for water, and not a lot, and no salt tabs, and maybe one gel. Very different from how I'd been racing and training, but what did I decide to do... TRY IT ON RACE DAY!! HUGE MISTAKE!!

What did I learn: No matter what science says, my body/mind says I NEED the salt tabs!! :) Again, maybe I'm crazy, but without them that day, I cramped up like I've never done before and honestly questioned my finishing that race. My run SUCKED!! I felt horrible!! Bottom Line: Discuss things with Coach before trying new things and NEVER try anything on race day. Let's hope that's one lesson I'll only need to learn once! :)

5) Be careful what you wish for! :)

This one is dedicated to Bree Wee and Marit C-Lauterbach! They've had entries lately about "Making it Hurt" and really pushing yourself in long run sets, etc... So I read all of this and get SUPER pumped up to go hard and fast!! I get my test done yesterday, which further states... SPEED WORK!!

So... Last night I'm teaching a spin class at the gym and it's a new release, and it's hard, so I'm pushing it pretty well!! By the time I finish class... I'm like CRAP... I'm exhausted and I have a 45 min run to do!! No Gels.. No Gatorade Endurance.. It's almost 8pm and I'm tired even not factoring in my workout, but I keep thinking about these other SUPER elite athlete girls pushing themselves to the max, and I'm like... OK I CAN DO THIS!!

Honestly, the run wasn't that hard, I think I just had to conquer that mental block telling me I'd had enough after that bike, and it was my way of telling my brain and my body, "Buck UP!! We're not done yet!!" And then what happens... You get going, and your surprised by how it doesn't take long for your body to say... OK, I'm on board!!

(And don't worry... This does not mean I no longer want to go hard. :) I just have to accept what I'm getting myself into! :)

I'm sure there will be MANY more lessons to learn and re-learn. Let's hope that writing them down this time may help make them more defined!! :)

Until next time...

K :)