A Grey Day ...

This morning started as most mornings do: early, but hopeful and optimistic. Being Friday it was off to the gym for some time on the treadmill and some time in the pool. I didn't have a specific plan for the treadmill, but was looking forward to the time in the pool - hoping for some break through or "Ah-Ha" experience.

(Brief Background: one of the most difficult things for me to do when I'm training for some specific event is to not follow the "chart" or "plan" and cut back some exercise.) So today on the treadmill, when I was feeling a little tired and not motivated to push hard, being the first of my three planned times of exercise, it wasn't to difficult to allow myself to cut back and not run as hard or as long. It would allow me more time in the pool. So, I didn't even cover the 3 K distance of the upcoming TRI (14 days). It bothered me a little, but I figured I'd make up for it later.

In the pool with the fins it wasn't too bad. Swimming with fins is kind-of nice. Well, I wasn't really swimming as most people do, I was doing various drills (swimming on my side, breathing, switching from side to side, ... etc). I also spent time swimming and am still not able to do 25 m with out getting confused or swallowing water or something. If I had more time I think I would continue to improve, but to be ready in two weeks with only 4 more times in the pool ... I don't think so. It was a little discouraging and a thought was planted of not doing the TRI.

The bike ride at lunch - now this was something I was looking forward to. It was cool, but not cold; and a bit windy. I found myself tired (not sleepy, but physically and a little emotionally) I was also starting to fight the "blahs". We did intervals on the way out: 1 minute hard - 1 minute recovery. Those are difficult for me, so it was good, for if I were by myself today I would have likely just ridden moderately. I was planning on two laps, but just did one.  By this time I was also considering what to do with my planned Sat ride of 4 1/2 hrs. It is supposed to be even more windy and cold than it was last Sat- and that was a tough ride. So what do you do on a grey day ... after three moderate times of training ... that's right; decide to take a break! 

So tomorrow I'm considering maybe a lesser ride on the trainer later in the day, but when I would be riding normally - it's racquet ball!!  And some time in the pool with the fins looking for some "Ah Ha"!

Not only was it grey outside for most of the day today, it was a little grey in me too. Exercise is one thing that can have an effect on my emotions, so is my family, work, circumstances, ... and today seemed to have many of them come together. It was a bit of a rough day. It was nice to have dinner together as a family and then to watch a family movie (Madagascar 2) and have pop corn. It was good to pull in a little and get some peace.

The reminder and lesson of today is: "Life is bigger than, and doesn't follow, my training plan". So I'm giving myself some freedom for the weekend - with the plan of getting back on Monday with a fresh resolve.  

I have a question for you: "How do you handle taking time off when you think you should be training?" Take a minute and share your answer in a comment.  It may help me and others. Thanks.