Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Letting Go

Tonight we had hills at Edworthy on the schedule for our Tuesday night group ride.  Oddly enough, in some weird, glutton for punishment kind of way I was really looking forward to it.  So why were my legs not ready to ride tonight?  After all, I didn’t keep up with my scheduled workouts last week.  I mostly relaxed, drank beer and ate pancakes.  As I rode towards the hill I kept looking down to check and make sure I wasn’t in my big chain ring.  Nope.  Tires fully inflated?  Yep.  No excuses, my legs were just not there.

On one repeat Angie saw me and asked what was wrong since I didn’t look like my usual smiley self.  I told her that my legs just didn’t have it today and I didn’t know why.  She reminded me that I did just race a half Iron last weekend and fatigue would still be normal.  Once I said the words aloud to Angie I was able to let go.  Sure, I was tired…but these were hills and they aren’t supposed to be easy, right?  But they certainly are good for me!  The next time Angie saw me she yelled that my whole demeanour had changed.  I was attacking those hills!  Was I faster?  Not really.  But my mind was in a happy place!  Pretty important to find that for hilly Lake Stevens 70.3, eh?  Afterwards I had a good 20 minute brick run.  Now?  Time for bed!

15 comments:

TNTcoach Ken said...

I need to let go if that's all i takes! You are kicking some major butt, keep it up!

joyRuN said...

Angie's right - you did just kick @$$ at a half-Iron not too long ago!

Lindsay said...

umm HELLO. you forgot already? a half iron is incredible! i would probly not even be moving this week :) and hills are a pain enough already, let alone after an awesome race!

Anonymous said...

I think mentally being in the workout is so important no matter how fast or slow or how tired or purky you are. Great job.

teacherwoman said...

Angie's IS RIGHT! Way to persevere!

Susi said...

great job on turning things around Leana! that's what makes a great athlete. :)

Marlene said...

It helps so much if your heart is in it. Glad to hear you ended up having a good workout even though your legs weren't feeling it. (And yes, you DID just complete a half iron!)

Lauren said...

I'd need more than a week of pancakes to recover from a half iron. Maybe you can move onto crepes this week.

Wes said...

The mental part of it is huge! Way to let it go.... :-)

Missy said...

Yeah, give it a rest and you'll be happier the next time around.

Marci said...

That sounds like a great workout, good job pushing through!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Awesome job letting go and moving forward!! Our mind is a powerful tool!

Molly said...

Yes, you did just race a week ago, you got back to training awfully fast to me! (After my first 70.3 I was the same way, I couldn't keep away) I'm glad I was forced to take a full week's rest after my last one.

Bootchez said...

I'm finding more and more that being happy while doing all this stuff is maybe more important than the eventual time or pace. You certainly show a hell of a lot of moxie, regardless.

Julie said...

I am just emerging from a nasty cold I got right after GWN. I so understand your frustration at being tired and having heavy legs. Keep on truckin' my dear....we'll get there. :) :) :) :)