Runner Triathlete News [ return ] From Message Mjimenez   7/26/2001 21:13:07 Subject: Reasoning getting in the way of training IP: Logged Message: It wasn't too many years ago that riding 60-100 miles or running 21 seemed perfectly sane. Pushing my body to its limits was a necessary evil (and strangley euphoric) to reach my goals -- goals that only grew farther and farther as a reached a personal benchmark. Then it happend. A day came when I finally realized children and work had to take priority over training. And then slowly without notice my mind returned to reason - in a big way. Lately I've come across more time to run, bike and swim, but those reasoning thoughts keep dragging me down. In the middle of a hard workout my mind puts on the brakes.... "Why am I doing this? Is it for pure joy and if it's joy I'm after, is this pain joyful? How much do I push myself, where is that fine line between having fun and craving a workout?" My training is stuck in the middle of a mid-life search for balance. Any answers? Mary eel   7/27/2001 01:54:41 RE: Reasoning getting in the way of training IP: Logged Message: Can you do it for pure enjoyment regardless how you do or does every workout/race have to prove something (especially to yourself)? You know most people could careless about what you have accomplished no matter how much effort & time you put into it, because they will never know. I now run slow (pathetically slow) and I look forward to my workouts, because they are fun, something that was somewhat lacking in the past. Just remember no matter what happens "There is no Finish Line" Mike Shore   7/31/2001 15:12:11 RE: Reasoning getting in the way of training IP: Logged Message: Mary, if you want to start a club for uninspired former multi-sporters, I'll be the first to sign up. At age 34, I was running as fast as I did in high school. Now, at 39, I'm 25 lbs heavier and have to absolutley drag myself out of the chair to train. On the other hand, I have a nice yard, and recently put some time into making a new bed and armoire. The last special-interest book I bought had to do with gardening, and not cool bikes! (of course, I'll never get rid of my subscription to RTN!) I never thought I'd get to the point where I couldn't go out and run 5 miles when I wanted, but I think I'm there. Losing the edge and the drive to compete is pretty tough psychologically. I still consider myself a multi-sporter- on the other hand, at a recent garage sale, I wondered what my bike would fetch! I think about getting back into shape every day, and maybe, one day, I'll actually do it. I sure do miss all the good folks at the races! But, for now, my azaleas need watering. All I can say is this- if you get out there, enjoy it.. and when you don't, come back in.... it will still be there if the fires start to burn again. Good luck to both of us! Bob   8/03/2001 15:35:56 RE: Reasoning getting in the way of training IP: Logged Message: I can surley relate. In my case I was out of any competitive activity from 1993 until this year! I had stayed in shape (though a little heavier) and continued to bike, run and lift weights. However, if I felt like skipping a day or so I would, no remorse. Then this year I seemed to have kicked the injury bug and have entered a few runs, duathlons, rides and really enjoy it. I do find it difficult maintaining ahigh intensity level in traing, though, after had backed off for those many years. P 1

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