The dog days of summer have arrived with a vengence. I went out with some fellow Red Ladies this morning at the crack of dawn to do our long ride. By the time we finished our 49 miles, we were feeling the heat. Ugh. Now, to repeat the process tomorrow morning as I meet Marcela at 6:00 a.m. to run our scheduled 11 miles. I had thought about doing the Lenexa Freedom Run on Monday, but I am ready for one day of sleeping in!
Along with the heat rising, I'm finding my entusiasm flagging. So, I polled the gals this week, asking them how they were keeping their motivation going through what is becoming to me, some drudgery to get through the training. There was a grueling group track workout on Wednesday night, which I had skipped, partly because I had an invitation to get together for happy hour with a former co-worker I had not seen in a while and partly because I just didn't want to do it.
Me: "Are any of you finding that this training schedule is starting to feel a bit like a monotonous grind? We've been hard at it for six months (and some of us that started with the fall base camp, it's been longer than that). My motivation is flagging. I can feel accomplished one week that I got the workouts in only to face another week of more of the same (or even MORE of more of the same).
What are you all doing to keep your heads focused on the goal? Is it just me?
Still I slog on. But I would like to instill some of the excitement I felt three months ago once again. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I got some of the most amazing answers.
From Julie, "I, too go through lows. But when I attend a group workout it seems as though there is much energy from the group, even though there are many complaining about weather, Matilda workouts etc.... Even with complaints there is a positive energy from you all. Yesterday I looked at Robbin who was out in the heat and fighting her worst discipline (running) and thought WOW she is working really hard, it sucked, but she was trying. So seeing her busting butt just gave me more inspiration to continue. There are little things that keep me positive, like now I can ride up hills that last year I could not or had to pull over to rest. Or running the HH never stopping except for walking the water stations and one time I could not open my wrapper. You know me I hate running and stop all the time because I have bad thoughts.
I think of us as one big family drinking the kool-aid.
Just remember we are ALL doing this. I told Tricia two weeks ago that I wanted to drop out of Red-ladies, because I am feeling soooo bad. So your not the only one that feels bad. Just need to lean on one another, and maybe have more social events. Even if its meeting at McDonald's with the girls so they can bring their kids. "
From Stephanie, "I agree that we need more group workouts. I think the day to day grind of training together with everything we do as women wears us down. We've been at it now awhile. Nothing beats positive female energy. Nothing beats giving each other compliments (thank you Julie). There's never a day that that devil triathlete who sits on my left shoulder tells me to just give up, but then, I think about September 24th coming and going and not having done Redman. When my father died a few years ago, I told myself that I am not going to live life with any regrets. Where will we find such a group of strong motivated funny women to train with again? It really is something special. We've come this far, we go the rest of the way together. Now, Julie, it's time to drink the Kool Aid! Cheers!"
Fron Robbin, " Julie and I were discussing the other day how unique and great this group is, if for no other reason than there is not a diva among us.
I appreciate the kind words Julie- that its the stuff that helps to keep me going, especially when I feel that I have been a total drag on the rest of you. Last night sucked for me, but here I am, heading to the gym to swim 2,000 because quitting for me is just not an option. I want to feel good about myself again, and despite the bad days and homicidal thoughts - this is helping to get me there.
My self-deprication and sarcasm is how I cope, but you are all making it easier to handle the bad days."
From Bea, " I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I struggle getting the workouts in. I feel like I do really good for a week and then start falling short the following week. I tend to slack quite a bit but then get back on track. I do feel a little burned out at times. I really enjoy the group workouts I just wish I lived closer. I really love this group. There is so much support and positive energy. Seeing all of you at Kansas 70.3 supporting either by email or physically being there gave me so much strength it was really amazing. You guys are one of the reasons I haven't left the group and training. I look forward to the group training and all the daily email from the group. "
From Marcela, "I'm so glad someone told me 'there is this group of women training for Redman!, you should contact Liz'. To think that I was attempting this on my own seems very crazy now!!!
I love the group workouts, and I'm all for more of them! I like collective sweating (yes, Steph, even inside my eyes!! that stings, doesn't it? we need headbands! RED ones!!).
I also love the support and the good vibes. It had never ocurred to me, but Robin is right when she says there are no divas in our group. That's really nice!
So, let's keep going upward and onward!!! 86 days left!!!"
The thing about triathlon is that most people (and I would even hazard a guess that no one) excels at all three aspects of this sport. We each have a weak area or two or THREE that is harder than another. This group is no different. Some are best at swimming, some biking, some running. We each have our strengths and are ready to be there for someone else who is deficient.
This is an amazing group of women that I've come to admire and appreciate from the soles of my feet. We have come together as mostly strangers and bonded in ways that is not always common among groups of women. I've received an outpouring of support in my swimming endeavors, as well. Just reading over these comments make my eyes tear up a little.
Like Robbin says, Quitting is just not an option! Slog on!
(And, thank God for wetsuits that will keep me afloat at Redman.)
I am honored to count myself among these incredible Red Ladies!
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