Coach Teresa – Why do we always feel bad when our training takes a dip for a few weeks and does it really matter?

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As I see it, you train hard before the race season maybe kick starting it in January, and this continues during the competitive race season and well into October or November so why not allow yourself some down time during the month of December. I am sure your own children and family will enjoy having you around more and devoting your time to them. Being sociable with your long suffering friends who miss having the odd lunch or dinner with you to catch up on what’s going on in their lives instead of always yours. Allowing that tired body of yours some well earned rest and allowing that strict regime with food and drink to be slackened a little. It’s a good time to switch off from triathlon and try new sports such as cross country running or cyclo cross. What is it so wrong to do absolutely nothing for a few weeks, letting your hair down and enjoying normal life? I wouldn’t expect anyone to take months off from training but there are some who feel they need to because the love for the sport has become a chore and unenjoyable. Why do other people put you under pressure and make you feel guilty if you want to slow down for a bit? We really ought to just go with the flow as let’s face it most of us aren’t earning a living from it. It should be done because we enjoy it and it should be a bit of fun. Is a few weeks out of your busy schedule really going to harm you in the bigger picture? Come on people, stop being so hard on yourself and others and try to relax a little and enjoy the company of family and friends. Have that odd glass of wine, that bit of cake or stay in bed an extra hour. Come January you will want to pick up the mantle again and punish yourself all over again by setting new goals, new speed targets, qualification for GB or Ironman inspirations. Having the odd day or weeks off isn’t going to kill you, in fact it will do you more good than harm. Life is stressful enough especially with Christmas approaching, so giving yourself time to enjoy other things or have a holiday and reflect on how things went this year will inspire and refresh those aspirations for the coming season. So my message is slow down, don’t feel guilty or pressured and enjoy the treasured times with your kids, loved ones and friends.
Have a festive Xmas and enjoy what the New Year brings. Tx