Early season races have started, the seasons are trying to change. At least here in the Midwest, Spring is still hiding amidst the cold weather and rain falling down on us day after day. We're all huddled up inside our homes and offices working away and training.
Over the past couple weeks I have noticed a surplus of complaining coming in the doors. Not just about the weather, but just training and racing in general. To be quite honest, it's ridiculous and I'm sick of it.
Just last night I had a conversation with an Ironman triathlete complaining that the last class at his indoor training place took place the day before and he now had to go ride outside. Two things popped in my head. 1.) Don't you have a trainer? 2.) Quit whining and deal with it!
I only asked him about the first and kept the second in my head as I silently judged him. I know, I shouldn't, but I can't help it sometimes.
His answer to the trainer was he has one but doesn't use it because he can't stand training alone on it. So what? You're just going to give up and throw in the tower because your indoor classes are over, the weather is bad and you don't like your trainer? Something has to give man. I've grown to love my trainer with very specific workouts all controlled to hit specific training efforts and programs I setup so that I can get the most out of my time on it.
That's just one complaint.
Beyond the triathletes, we have the cyclists. They're continuously complaining about the wind and the cold and the rain. I keep asking them,"how is this any different than any year in the past?" Last year we had a terribly late start to the cycling season. As it is, I've put on at least twice as many miles outside this year than I did last. Yea, the wind sucks, the 40-50 degree temps are a drag, and the rain can be bothersome, but we deal with it every year. Does this qualify us to always complain about something that will never change?
I don't think so.
One thing that separates the best from the mediocre is their willingness to adjust to ever-changing conditions. Take for example some of the local "pros" we have stop into the shop. They talk about their training, how they're doing and what is coming up next. If they need to get on the trainer, they do it. The pool is a pain, but they get it done. Treadmills can be the worst, but just recently I saw a post of our Madison pro putting 22 miles on the treadmill to save herself from being sick by soldiering on in the 40 degree downpour day that day. Her post wasn't about how bad the weather was, it was about how she was happy to still get her run in, even though it wasn't outside like she wanted.
This is what separates the masses. If you're going to whine about weather, gear, conditions or your own physical state, keep it to yourself. If you want a pity party, go find some like-minded pessimists, I'm sure you'll find them. But you can be better than that. Look on the bright side of either fighting the weather and making yourself stronger, or bring it back indoors and get the most out of your session.
Your training is what you make of it. You get out what you put in.
-Dave
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