I think one major advantage that comes with years and years of swimming is the ability to completely clear my mind. In order to get through a long set, a hard set, the pain of a workout, you need the ability to disconnect your body from your mind. Your mind telling you that it hurts, that it's bored, and it can't do one.more.lap.
After taking a break from regular swimming (read: since Ironman), it always takes awhile for this disconnect to return. But when it does, it's heaven. I was having trouble getting past the 2000 yard mark in workouts. My body was willing my mind was not. My brain just wouldn't shut off. But I found that sweet spot during a set of 400s last week and it makes all the difference. Turn your brain off, find your pace, and just SWIM.
Sadly, this ability does not always translate to the bike and the run. It takes longer to find that space, and it occurs much less frequently. Sometimes an hour or two ride can seem ENDLESS because I just can't turn off my mind, and same with a hard interval run, or an easy long run. Especially with the run, I have had trouble turning my brain off. After 1 mile of a long run a few weekends ago, all I could think is 'I have HOW MANY more miles left?!'
But over the past week or so, the shift is slowly happening. Maybe it's the return of higher training hours, more focus, or the melting away of other-life stress, but I have been able to zone out and just get the work done, and it's GLORIOUS. 4 solo, hilly hours on the bike flew by on Sunday, and I couldn't wipe the silly grin off my face. At one point, while going 4mph climbing Mt. Weather, I was singing 'Eternal Flame' by the Bangles (RIP) aloud (LOUDLY) and realized, this is also a song I sing when swimming. Strange.
Then Tuesday, finally, FINALLY, I was able to clear my mind and just enjoy a long run. 10 minutes run, 1 minute walk, up and down hills, I was able to zone out for 1:50 and felt fresh at the end. And it made me SO HAPPY. I remembered how great the IM marathon felt and for the first time in awhile, I thought I could put together another happy IM marathon.
Slowly, but surely, I am remembering how much I loved IM training last summer. I'm remembering that time and pace and place don't matter, that I truly just love to be out there, and I know that I will be ready to do it again in 8 weeks.
After taking a break from regular swimming (read: since Ironman), it always takes awhile for this disconnect to return. But when it does, it's heaven. I was having trouble getting past the 2000 yard mark in workouts. My body was willing my mind was not. My brain just wouldn't shut off. But I found that sweet spot during a set of 400s last week and it makes all the difference. Turn your brain off, find your pace, and just SWIM.
Sadly, this ability does not always translate to the bike and the run. It takes longer to find that space, and it occurs much less frequently. Sometimes an hour or two ride can seem ENDLESS because I just can't turn off my mind, and same with a hard interval run, or an easy long run. Especially with the run, I have had trouble turning my brain off. After 1 mile of a long run a few weekends ago, all I could think is 'I have HOW MANY more miles left?!'
But over the past week or so, the shift is slowly happening. Maybe it's the return of higher training hours, more focus, or the melting away of other-life stress, but I have been able to zone out and just get the work done, and it's GLORIOUS. 4 solo, hilly hours on the bike flew by on Sunday, and I couldn't wipe the silly grin off my face. At one point, while going 4mph climbing Mt. Weather, I was singing 'Eternal Flame' by the Bangles (RIP) aloud (LOUDLY) and realized, this is also a song I sing when swimming. Strange.
Then Tuesday, finally, FINALLY, I was able to clear my mind and just enjoy a long run. 10 minutes run, 1 minute walk, up and down hills, I was able to zone out for 1:50 and felt fresh at the end. And it made me SO HAPPY. I remembered how great the IM marathon felt and for the first time in awhile, I thought I could put together another happy IM marathon.
Slowly, but surely, I am remembering how much I loved IM training last summer. I'm remembering that time and pace and place don't matter, that I truly just love to be out there, and I know that I will be ready to do it again in 8 weeks.
I had never thought about it that the years of BORING swim training taught us to shut our brain and body up. Love the idea! Glad you found the keep going in the pool again and on the run. Gonna be great for IMLP
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