Just like it's important to take the garbage out without being told or remembering to buy flowers for your wife's birthday or looking away from the TV to actually listen to your 3-year old tell a story about his batman car - it's the little things in life that matter the most, especially to the ones we love. In training this week I found out the hard way that this applies to multisport training as well. During my build-up to the MiamiMan in November last year I decided to quit my Wednesday weight and core workout in lieu of another longer endurance workout. I've done this short 60 minute workout consistently for more than 10+ years and I would refer to it as my "Fountain of Youth" workout as it keeps me strong (mentally and physically) and feeling young. I rationalized that it was much more important to get in the miles (and maybe it was) but when I finally got back to my old standby workout this last Wednesday, after almost 3 months off, what a shock to the body I received. First off just a little background on this workout - this is not your typical weight and core workout, this workout is by far the hardest workout of the week (normally) for me. It consists of a 10 mile all out time trial on the Computrainer and then immediately followed by 4 sets of circuit weight training and core routine that features cleans, box squats, leg press, calf raises, leg curls, and finishes with reverse bench medicine ball sit ups. The circuit is run continuously with no break other than to move to the next machine. After 4 sets I then jump back on my Computrainer and try to negative split the 10 mile time trial (not usually possible). This workout has a pretty nasty reputation with my training buddies of which many have visited the bathroom to give back their breakfast when joining me for this workout. I love it - the music is cranked up loud, the weights are clanking against each other and there is a large amount of sweat and pain. It's perfect but super hard. As I mentioned Wednesday was quite a different story. Once I got off the bike and started with my first set of cleans (with girly man weight I might add) I could not believe how hard everything was. My hands immediately started to get blisters, my back was on fire and I was seeing black spots in the air. By the time I got to the last set of medicine ball sit ups it required a 3-5 second break in between each one and my abs were in spasm, my neck was cramping and my shoulder were on fire. By the end of the day I could barely turn my head and my abs looks swollen and bloated. Since that November race I'd been running nearly 60 miles a week and feeling really fit but this workout made me feel old and out of shape.
Just a friendly reminder to everyone out there (especially those of us over 40) don't forget the little things in your training and most importantly in life. Go out and enjoy today's snow storm with a long slow run BUT first remember to take out the garbage before you leave.
Bring it!
HFP Man
About Me
- hfpman
- Shannon has always had a passion for racing ever since his very first “biathlon” in 1987 while in high school. While attending The Ohio State University in 1989 Shannon created Health and Fitness Promotions, which would later become HFP Racing. For more than 20 years Shannon has been a hands-on race director while simultaneously fueling his passion for racing. Don’t be surprised on race morning to catch Shannon covered in sweat and his shoes covered in orange paint as he tirelessly finishes up last minute race details while preparing himself to jump into the race and join the fun.