“Simplify, simplify.” A famous quote from Henry David Thoreau and some advice I have taken in my preparations for Ironman Texas.
I came back this Spring from my early season races a little bit gutted about my performances. After a strong winter of training in Tucson, I expected a lot more from myself - not only physically, but more so mentally. I was making myself mad that I was even mad about my performances. Triathlon is much more than swim, bike and run - there’s the nutrition aspect, recovery, and how we prepare ourselves mentally.
After taking a hard look at how things were going - I knew I had the physical aspect down; training has been going great. I knew I had the nutritional aspect covered: I have been eating more than ever, all healthy choices, and I am stronger for it. I have been recovering well, doing my pre-hab exercises along with TRX and I have even increased my sleeping to close to 10 hours a night.
I decided to take the “Simplify” advice and apply it to my last few weeks of training. I have tried to get myself away from paces, powers, and efforts and get myself back to why I started training and racing: for fun. Numbers are great, and there is a time and place for them in training - but they also offer a double-edged sword. These numbers can drive me nuts.
I have really been enjoying riding and running in my “home court”. Montana riding has been fun - getting back to some of my favorite routes, checking out the snow pack, riding with friends, and shutting my brain off. Just ride. Its simple. Same with running - its been great to head up on the Rattlesnake Trails and run free with no expectations but all off of feel.
Its funny because when I first started racing in 2004 - I didn’t use a power meter or anything to manage my paces running. I was just thinking the other day - what defined a “hard ride” for me early on in Sport? Was it if I could hang on with the boys? If my legs hurt when it was all said and done?
This is a bit different approach (to train more freely off of feeling) for me in the final weeks before an Ironman - but I have enjoyed the simplified version of training I have adapted. I encourage everyone to turn off the power meter or Garmin a few times a week, enjoy some company, and just go ride your bike or enjoy a run.
Not long now until Ironman Texas - I am getting fired up! Hope to see many of you out there.
Best,
Linsey Corbin
