Refueling My Mental Tank

As I posted earlier I’m always in a time crunch that is both physically and mentally exhausting. Planning, packing workout gear and successfully executing my day takes a lot out of me and that’s before I even get to my work-out!  So far this year I have raced five triathlons, one half-marathon and two 5Ks. I traveled overnight for five of these events, which means even more planning and packing.  In late May I become totally burned out, I just wanted to come home every day and lay on the couch.  I continued to train but my mind and heart just wasn’t completely in it.  I was on autopilot and it seemed that I wasn’t getting any faster or stronger.  I was in a rut! 

I am somewhat fast for my rural area and I do well in local races.  However, at larger races I feel somewhat intimidated.  I feel like my gear isn’t fast enough, especially since I have a lower end road back with clip-on aerobars.  I recently completed the TriAggieland Sprint in College Station, TX.  The day before I completed a local 5K in Center and was the 2^nd overall female.  I had a good run but my hamstrings were especially tight so I did not get my hopes up for a good day at TriAggieland.  I did not have a good run at TriAggieland but my swim and bike improved and I finished 4^th in my age group out of 39 participates.  I was thrilled and after I recovered for a few days I have felt mentally recharged, I’m back baby!

So what helped me recharge?  The successful race at TriAggieland, I finished one place short of getting an award.  Yes, I could have just said I do not feel like doing this and not competed.  But, I gave it a tri. This affirms what I always tell other, “Give it a tri, you will be amazed at what you can do!”  Maybe I should get out my old list of inspirational quotes and post a few around my office and home.  I should definitely reflect on my feelings and start taking some of my own advice.   I believe that I will also start writing down concrete race goals for each race; maybe this will help my focus on each race.  Of course a Caribbean vacation could help too, but we will have to see about that next summer!