Don’t quit
The easiest thing in the world is very often to quit when obstacles get in the way. When the weather turns foul this applies to those outdoor sessions which suddenly seem very uninviting. Should we give up or refocus?
Be prepared
This morning I received a Park Run notification that it was canceled due to snow. The steep tarmac incline after the first 800m is notorious for ice so this was a very sensible decision.
Plan and re-plan
The hardcore runners were keen to get out and run but for me, it seemed sensible to go for a swim instead. I had logged into Training Peaks (my trusted training App) the night before having anticipated the run being canceled and switched my run and swim. The treadmill allowed me to do a late evening session instead.
Anticipate
Due to snow, I got home later than expected. I would have preferred to put my feet up and go to bed. However, I did get the run done as planned after a quiet word with myself and the prize was entering my new and improved Heart Rate Threshold!
Celebrate small successes
My average heart rate had fallen to a new low 30min average during the last 8 weeks of training. It was now 145, which was down from 150 beats per minute. The effort had been worth it and I was quietly pleased.
Manage time
Before the family surfaced from their beds, I trundled off to the pool and with a lane to myself, I completed the swim by 10am.
Seek out opportunity
To keep making progress, sometimes we just have to think ahead and make the most of small opportunities. The easy option is to say no. Don’t do it!
Planning my sessions in Training Peaks has been a major advantage for me. It has allowed me to move things around, accommodate the family routine and respond to the weather! We can all take advantage of small opportunities and when we do they pay off. Persevere!
