"Pain Cave"
First, for some reason...I'm a "glass half-full" and "outcomes" guy. The term "Pain Cave" elicits a negative response to me and isn't very motivating nor does it say "outcome"... only pain!
Therefore, I've changed the name of my trainer location to the "Strength Den"...for a more positive spin (no pun intended) on what the outcome of the training session will bring, strength on the bike.
- Anyone else done the same?
Secondly,
- What do you watch / listen to while you are on the trainer?
Just some random questions for this Sunday afternoon.
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Comments
I can't watch anything that requires me to pay close attention. I wouldn't try to watch Inception on the trainer. Comedies or mindless action flicks work the best.
I like pain cave just because it's supposed to hurt, and if it doesn't, then I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of it.
For the FTP tests I make a specific playlist of upbeat music and listen to that.
For the normal weekly rides I watch something. I recently got an Apple TV and it allows me to watch anything on Netflix that's available streaming as well as rent movies and TV shows on iTunes, anything on Youtube, and anything in my iTunes library. Yesterday I watched two episodes of Top Gear.
When running on the treadmill I usually listen to podcasts like Competitor Radio, IM Talk (the recent Brett Sutton interviews were very entertaining) and of course Rich and Patrick. The EN meet the team series and race reports are also good listening.
Ear splitting up-tempo music. I rarely watch anything anymore.
It's The Pain Cave for me too. Whatever gives you some mojo though!
Does the Apple TV work as advertised? Any hiccups or kinks?
Pain Cave for me too.
Loud fast paced music. As for the tv, I will have it on tuned on to either the news or ESPN. The sound is usually on mute unless I see something I want to hear. Most of the time my head is down focused on my watts.
Mike
Pain Cave for me as it seems to be a cool alternative to Man Cave.
I generally have the Computrainer CS chart up on the flat screen unless more than 1 hour of training. For longer session, might add some Universal Sports cycling videos. The cyclocross are really cool but sometimes too short. Also might watch old IMWC videos.
I have about 1000 songs on workout ipod that provides enough variety and motivation.
Pain Cave for me!
When I really need to knock it out I put on black hawk down.
Most workouts I watch Tour de France DVD's, and i use the Spinervals threshold test (running it 2x) for FTP tests. Running on the treadmill, I often use music, though sometimes I just put on sports center, so that i have something to look at and ignore.
I have no negative associations with "pain cave" either, but I rather like "strength den." I'm one of those sick puppies that absolutely does not mind riding on my CT. BUT I put up two big signs--"no negative vibes," and "no negative words." You gotta watch the negativity in the cave. It's hard work, and easy to fall into the bad thoughts. Changing that script in your head is muy importante.
"Pain Cave" for me. I don't have a negative association with the term. I love watching cyclists battle through pain and suffering in the TDF. Completely heroic and admirable.
I always watch a DVD with the sound turned up. Frequent selections are:
I have a holder for the remote control mounted on the wall right next to the bike. It helps for replaying action sequences during the dreaded 2.5/2.5s.
Whatever keeps the wheels turning.
Elly
Nothing really negative about the term pain cave for me either. I usually call it the basement in real life anyhow. More of an online tri slang term than anything else. To do hard intervals I need tunes on my ipod and usually kinda sorta watch sports center or something fast moving. Can't really do TV shows as I tend not to pay attention enough. I like Linda's idea of no negative thoughts, might have to apply that.
Strength den sounds kinda wimpy to me...how about Power Lair?
I have a nice flat screen on the wall in my pink Pain Cave. (It is actually very un-cave like!) So I turn on a good action flic, and then ignore it 90%. It does provide my mind a degree of distraction that helps with the workouts though I think.
Wow! What a great discussion and fun learning what everyone does to "pass the time" and work hard. This group of athletes are simply amazing from work ethic to results! Just reading all the responses is lighting a fire for my bike test tomorrow...heck, I may not sleep I'm so ready to go! LOL
Every now and then, I try to explain my internal psychic approach to hard work during training. Here goes this year's first effort:
The highest reward I get from training and racing is a sense of "power"; power not in the mundane way we speak of it here, as watts, but power as an assertion of authority over my world, meaning my body and what it can do.
I am addicted to successful Ironman racing (and by necessity, the training required to do well.) Other addicts, such as alcoholics, admit that the pull of their drug is the feeling of power it gives them. An internal feeling, that sweeps away the negative, and helps them ignore the downsides of their addiction, such as cirrhosis, loss of friends and employment, whatever.
The downside of my addiction, apparently, is “suffering”. I do not (yet) identify with those who revel in the suffering for its own sake. Rather, I suspect the power I feel is actually a sense of internal triumph in being able to ignore the suffering, and keep going to some place faster, stronger. I chose to (or am able to) use the fact that I am doing well despite the effort as my primary motivator. Power vanquishes suffering? Power is what I feel when I move beyond suffering, moving from a negative, debilitating state into a positive, high performance state.
So that's the source of meaning in my phrase for my workout space, my "power penthouse".
My preferred playlist is loud, high energy music (Dropkick Murphy's, Rancid, Social Distortion, Pistols, etc.) but I also like the more electronic music in the Sufferfest videos, although I'm usually too distracted (or is it focused?) to actually watch the video. I've enjoyed hearing all these replies though and may need to broaden my palette a bit. And I'm with Linda - keeping it positive is important!
Great thread
I'll usually have the TV on but will also be listening to my IPOD. The tunes are all over the map and range from Abba to Zepelin.
I like the term "Pain Cave" and it has absolutely no negative connotations for me. Since all of my workouts are in the very early mornings, no loud music for me. I guess i'm lame, but my flatscreen usually has either Sports Center, Fox News, or Bloomberg TV on... Trying to hit my power targets is my only necessary motivation...
I try to ride outside whenever possible but when I hit the trainer I have an extensive collection of cycling DVD's. What could be more motivating than a mountaintop finish at the Giro or TdF?
Makes the time go by quicker as well.
-Robert
As for distractions, I mostly go with music, especially anything by Bette Midler. Just kidding; mainly stick with Eminem, U2, or The Killers. I cant usually pay attention to anything long term if I'm really working. Yes, I have been known to stretch the legs on the bike while watching an entire movie or playing some PS3 (figured if I'm wasting time, I might as well burn some calories at it), but not during things like the 5X2.5'! If I do go to videos, usually its an Ironman on DVR, those motivational clips on you tube, or Family Guy, especially the Star Wars Spoofs. Nothing like some Tattoine, Wind, and Fire to get the mojo up.
@ Al: Deep! We’re gonna come out of this OS physically AND mentally stronger! Thank you!