my first outseason so far...
So I've been at this outseason thing for a few weeks now. My brain loves the concept, but my body is like "what the hell?" And by that I mean that while I can complete the workouts and am generally feeling well, I also feel "off." It's like I am a bit out of whack because I am SO used to being in the typical half or full ironman training mode. And it's been like that for me for about 2.5 years, so this is some serious body chemistry adjustments going on here. It's like it's a form of depression even though I don't feel sad. Does anyone else know what I am talking about? I am trying to think of what I can do to feel more like myself, but I guess "myself" is a bit contrary to the EN approach. Anyway - I think I just wanted to put this out there to get feedback on other people's first OS as well as ways you all adjusted to this period of training. Thanks!!
Comments
Thanks for bringing it up. Didnt know that others were going through it, too.
I think it has to do with the "system"(s) you're working in the OS program. There's not a lot of long, grooved riding or running at L2,L3 but there's significant intense short work. It is sneaky and fatigue does creep in. You don't expect it bc you haven't put in the longer hours. What I miss is the long wko (4hrs+) tired feeling and also the rythme of the long run/ride. I think our bodies get used to that and like it, after years of doing it. The OS stuff is more like weight lifting but with an aerobic component. It's asking your body for a little different mix of muscle and cardio. And, I am guilty (as are many others I think) of not recovering properly.
I have found that the brick runs and the longer intervals that follow the intensity work actually help me to "smooth out", for lack of a better way to put it. I feel worse if I just crank out the hard work and move on.
If there's a Dr. Coggin type out there that can put some real physio science on it, please do. He used to jump on these posts way back when and disabuse us of what we think we know and feel.
This is my first OS with EN, my first IM will be later this year also. So I am not sure how I am supposed to feel but I too have felt off a little. I have had other seasons where I was already in the middle of some longer stuff by JAN because I was training for HIM Oceanside which is usually late March or early April. This season I am not doing that race so my training has really just been to follow the OS plan. I will say though I think under recovery has been the reason I have felt off. From Friday until yesterday I had only done one one bike workout totaling 1:40. Nothing else. Then last night I jumped back into the JOS plan and did the 2X12 bike workout and the short brick run and I felt really strong. And I feel really good this morning. I think I just need to maybe miss a day in order to let myself rest more. I read somewhere recently -- there is no such thing as overtraining, just under recovery. Not sure if that is totally true but I do know recovery is key for me.
Julia:
Good stuff so far. And if what I am reading is that you miss going longer, well, then do it. EN doesn't say don't do it. If life allows, so be it. The key is to get the WORK in during the longer rides. I rode 50 miles today and had my 2 x 15's done in the first 20. Then I could just have have fun and do an ABP (Always Be Pushing) ride the rest of the time. Others do the WORK at the end.
The key to doing this is to make sure these longer rides DO NOT affect the rest of your weeks work. Like a long bike on Saturday messing up your Sunday run cuz you are shelled. One option here is to flip these days. Get the run done Saturday and the have a great bike Sunday and then have the day off Monday.
Lastly, this OS stuff is definitely and paradigm shift when you first do it. But the results of the team over the past few years speaks for itself. If you stay disciplined and get the WORK done you will see HUGE results by the end of OS
workWorkS, baby!
John
P.S. You/we are fortunate to be able to ride outside. The folks back East in their caves would LOVE to have your problem. Don't forget that.
Yes, thank you all so much for your thoughts. It helps to know that I am not alone in this vague "off" feeling. I am very grateful to be able to play outside so often, and I think I need to take advantage of that more, because that's what makes me happy. I need to stay on the ball in terms of nutrition and sleep - I bet I got a little lazy about that since the total time is less, although the work in the main sets are different. Even a few days last week of being more disciplined in sleep has helped, I think. I also flip floped the ride & run to be able to ride long tomorrow. I feel much more encouraged. Thank you all!!