Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Many of us Midwesterners are just peeling our behinds off the couch after what has been a long, hard winter.  As we approach the end of April, these dreary days are beginning to seem endless and our training may not quite be up to par.  The scary part is that many of us (including Coach Angela) have our first triathlon of the season in 8 weeks or less!  Here are some tips to get back into training mode, or even just back into the gym:


1.  FIGURE OUT YOUR GOALS- What races are you going to do this summer?  What do you want to get out of them- a PR, place in the top 3, finish?!?!  Do you just need to get back to the gym and tone up so you can wear your shorty shorts this summer?  Whatever it is, figure out what your goals are.  Nothing feels better than accomplishing a goal you set out to achieve.  
2.  GET A PLAN- It is easy to say that you want to drop 10 minutes off your Olympic distance tri time or that you want to lose 10 lbs, but getting it done is a whole different story.   You really need to step back and analyze where you are today and where you need to be to accomplish your goals.  Only then can you fill in the blanks to get it done.  This is where a coach or personal trainer can help you out.  
3.  WRITE IT DOWN- A plan in your head is fine and dandy, but it is also very easy from which to deviate.  A plan written down, in a place where you can access it easily has a much better chance of being followed.  I like having a plan in a spreadsheet or my online calendar so I can shuffle things around should life get in the way.  
3.  RECRUIT SOMEONE TO HELP YOU STICK WITH THE PLAN- Whether it be your significant other, your Mom, or your Coach, find someone who can hold you accountable.  Tell them when you are going to get started on your plan and what you want to accomplish.  Tell them to bug you about it so you can't forget.  Have them do whatever it takes to keep you on the ball.
4.  KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE-  When you have a hard time waking up early to hit the trainer or feel like slacking off at swim practice, have a question to ask yourself as a reminder of why you are working so hard.  "How will I feel when I cross that finish line of my first race?"  AMAZING!  "How will I feel if I place in the top 3 at my next triathlon?"  FANTASTIC! "How will I feel when I wear my shorty shorts on the beach?"  HOT!


Now get out there and move!  Have a great weekend!


-Coach A  www.sparkmultisport.com