The mental game

For years it was hard to convince me its more mental than physical but every since Ironman training and the race I am a believer. Probably because I have never been that fast and always felt like I couldnt push myself over that speed hump to get faster. Perhaps genetics arent in my favor, but regardless that doesnt mean someone cant do it.

Case and point, this morning I got up and the plan was 30min on the bike trainer then hop off and run for 30min. A small brick but at least an hour workout. I got off my bike, put my shoes and shorts on and walked outside to find the wind whipping up and not looking like conditions I wanted to run. My immediate reaction was forget this I will run later on the treadmill, and walked back inside. I was inside about 5min and got frustrated at my attitude. I thought what if this was race day, I couldnt just quit if I didnt like the conditions. At Ironman the currents were hard, the wind was there on the bike, and it was cold but I had to take what I was given. So I got my head back into it and headed out the door. And in true fashion it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be.

Our heads can always play games with us. It told me that it would be hard and not worth it. Its that little demon inside that sometimes keeps us from feeling any success. When I finished the run, I couldnt have been happier that I went ahead and did it. My workout for the day was done and I can focus on other things. So keep your head in the game and try to keep a positive thought. 8 times out of 10 its not as bad as your mind will make it out to be.