FREEEEDOOOOM!!!!!

Yep I totally just ripped off the classic Mel Gibson Braveheart quote for the purposes of a Triathlon Blog. I have done it before and I will almost certainly do it again.

Today I absolutely made the most of the freedom that comes from not being on a training program and not training for a specific event anymore.

My plan for last night had been to jump on the Kickr and head out on the paddle board this morning. The problem was I didn't really feel like jumping on the Kickr last night and I didn't really feel like heading out on the paddle board this morning. What I did feel like doing this morning was going for a ride on my bike. So guess what I did?

As I wrote about yesterday, I am working on settling into a bit of a routine when it comes to exercise. Figuring out what works for me and what doesn't, what fits and what is too much volume or too much hassle. Finding what is enjoyable and sustainable. While I am keen to settle back into a routine, I am also very keen to avoid getting into the obsessive mindset that compels me to exercise no matter what. That sort of obsessiveness is a little unhealthy at the best of times, but when you are competing it is also a bit necessary. However, for myself at the moment, getting too locked into an obsessive 'I must train' mindset is actually a little dangerous. I need to stay relaxed and flexible enough with my exercise that I can happily rearrange my plans without getting too bothered about it.

That sounds simple enough, after all I am not training for anything, so what is the big deal with changing or re-arranging my training. However, you would be surprised. It is very hard to undo the habits of years of training. Years of getting yourself out the door and on the bike, or down the pool, no matter what. Push through the limits and get the work done. Going from 'train no matter what' to 'you can skip it and it doesn't matter' is a pretty significant shift.As a mental hurdle it a tough one to overcome.

It is a change I am working on though because I feel it is important for the sake of sustainable exercise. Without a race to train for I need my drive for exercise to come from self motivation and enjoyment. Being able to exercise when I am up for it, but letting myself rest when I am not, or when I am not enjoying it, is important for my long term participation. Without the enjoyment factor I simply won't be able to form a sustainable healthy habit of exercise. You can only drive yourself out the door so often before you lose the will to do so. My plan is to not lose that will.

Oh yes and the ride this morning was very lovely. Definitely the right call.