Permission

I just had a message from an athlete on mine, essentially asking for permission not to train tomorrow, but to instead rest up. It is funny the idea of asking permission not to train, but I know exactly where he is coming from, as I have been there myself many times. As triathletes we get so used to forcing ourselves out the door, that it can sort of feel like cheating to stay in bed. Sometimes we need justification from somebody else to tell us that it is okay, even though deep down we know the answer.

I know plenty of coaches who's answer would have been to get out the door anyway. Suck it up, get on with it. Sometimes that would be my answer too, it often depends on the situation and whether in your judgement the athlete is just looking for an excuse or really does need a rest. In this case, from what I know about this athlete, the fact he has even asked the question means he needs a rest, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if it means he has lost a limb or something.

This athlete is the sort that you dream of as a coach, always listens, always works hard, no excuses, when he asks questions they are intelligent and keen, rather than looking for the easiest option. However, that keenness also means he is vulnerable to that classic triathlete trap, over training, which is what is happening at the moment. His training output numbers show he has taken a good jump in fitness over the last two weeks, but that also means he has taken a corresponding jump in fatigue. He never gives himself an excuse, which, combined with a very hectic work schedule and a solid phase of training, means that fatigue is a real possibility. Bingo.

In this case I had no problem in telling him to have a rest. However, as athletes, we also need to be mindful of these symptoms for ourselves. Our compulsion to exercise often pushes us to train when we perhaps shouldn't, so it is important that we learn to listen to our body's and know when it is okay to push on and when, perhaps, giving ourselves permission to take it easy is the better option.