Update...NO STINKIN' THINKIN'!!!

So, I've had a week of doing NO EXERCISE!! Two weeks ago i went ultra hard. Did my routine IM weekly workouts and added a marathon on the treadmill. I took a day off and started back in on Monday. Usually the treadmill is painless so, not being sore at all I felt great until I hit the treadmill. Running next to my friend Lori I had to keep stopping because of right knee pain (where i had a painless lump that sponaneously went away the week before). It only seemed to get worse so I cut it short. The rest of the week went like that until Thursday I didn't run at all, did a hard 45 minute spin and core fitness class. By the time I got home I could barely walk! I had to call in sick and sit the rest of the day with my knee elevated on ice. In efforts to avoid panic mode I watched about 3,000 episodes of "The Office" which had me in gut level laughter for the rest of the day! Those guys (especially DWIGHT SHRUTE) are beyond hilarious!

I was supposed to swim but didn't do a thing. In fact, last night I ate FIVE PIECES of pizza without a DROP OF GUILT! I think sometimes letting loose can be extremely beneficial to winning my race! To keeping up with the motivation, to not become too serious, to enjoying some of the things that people who do NOT exercise maybe shouldn't enjoy!? I loved every bite and im still smiling on how yummy it was! Woohoo! (pms also played a role in that...cheers to pms!)

And guess what??? I CANNOT wait to get going again in my training and I want to go HARD! I think it was a perfect amount of time, my knee is feeling normal again...we'll see when i go spin today for the first time.

Here are some wonderful tips by Paul Salitsky at UCD.

1. MENTAL TRAINING TO ELEVATE YOUR PERFORMANCE


2. REALIZING YOUR POTENTIAL


3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
-rest
-fuel
-hydration and preparation
-relax
-rest some more
-sleep
-regenerate
-take care of family, work, social, logistics...THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOUR DAY!
-Bring your positive attitude---ALWAYS
-Expect the unexpected

4. MINDSET FOR COMPETITION

Prior prep
Pre-event routine (>24 hours prior)
Know the course and read the tips

Putting on the UNIFORM
Get your body ready
Review your plan and course
Visualize performing the way you want to perform
Begin to narrow focus

Warming up
Analyze and plan
Stay loose and relaxed
Use your cue words
Begin to narrow focus more


5. MINDSET II

AT THE START LINE
Relax (breathing)
Go into 'Auto Pilot using your cue words
Allow eyes to take control/lead you
Let if flow and stay slow

AFTER EACH WATER/FUEL STATION/ SPLIT---
Get the garbage out---NO STINKIN THINKIN
Visualize the adjustment
Sweep the gauges (a form of total mind and body assessment leading to awareness which
helps you meet your needs in an extremely long distance race)
Start the routine over again
Relax (especially shoulders and low back)


6. PUSHING THROUGH PERSONAL LIMITS

BELIEF>>>>TRUST>>>>PROCESS

THOUGHTS>>>>ATTITUDES>>>>BEHAVIORS

RACE WITH EMOTION, BUT DON'T BE EMOTIONAL


7. FOCUS & CONCENTRAION

ASSOCIATION>>>>TUNE IN TO YOUR 'RACE CAR'
DISASSOCIATION>>>>TUNE OUT TO YOUR 'HAPPY PLACE'


"COURAGE INVOLVES THE CONSCIOUS CHOICE OR THE WILLPOWER TO SELECT CONFIDENCE OVER FEAR."


8. MAINTAINING MOTIVATION


Think positively and create enthusiasm (2 minute rule...i only have to do this for 2 more min)
Identify and stop negative attitudes
Repeat your daily goals
Increase self-discipline
Model highly motivated athletes
Use positive visualizations and affirmations
Make it fun!!
Act 'as if"
Remember long-term goals and objectives
Set a winning pace

9. FIRST TIMERS

Just finish or goal time?
Start slow-NEGATIVE SPLITS
Have fun!


10. GOAL TIME (PR)
Start slow -NEGATIVE SPLITS
Practice races slowly increase to>>> race pace.


GOOD STUFF!!! I've needed to focus a bit on some mental training. There has been alot of distractors this past 8 months...economy, presidential changes, job instability, cold weather and misery, and now the teasing beautiful COLD weather and misery, long grueling gym workouts all leading to kind of a poor morale.

Though, after reading through this and looking forward to riding with my old buddies I'm feeling the restless feeling that wants to break out...kind of like the HULK!!! YEEEAH! But, for now I will try and contain it until i can go all out HARD!!!!

This weekend is Solvang. The weather will be windy and cold...just another one of those workouts to give my all and get over it!!

Love you guys!
Jennathalon

ps-I'm going to start preparing for the fundraising aspect of all this...raising money for orphans throught CHF (Childrens Hunger Fund). Ideas so far; internet link where people on FB can make donations, silent auction, and an allllll day party ending in a wine and cheese tasting. Any ideas or organizational skills or help you may want to offer (like soliciting businesses)haha! Let me know. Peace out friends!!! :)