Believe in the Approach, then Trust the Process

So, my first post was about "knowing your why." In short, this this was all about going after goals that excite you, and not just doing things because others are doing it. The last post is a great segway into this next one. As we start thinking about our goals and thinking about why we want to do something, we often look to others for advice. This is completely natural. We go online, ask friends what they think, and ask people familiar with our goals what they think. When we do this though, we have to be prepared for the plethora of opinions.

Taking a quick step back into that first blog post, I do think it's important to think about why you really want to do something. Again, you don't have to have a magical answer. You just have to really want to do it. That alone can be your why. If you just want to see if you can, then go for it. Knowing whatever your why is helps set up your approach to all the advice you may get as you start to plan to achieve your goal.

Once you have your goal, you need to think about how much commitment you can put into achieving your goal. The 2nd post in this series was about priorities and perspective. For the 3rd post, I'll focus on the approach and the process. As you start to do research and ask for advice related to your goal, think about what approach/plan fits your lifestyle. Yes, like following the Sixers "process," it can be a roller coaster of ups and downs, but you need to stick with with it once you are confident in the approach.

Figuring out how to train for your next race can be quite overwhelming. Do you wing it? Do you find a plan online? Do you buy a book? Do you buy a plan online? Do you get an online coach? Do you get a coach that doesn't live in the area? Or do you get a coach that is local and you can interact with personally and regularly?

So, whatever you choose, keep in mind all your priorities and the time commitment you can devote to your training. Also, don't go overboard on a financial commitment to a plan or coach unless you are ready to completely buy in, which includes your time and your belief in the approach. So, when it comes to approach it's really the overall philosophy behind it and the big picture of the plan. When it comes to the process, it's the daily training and workouts that you will be committing to in your training.

Many plans and coaches break plans into sections/periods that take you through different types of training as you build to your top race. Some plans just have a more simplified or repetitive approach that you can follow and plug in your paces to follow the plan. Every plan has it's own approach and goal. There is no right or wrong decision on what you decide to choose. Don't try to "keep up with Joneses" and just pick a plan or coach because others are doing it. It has to fit your lifestyle and goals. You have to believe in the approach, be able to follow and trust the process of the plan. With that being said, you have to be able to adjust and be flexible with the process as life gets in the way.

If you choose to go with a coach, be upfront with them right away. Make sure they understand your other commitments. Also, make sure you are able to communicate frequently and that your coach is willing to deviate from the regular structure of their approach and process if something comes up in your life that requires you to change your focus with training temporarily or requires a complete change in your upcoming goal. Flexibility is the key to enjoying endurance sports. Don't get so focused on the process of training that you become too stubborn to make adjustments. Injuries and life events are part of long distance training. You can't predict them, but you have to be willing to adjust if needed.

So, choose a plan or coach based on your belief in the overall approach and how it fits into your lifestyle. Don't choose an approach just based on what others are doing or saying. You have to believe! Once you commit to a plan or coach with a particular approach, trust the process. Many long distance training plans start off with weeks or months of Zone 2/easy cycling and running known as a base period. This training can be very monotonous and boring. It might be hard to maintain belief in this approach, but it is done purposefully to build up your aerobic base and your body's structure to be able to handle harder training later on. The process is a grind, and you will go through ups and downs. If life throws a curveball or an injury pops up, listen to your body and mind and take the time needed to get yourself back on track. Be yourself and have fun throughout the process. Always remember - "Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt. Do your thing and don't worry about others. Don't be a slave to data or a Strava addict. If you can't have fun doing this, then find something else that excites you that you can enjoy. Life's too short to not enjoy the journey. Gator Done!