Endurance is just Patience...Concentrated

To what extent is this true I ask? Let's discuss.

This has been the mantra for my work-outs this week for a couple of reasons - one being having patience not to go out too hard, having to apply that patience over and over again, but also concentrating on the work at hand and avoiding the 'Mental Drift' many athletes experience during longer, High-Intensity intervals (lack of focus can often result in a diminished output).

Mental drift is not always the enemy...In fact, it is often a wonderful experience to "Zone Out" during a long run or ride. It's a special time in a workout that everyone can relate to - all of a sudden you have completed your task! The real problem herein lies when you start to pepper your rides/runs/swims with intensity (as we are now gearing up for spring). Here are some ways to tackle mental drift:

1) Focus on one aspect of technique and hone in on it
2) Measure your output (Power, Cadence, keep a log, time etc.)
3) Take a class - nothing motivates more than paying someone to yell at you
4) At shorter intervals, do a quick check on your perceived exertion level
5) Change the stimulus (eg. Hills vs Flats)
6) Do the math (pace yourself manually to keep mentally present)
7) Experiment with familiar vs unfamiliar routes and settings. I do best when I know what comes next so I know I can keep it up. Some people need variety to distract but i argue this is just breeding grounds for drift as you will be more focused on where you are or what you are doing than the task on hand.
8) Enlist a friend just a little faster, stronger or skilled than you to work out with on key workouts


Remember to practice patience always...patience with your body and its responses to what you throw at it (measuring up against your goals). Every day is not the same...every repeat is not the same.

One can apply this mantra to other facets in life as well. For example, many of you have been following my monthly updates in regards to nutrition and weight loss. It takes a lot of concentration to apply guidelines at every meal. It takes patience to understand that the process (changing body composition) is not fast and immediate. Both of these concepts are required to make changes in the long haul (Endurance to the max). I experienced a drift (as you know) over the last little while but regardless have managed to lose 7 lbs and on average 1-inch off of all my measurements in the last month thanks to the help of Andrew Judson (Living Proof Fitness). As always if you are interested in your own journey he can be reached at andrew@livingprooffitness.com - FYI Andrew will be soon re-locating to Ottawa and we will be planning a Nutrition Q&A in the coming months..Stay Tuned! If you are on this list, I know you are already working hard at the gym or in the studio, but it's truly only 1/2 of the picture. Andrew will keep you focused each and every week as I do on the bike.

Thank-you again everyone for all your support during this difficult time. You all have done your part in propping me back up on my feet - I truly mean it when I say I have the best friends and clients possible!