priorities, rest, sacrifice

I can't keep up with myself.  Sometimes my weekends rush by, and come Monday I am not prepared to hit it hard for another week.  Through having a set training/workout schedule, I am s l o w l y coming to realize why professional athletes talk about 'recovery' and 'rest'.  Why training schedules I read online have 'rest' days built in - when I started training for a marathon last fall, I scoffed at 'needing' two rest days.  I secretly commended myself on being able to run an extra day than the schedule recommended - then my knee started aching and I didn't make it to 26.2.  My body signaled me at 18 miles to stop; reluctantly I did.   I cried when I made the decision to concede my training schedule.  There was instant empty space in my life, and I felt a sense of grief and loss that my goal was not realized. I felt inspired that I cared enough about something to feel pain when it ended.
 I rested for two weeks before attempting to run again.  After one week I felt my right knee tweak and ache during my runs and I stopped again.  Being physically active is a huge part of my life and brings me deep joy - forcing my body to run didn't seem worth the potential cost of losing mobility and having to stop exercising vigorously entirely.  I started taking spin classes at a gym near my work in downtown Seattle, bought a pair of snowshoes, invited friends to join me in the mountains, and walked a bit more in town. I discovered that I am not a superhuman, I can't do it all, and I really shouldn't try.   I still enjoy running - now, I run 1-2x/per week max, no more than 3 miles.  I'd like to be able to run a bit harder in the future; for now I am focusing on stair workouts, hiking steep hills, cycling, and yoga-ing.
This past weekend, I did not rest. I tried to do pretty much every one of my interests in one weekend - I took a 13 hour Sanskrit Alphabet workshop at Samarya Center, did a jogging stair workout, biked 25 miles, hung out with friends, made homemade energy balls, went grocery shopping, cleaned.  I didn't think I was trying to fit too much in - until I crashed physically, mentally, emotionally on Sunday night and didn't want to get up for work on Monday.  Typically I enjoy going to work, particularly on Mondays.   I like seeing my co-workers after a couple days off, and catching up on the weekend's events.

What might it possibly look like if I prioritize my training for the climb over other conflicting interests?  I have a few ideas.  It might mean setting aside one weekend half or full day to rest and stay home.  Could be saying no to invites, or spending less time at the yoga studio.  Declaring 'unplugged' times, where I stay out of the computer and other media outlets to give my brain a break from electronic stimulation.  Reading, playing the guitar.   Give my body and mind a chance to recharge, contemplate, relax.  RELAX.  relax.
R e l a x .....  

I'm not sure if it sounds loony, but I'd actually like to devote about 25% more time to training - add an extra workout or two into  my week.  Currently, per week its been 3-4 vigorous yoga classes, an additional 2-3 moderate yoga classes, 2-3 spin classes, one long bike ride, one 8ish mile hike, one stair workout/ run, plus bike commuting and walking in the city.  I'd like to add an additional run and stair workout in; ideally I would be doing two workouts per day 3-4 days a week, two days of 'endurance training' (3-5 hours workouts - that would be the hike or long distance bike ride), one complete rest day, and another day of 'easy workout'.  Doing two, 40-60 minute workouts a day has been effective - gives me a lot of energy and I've noticed cardiovascular fitness gains.  I don't lift weights - I tried it a few times and hated it.  My muscles felt very constricted and tight.  My toning typically happens in yoga class - I've seen resistance bands advertised online and am considering purchasing one.  I think it might come in handy when I am overseas and don't have access to mountains and spin classes.

hiking to 'Mueller Hut' near Mt. Cook, New Zealand

I like this sign  - Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand April 2010

a top 'Ben Lohman's Peak' - Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand - quite possibly the most intense hike I have been on!

All in all, training is what gives me the most satisfaction and peace.  Makes sense that I'd prioritize it over other activities.  That I can do it with my friends is likely in part what makes it so.  The exercise that I do does not seem like 'training' - I love it, and for the most part I'm doing it with other people.  A few workouts I do solo, and I enjoy the solitude.   I tell myself that there will be time after the Rainier climb to pursue other interests - right now, I want to live this experience as fully as possible; to do that, I think I'll make  a few sacrifices and rest in peace knowing I'm doing what I really want to do.