There is no lying I love the most brutal workouts. Bring on the workouts that make you grimace and find that inner strong. And this is why it stings to work so hard only to fail. After Ironman Louisville I immediately called Ry and cried and cried and cried because I felt like I had let so many people down.
I also felt like my body let me down. I always thought I could do everything. And why not try to do everything, right? Life is short. I chose to race on the pro Ironman circuit, trying to be the best physical therapist and coach and trainer and rebuild a home. As it turns out, training hard is really only beneficial if you can ABSORB it and ADAPT.
Sounds obvious as I type it but it is so easy for the type A triathlete crazy girl to fall into a bad habit. Subpar result? I can fix that with extra training. It's easy to fall into the mindset that endurance sports rewards the athlete that goes the extra mile and pushes a little bit deeper. But that is not always true.
I am definitely not giving up. I have too much passion and love and respect for the sport. So I am going to do the hardest thing right now and take an extended break. A break to let my body and mind fully heal.
My plan is to get a little out of shape ( yikes ), focus on yoga and daily walks and let the body that has raced 20 Full Ironman, 33 Half Ironman , 3 Marathons and countless bike, run, uphill races in the past 6 years REST. I don't know how long I will have to rest but I am going to put all of my energy into this scary endeavor. I am motivated to make 2018 my strongest season!
You're the best, Amber! I admire your passion. All of us need the opportunity to rest. All of the love to you! I look up to you all the time.
ReplyDeleteYour a smart woman,Amber.
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey's hiring part time at Toys "R" US. There's been a run on Littlest Pet Shop. 4 and 5 year Olds pocketing them like crazy. I think you got that left in you. You also get an all important half hour break........TO COMPLAIN!!!
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