Article by Leah Anstis
My rambles are weeks overdue. I’ve really struggled for inspiration. More often than not, words come easily when things are going well, and even more easily when things are going rubbish. Who doesn’t love a good rant. So I guess that means I’m in a position where things are unremarkable?
Last rant, I’d run out of iron. I was flat on my back exhausted, out of energy and out of puff. I think I’m maybe 6-8 weeks past that point now, and its been a really slow recovery. Its frustrating. In my head, I’d expected to be feeling fighting fit again after a month. But the reality is, it’s a patience game. I’m not exactly renowned for that personality trait. Ask my toddler. Or my neighbours.
My rambles are weeks overdue. I’ve really struggled for inspiration. More often than not, words come easily when things are going well, and even more easily when things are going rubbish. Who doesn’t love a good rant. So I guess that means I’m in a position where things are unremarkable?
Last rant, I’d run out of iron. I was flat on my back exhausted, out of energy and out of puff. I think I’m maybe 6-8 weeks past that point now, and its been a really slow recovery. Its frustrating. In my head, I’d expected to be feeling fighting fit again after a month. But the reality is, it’s a patience game. I’m not exactly renowned for that personality trait. Ask my toddler. Or my neighbours.
I’ve bumped into a few friends lately, and the question I get asked most is ‘What are you training for?’ … and my answer is ‘nothing’. Which leads to ‘are you still training with James?’… ‘Yup’.
I find myself asking, do I really need to be targeting something to account for being under the guidance of a coach? Short answer, nope. This wouldn’t be a ramble without explaining that… So why do I need James Kuegler Coaching? I could quite easily piggy back off what my crew are doing, join a few groups, maintain my own group (failing massively at that right now!) or simply call on my own experience and write down my own training plan. I mean, my life is really busy, it would make total sense for me to make my own plan and juggle it around everything else I have going on. But ultimately, if I didn’t have this ‘routine’ to follow from James, I’d not make running/riding as much of a priority in my day. And whilst it can cause me stress to have to fit in a session, at the end of the day, its forcing me to take time out for myself. So by continuing to be guided by James, I am taking an hour or 3 out to do something for me, and just me, which is so important for my well being. For now, that’s really the main reason I continue to follow 80-90% of my training plan. The other 10-20% I just allow myself to miss or swap or move … basically do what I need to be content that I’m a) listening to this rickety 30 year old body and b) giving the best me I can to everyone, myself included. Sounds a bit cheesy.
After the whole iron ordeal, I’ve certainly struggled with losing a lot of speed and endurance. It sucks so hard when you’ve worked your butt off for it. But I’m back out there, begrudgingly some days, at 5am putting in the work to rebuild. All I really want right now is to be able to run for a couple of hours and still look like the queen I am at the end. I’m close to nailing the two hours, but I’m nearly dead I tell ya. Like a really sweaty crusty fluffy hair kinda messy zombie. I own it though.
I’m looking forward to Christmas, and having a couple of weeks at home. Everything feels like its carrying pressure at this time of year. I’ll be using the time to potter in my vege. garden, work on my bike tan, and have a few adventures. I really hope to settle into a consistent rhythm and find the sweet spot again. Tick off some goals and find some ease in running. Then my race face might just reappear.
2019… I promise not run out of iron again. Bring it on.
Article by Leah Anstis
I find myself asking, do I really need to be targeting something to account for being under the guidance of a coach? Short answer, nope. This wouldn’t be a ramble without explaining that… So why do I need James Kuegler Coaching? I could quite easily piggy back off what my crew are doing, join a few groups, maintain my own group (failing massively at that right now!) or simply call on my own experience and write down my own training plan. I mean, my life is really busy, it would make total sense for me to make my own plan and juggle it around everything else I have going on. But ultimately, if I didn’t have this ‘routine’ to follow from James, I’d not make running/riding as much of a priority in my day. And whilst it can cause me stress to have to fit in a session, at the end of the day, its forcing me to take time out for myself. So by continuing to be guided by James, I am taking an hour or 3 out to do something for me, and just me, which is so important for my well being. For now, that’s really the main reason I continue to follow 80-90% of my training plan. The other 10-20% I just allow myself to miss or swap or move … basically do what I need to be content that I’m a) listening to this rickety 30 year old body and b) giving the best me I can to everyone, myself included. Sounds a bit cheesy.
After the whole iron ordeal, I’ve certainly struggled with losing a lot of speed and endurance. It sucks so hard when you’ve worked your butt off for it. But I’m back out there, begrudgingly some days, at 5am putting in the work to rebuild. All I really want right now is to be able to run for a couple of hours and still look like the queen I am at the end. I’m close to nailing the two hours, but I’m nearly dead I tell ya. Like a really sweaty crusty fluffy hair kinda messy zombie. I own it though.
I’m looking forward to Christmas, and having a couple of weeks at home. Everything feels like its carrying pressure at this time of year. I’ll be using the time to potter in my vege. garden, work on my bike tan, and have a few adventures. I really hope to settle into a consistent rhythm and find the sweet spot again. Tick off some goals and find some ease in running. Then my race face might just reappear.
2019… I promise not run out of iron again. Bring it on.
Article by Leah Anstis