Pre-Race Neurotics

I realize that I haven't been racing in a while and my race instinct is getting rusty. Last month at Squiggy didn't really count. I heard the news on the much shorter race format long before I had time to get nervous about the race itself. Besides, my entire focus was on my team training camp. I had a great time in Tampa but it was not the confidence builder that I hoped for. The way the events unfold, Texas Road Rash is once again my season opener. I don't feel ready to race in more ways than one.

Physically, I did my share of work. The transition from off-season to race season training in the last month was not the easiest. I saw glimpses of promising signs while training with my teammates in Tampa. Since returning home, I've been struggling a bit. Coach SZ designed a rigorous (since when is it not rigorous anyway heh) program with strong focus on solo skating. One training objective for me in 2010 is to develop the ability to generate and sustain speed on my own. Much easier said than done especially with the unforgiving combination of cold and windy condition we enjoyed in Toronto the last four weeks. I've been on skates for the majority of my workouts though plyos and indoor bike have not stop either. Body functions differently in cold temperature and strong wind provides endless supply of resistance training. It's grueling especially without the protection of a pack. All complaining aside, I am starting to see the difference it makes. Twice a week practice with the Toronto Inline Skating Club gives me a good idea of how I measure up to other skaters. I have been skating well beyond my expectation at club practices, finishing strong in every drill.

Mentally, I'm not exactly my bubbly self recently. I miss the social aspect of training with other skaters. I feel a bit like an outsider now simply because I haven't been attending as many group skates as I used to. Solo training works great with my schedule in the sense that I can complete my workout very efficiently. However, the flip side of that efficiency is that I adopted the attitude of "get in, get out, get the job done". I know that in the long run, this attitude will zap all the joy out of skating so it is not sustainable. Tangible results and improvements are rewarding but part of the joy of skating is the freedom to move at speed. I need to find a better balance. On the up side, I am tougher than I used to be. Solo skating is a mental game of pushing my body to perform while feeling uncomfortable. By doing that often enough, I gain a level of confidence not previously seen. I am learning to outlast my competitors.

A month into the outdoor season, I have seen both positives and negatives. I am human and on days when I can hardly manage to crawl at 25km/h, doubts inevitably set in. Thankfully, I've also enjoyed some good training days and they gave me hope that I am on the right path. I don't feel ready for Texas Road Rash but that's okay. My main objective this weekend is to enjoy the process of racing and see how my body performs. This Sunday at 10am, I want to have a smile on my face for a job well done.

Comments

[marty nickel]

I'll drop by and say "hi" while you're in Round Rock/Austin. Would be cool to meet you after reading your blogs for a while! (I confess to enjoying your food blog almost as much as your skating blog)

[DessertByCandy]

Glad to see you at the race Marty!