Bueller?…Bueller?…Bueller?…

Normally I don’t like listening to music or wearing headphones while running, but this past Sunday I needed a little extra encouragement to get out the door for a long run. This scenario usually happens about once a year, and about ten minutes into the run I get sick of the headphone cords tugging at my ears and rip them out and stuff them in my hydration belt for the duration of the run. That didn’t happen this time.

Before heading out the door, I downloaded episode #52 of the Rich Roll Podcast to my iPhone.  If you don’t know who Rich Roll is, you should. Check out his story on his website.  This episode features an interview with Ronnie Schildknecht, and Ironman champion who holds the record for the fastest Ironman in North America.

A quick teaser of episode #52

One of the biggest take home messages I got from this episode was the importance of listening to your body and not being a slave to your training plan (about 40 minutes into the episode). Ronnie talks about having a conversation with your body, and paying attention to how you’re feeling rather than simply logging the workouts listed on your training plan. He adds that if you ever have an off day and have to end a workout early, you shouldn’t feel guilty.

This season I’m running, riding and swimming much slower than I ever have before, and after my first 3-week training block I feel great both mentally and physically. It’s awesome to have a training plan laid out for me, but it’s reassuring to know that it’s ok to have an off day (or week!). Simply sticking to a training plan won’t necessarily make you fast, but listening to your body can.

Listen to your body when it talks.  And, listen to the full Rich Roll Podcast episode #52 here.

About The Author

[starbox]