Expectation Setting After De-conditioning

Expectation Setting After De-conditioning:

I am in a very fortunate position where I have been able to accomplish some fantastic things, be that running a marathon, hiking long distances, cycling long distances, being relatively quick rowing wise and lots more. I have also had periods of my life where I have been able to dedicate significant hours to specialist training, be that when I was a student (doing less studying than I probably should have) or where simply I haven't had things that I was able or wanted to prioritise above it.

So personally, from a perspective where my training is now more rounded with CrossFit,  I find expectation setting really difficult, especially in those disciplines that are specialist. This week we had a workout on the schedule that had a 2k row and max clean and jerk in a 15 minute window. I was really tempted not to go, for the simple reason that the 2k test on a rowing machine, for me anyway,  was the most physically and mentally brutal test that I can remember doing (multiple times). I also have a personal best time that I am very, very far away from currently. Even though I knew I would approach the row by keeping well within my limits pshycologically I was struggling with it. The numbers that used to be easy are simply not anymore. That's one of many examples. for instance, last summer, the summer after doing the most distance cycling I have ever done, I was struggling in the last 10 miles or so of a 62 mile ride whereas the summer before 100 miles was completed comfortably.

Not only is it difficult to judge, pace or set expectations but psychologically it's difficult and sometimes pretty demoralising. It certainly makes me sit and question where my fitness level is in comparison. There is also the stark reality that I'm not 20 anymore and that I'm also not in a phase of life where I have time to train 2 - 3 times a day everyday and get 8 - 9 hours sleep. In those moments it's easy to forget that I can do things now that I was nowhere near able to do when I was training for specialist diciplines.

The reality is even trying to compare my current fitness level in a specialist area that I haven't trained as a specialist in for 10 years is a bit ridiculous and even through it pushes me mentally sometimes I always come back to the fact that I have to accept where I am right now, adapt to what I can do and maximise what I am able to do.

This scenario certainly is not unique to me and I see it everyday in the gym, people who haven't exercised for whatever reason for a significant period of time. It could be because of Injury, lifestyle changes, parenthood or that people have taken time off to spend sometime dedicating their training to a specific goal like running a marathon. The list goes on. As a coach it's important to understand where people are at so you can help them figure out where they are currently and help them overcome any mental barrier they may have. Equally to help people scale and set themselves up for success so that they can come out of sessions feeling like they have achieved.

Ultimately it's about letting go of previous PB's, accepting where we are now, having the confidence that your body and mind are capable and getting out there to take the first steps in maximising what you are able to give in your current situation. 

Be kind to yourself!

Andy