Today I had an athletics meeting, it is funny how a competition, which is just another exercise session, can generate so much chatter in the mind or nerves in the body. I am now pretty good at controlling the pre match performance, using the approach of the 3 Principles I am fairly good at clearing my mind. The effect of my new breathing exercises has also meant this year I am not even much out of breath at the end of the race. It was enjoyable performance and a nice time. I am racing again on sunday so should be good to see.
The pre match psychology of an athletics event for me is what most normal people go through going to the gym. Based on what thoughts you give credit to will create your experience. When i think I have to beat my last time, I could get my PB, I must give 100%. Another voice in my head sparks up saying wont that hurt? What will you do if you dont feel like it? I thought exercise was fun, why you doing this when you enjoy other things? I have learnt to ignore the chatter. I know that I will give my best when it kicks off, I also know that the run doesn’t hurt, that is the wrong word. But I can convince myself it is the right word if i listen to the wrong the thoughts.
I suggest anyone who struggles with exercise motivation just tune into their thinking patterns during the debate on whether to do it. In general the two biggest thoughts will run something along the lines of I do not have enough time to do this or I do not want to (or can do) at certain threshold of effort. If you identify this and then give yourself full permission to exercise without this rule e.g. shorter than 40 minutes, level 3 not level 12, then 8 times out of 10 you will outwit yourself to go to the gym/exercise. The problem most people have is that they do not truly give themselves the permission to not do their self imosed thresholds.
These thresholds are also pulled out of nowhere. Why should cardio be 30 minutes. I could help you get fitter and change body composition on a 6 minute exercise session if needs be. Food for thought!
Wednesday –
Today I had an athletics meeting. It was a really nice event, it had a mix of super fast guys but also a lot of newer / older people / much younger people posting a variety of times. I think this is great, it is not about being an elite runner. I tis about beating your personal best. So I was glad to see such a variety of standard. I came 2nd in my race with a nice run – 55.3. A half second fast than last month and a good prep for racing this sunday again.
There is something about adrenaline and fat loss. I ate 2900 calories today but woke up leaner the next day and this i would put down to the buzz of adrenaline. I remember crazy fat loss before my last rugby match would didnt fit with the calories consumed or types of food eaten nor exercise volume done.
Diet – Protein – 158g, Carbs – 345g, fat – 108g, calories – 2984, % P: 21 C : 46% F: 33%
Exercise– Athletics competition – 400m – 55.27, 2nd place, then a legs weights session afterwards
Weight – 74.2, Body fat – Didnt take (last measure on May 14th – 43.5mm*)
Supplements – None
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This is my own 10 point self measurement system, it does not correlate to body fat scores. At a guess 40mm – 7.5%, 50mm – 9.5%, 60mm – 11%, 70mm – 12.5%. I do not take it everyday if looking to gain muscle or maintain as it puts me off wanting to eat more. If on fat loss phase i take it daily.
** All reference to people, their goals, their jobs and when the events occurred are completely distorted from the actual person/event I am talking about…this keeps their privacy but they are based on real people with real stories.
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