Stay Focused: Body

This is what tapering looks like.

At different points of the year "staying focused" on the body means different things. Sometimes it means pushing your body as far as you can on a daily, weekly, even monthly basis. Other times, it means fighting off a cold, eating right, or sleeping more, or all of the above at one time! This time of year it's "taper time".

To some taper time is a welcomed period of the year, while others absolutely hate it. In the moment, realizing you get to rest rather than go out and do a track workout can feel great. But as your body feels better, and your energy levels return those of a normal person, many people start to get antsy, and worry that they're missing out on opportunities to get faster just a week before their race.

Stay Focused: Mind

We're about a week and a half out from the US Elite National Championship race in Buffalo now, and there is such a delicate balance to everything. Tapering for a big race always is, I suppose. You're trying to walk that line of maintaining fitness without digging yourself too deep when it comes time to recover, recharge, and be in the best place possible for the race. But you're physical fitness is far from the only thing that matters come race day. To experience real success, a more holistic approach is absolutely necessary - you know - mind, body, soul, and all that jazz. A steady and consistent focus on all three aspects of your training and life in the weeks leading up to the big day are critical. Today we're just gonna focus on the ole' noggin... (body and soul coming soon...)