MY UNHEALTHY OBSESSION BROKE ME
THE PAIN OF CHASING SHORT TERM RESULTS
Endurance training – triathlon, cycling and now indoor rowing – has always been my passion. Until about 5 years ago I was ultra-competitive, results were all that mattered, I was self-critical, and my mentality was more is better. I wanted to progress at all costs…and I got away with it until 5 years ago when I broke (physically). My body couldn’t cope with the demands I placed on it.
My motivation was purely driven by results. My relationship with my training had become unhealthy – obsessive – and it wasn’t good for my health. Physically I was a wreck, I felt constantly drained and deep down I wasn’t happy – or healthy.
I LOVED MY TRAINING. I NEEDED MY TRAINING FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH. I HAD TO FIND A SOLUTION TO ENABLE ME TO TRAIN SUSTAINABLY
THE SOLUTION
The first part of the solution was to address the injury through rehab. This has been a 5 year journey but I think I am finally getting somewhere at last! I have learned so much about my body along the way, and am now in a much better position to help others.
EVERY OBSTACLE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND NEVER GIVE UP!
2. But this was only a temporary solution – if I had comeback with
the same mindset – constantly pushing my body to its limits, I
would be back to square one.
The real problem was my MINDSET and my relationship with exercise – and honestly, addressing that has been incredibly challenging. Much harder than the physical side.
SUSTAINABILITY, LETTING GO AND PRIORITISING HEALTH
There was one key concept that helped me let go of this mentality – SUSTAINABILITY. By focusing on this, I went from wanting to be a competitive athlete having no other plan, to wanting to be able to row and ride my bike (and very likely compete!) when I am an old lady! Although performance, progressing and hitting PBs are really important to me, my health is now my priority.
I am not saying don’t push. As an athlete our ultimate goal is to realise our full potential and to do that we do place our bodies under stress and some level of discomfort and fatigue. But there is a balance there. I love feeling at my peak – but I now realise that I can’t sustain this all year round. Not if I want to still be enjoying my training in my 70s and 80s.
I still find it hard, and I do start to get anxious if I don’t hit my goals. I am hard wired to do my workouts and not slack off, but I have realised that sometimes rest is the best thing. I have learned to recognise the warning signs. I take a step back, have words with myself and then I have to recalibrate.
The biggest barriers to sustainability is if you have the mentality that you push forward at all costs – you will reach a breaking point. There is a fine balance between health, fitness and obsession. If you are struggling to get that balance, ask yourself ‘do you still want to be training 20 years from now?’. If the answer is yes – you need to prioritise your health – and I guarantee as a result you will perform better, feel stronger, healthier and happier. I am performing better and feel so much healthier and happier now in my 40s than I ever did in my 20s and 30s – and changing my mindset has been the game changer.
If this resonates with you, I am launching a FREE FACEBOOK GROUP ‘AGE WITHOUT LIMITS’ this week – building a community exclusively for mature female athletes like you to support and guide you through the challenges of training as you get older.
If you would like to work with me online coaching is available. Contact me to book a complimentary call.
I also run a free Facebook group for mature female cyclists where I share lots of tips for improving on hills, endurance, speed, power, health, strength and hormones. Here’s the link if you’d like to join:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/agewithoutlimits
Or if you’d like to see more info about the Online Cycling Transformation Program for Mature Females, where we transform your health, performance, enjoyment and longevity on and off the bike, here is that link:
https://go.heidivilesperformance.uk/apply-now
