Ultra-endurance events are seeing a considerable spike in popularity as athletes look to redefine the traditional tests of strength and stamina.
Curious about calories? Then you might want to check out a new text messaging service by Diet.com called “Nutrition on the Go.”
I’m fighting a nasty case of spring fever. I can see the
signs already—compulsively checking the weather forecast; restless leg syndrome
at the first glimpse of sunlight; foolishly believing 40 degrees is balmy
enough for shorts.
It’s a dangerous condition for athletes. Anyone who has used a training program knows that it’s the early season workouts that lay the foundation for future success or failure. The ability to perform later starts now.
I’ve subscribed to that philosophy for years. Each spring, I carefully lay out my calendar, identify my goals and set up my training plan. And then, without fail, I manage to mess it up.
Last spring I hit an all-time low. I went into the year fueled by hopes for my best season ever. Although my plan called for me to gradually increase the intensity of my workouts, spring fever got the best of me. Before summer ever arrived, I was over-trained and my hyperactive fever soon gave way to a string of energy-zapping illnesses. My season was shot.
That wasn’t the first time it’s happened. I’ve seen several seasons sabotaged by spring fever. After taking the first step and admitting I had a problem, I got help—I hired a coach.
Over the years, I’ve watched dismissively as more and more people around me have turned to coaches for help. “It’s not like I’m training for the Olympics,” I figured. “And besides, I’ve got a library of books on training.” But even though I wasn’t training to be an elite-level athlete, I was still investing a lot of my time in training—often making bad decisions in the process.
By bringing in a coach, I’ve added objectivity to my training regimen. Whenever spring fever sets in, I’ve got a guide to help me make smart decisions.
There’s also a new level of accountability. Knowing I have to submit a training log to my coach makes it a lot easier to fight the urge to push hard on a rest day or skip out on an interval session.
While a coach worked for me, not everybody needs one. Plenty of athletes go it alone and succeed. Whether it comes from a coach or not, discipline makes the difference.
No matter what your goals are for the year, now is the time to find your focus. Otherwise spring fever could turn into the summertime blues.
Bruce Buckley, Editor
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