One of my favorite parts about nearing the end of an Ironman journey is reflecting on all of the past training sessions that occurred over the past year. Even more so, I like to think back to all of my previous Ironman events to remember why I love the 140.6 mile distance. I have 13 Ironman experiences to reflect on and each one came with highs and lows while getting myself to the start and finish line. There's something so special about the process of mentally and physically preparing for this extreme one-day event. While it may seem like an arduous task, I think of it like any other project in life that requires patience, trust, commitment, consistency and flexibility. I also feel strongly that the Ironman distance is an event to be taken very seriously for it takes a huge toll on the body and mind. While there's a big commitment to the training, I never feel like training takes over my life. If anything, I really enjoy the training for it provides me just enough of a release to explore nature, strech my limits and relieve some stress without feeling too exhausted for more important life responsibilities.
Nearing the end of Ironman training while approaching the Ironman taper, I find that many athletes feel a sense of relief that the Ironman journey is almost over with and they can't wait get their life back and return to a normal state of health and living. This is concerning to me for I feel that even with the monumental task of preparing for a 140.6 mile event, no athlete should feel that training is taking over their life. Sure, there are some times when training will take on more of a focus in life but I don't feel that an endurance triathlete should experience this type of burn out, especially so close to race day.
So why does this happen? Here are a few of my thoughts:
- Too much emphasis on miles/volume completed and not enough rest and proper nutrition to support this extreme style of training.
- Internal and external pressure.
- Perfectionism, a rigid training plan and unrealistically high expectations can contribute to loss of enjoyment for the sport.
- Training monotony and not enough variation in the training structure of workouts.
- Feeling stressed about a performance outcome (achieving a certain time, place or qualification standard).
- Ignoring the body's signs and symptoms of being fatigue, overtrained, dehydrated, sleep deprived, underfueled and injured.
- Low self-confidence due to inconsistent performances or not meeting self-imposed standards.
- "More is better" belief and starting/completing a training session at any cost.
- Losing your relationship with the sport and seeing training as a chore.
- Spending too much energy on what other athletes are doing, never feeling like you are doing enough.
- Poor stress management, self-care and coping skills for when life feels too busy or overwhelming.
- Not enough (or any) support from family/significant other.
- Your coach is treating you only like an athlete instead of like a human being and whole person.
- Too much focus/emphasis on weaknesses instead of on strengths.
- An extreme and rigid style of eating.
- Obsession with body image.
While it's completely normal and expected that you are going to feel tired at times throughout your Ironman journey, complete mental and physical exhaustion just a few weeks (or months) out from your big event is not something to take lightly. The pressure that most athletes put on themselves to succeed in all areas of life is tremendous. Remember, you do this sport because of what it gives you in return, with all the other moving parts in your life. If you are feeling burned out, take a step back and figure out how you can train for your event without it feeling like it's another stressor in your busy life.
If you need a break from your sport, take it without guilt, shame or worry.
If you need a break from your sport, take it without guilt, shame or worry.