Active Rest

I like the concept of active rest. Especially when you make it subjective.

 I was off for a week because my ankle and knees hurt even when I'm just standing brushing my teeth. My shoulder seemed to be okay but I did not want to force the training just yet. But I get so bored and restless not doing anything that I decided to make use of the 'active rest' term and use my weekends for sports.

 The last 2 weekends were good. I had awesome workouts. I knew I was improving, and that I am getting better. Training in a group pushes me more than anything. At one point, I was breathing so hard and I could feel the pulses pounding at the side of my neck. I wanted to stop, but I was working hard I couldn't even strangle out the words. I wanted to cry Uncle! but I told myself to bear through the pain. And at the end of it, I felt proud I survived the worst, and held on. I LOVE working out... I mean, active rest.

  The best thing is that when I do the Vinyasa yoga, I didn't really get tired. I think my fitness, although not at its best form, is at least, maintained. 

 I pushed myself so hard, that I am nursing from a fever and flu :( I think squeezing all 4 sports in one weekend is sorta masochistic. I'm taking Monday off and starting again tomorrow. I can't wait!!

 Anyway, here's a favorite quote I want to share with all of you:

"Anytime you add that structure to something, for me, it kills it. Think about the word 'amateur': It has its root in the Latin word 'amare', which means 'to love'--you do it for the love of the sport."

--Charles Carlson, Bicycling June 2008

I totally love it. It outlines what I've been saying all along - the pleasure to do your sports just because beats out anything else. I've been doing karate for 6 years, and I am still wearing a white belt. I have yet to go for a single belt test and yet I am doing their brown belt work. I never liked the stress and pressure of sports. I just love getting sweaty and the challenges of pushing yourself. The same thing goes to all the sports I do. 

 I chatted with an Ironman who entered the competition with his brother. He told me that his brother completed the Ironman in 13 (or was it 12) hours and totally suffered through it, whereas he completed his in 17 hours but took the time to totally enjoy the race. He freely admitted that he wasn't a fast anything - not in running, not in swimming, and also cycling. He said that he had paid a hefty fee and wanted to make his maiden Ironman (and the exorbitant price) worthwhile by cheering on others, taking pictures, instead of being pressured to finish it fast. 

 Not many people would agree with this. To some, the hours of training will definitely go to waste if they can't see results. Why bother suffering through the training if it weren't for getting an amazing time? I understand their reasoning and I am proud to see anyone of my friends who completes any race in good timing. You worked hard for it! 

But my school of thought lies with the 17-hours finisher. Not all of us are meant to be a fast finisher. Might as well enjoy every single second. I am happy to be an amateur.

 Starting again tomorrow!