Lately I have definitely been in a rut both physically and mentally. Training has pushed me to my limit. There are times throughout the year when I simply don't want to do the set that is given because it is really hard. I do it anyways and generally I always have a good time at practice. However, for some reason I feel as though this week I just don't want to be at the pool. It's not even that I don't want to do the sets...I just don't want to be at the pool. I haven't quite figured out exactly why this is? I have no idea where I'd rather be either. I just don't want to be training. I do it anyways because I know this is what makes me better and it is expected of me.
This morning I was in the weight-room after practice and I was talking to Bubba Thorton. Bubba is the head track and field coach at Texas and was also the head US Olympic Track coach. He is an incredibly relaxed and calm guy who always says things that make perfect sense. Bubba was a great football player and track athlete as well. We were talking about training and about being tired physically and mentally. He said being tired is a good thing. It's healthy, and added that you need to be tired for a while so when you do feel better it is because you worked hard. I told him how I feel as though I'm in a rut mentally but that I'm just trying to stay focused and keep my mind right. Although I did acknowledge that I have been somewhat negative and down about my training lately. He told me it's ok to get down sometimes, but, what really separates the winners from the loosers is being able to stay focused when your mind and body are literally at the breaking point. Bubba added, if you can do this you will be way ahead of your competitors.
It made perfect sense. I think I pretty much knew this to be true but hearing him say it made me realize it and put it into focus. I feel truly blessed and thankful that I am lucky enough to be surrounded by great coaches and athletes here at the University of Texas. I could most definitely not do this alone. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me through everything! Your support means more to me than you could ever know:)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Words From a Wise Man
Posted by Garrett at 12:16 PM
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11 comments:
As usual this blog is pretty nice to read, but what sticks out to me is reading about Bubba Thorton and basically about Track and Field. I have a few weeks until I compete. I will be throwing against the girls who are at college at Mizzou. I am rather freaked out about this, but I know I can't think about it, I just have to do it because it's what I want to do. I used to procrastinate and be like I don't wanna do this and don't but realized that's not the smart thing to do. I think we all can take a little bit from this blog and those words that Bubba Thorton said because they are very true. I had no idea how tired out I would be. From working and training. It proves to make me stronger and I enjoy getting back that chance to do what I have longed to do and that's compete. Just keep on keepin on Garrett, this will prove to only make you stronger and better at what you do. Thank you for you kind words and taking you time to answer me and everyone else on here and supporting my Olympic dream. Thanks a million.
" what really separates the winners from the loosers is being able to stay focused when your mind and body are literally at the breaking point."- I need to remember that, good quote.
A few words from a wise woman:) GWG, You have the power to change how you feel.
Quoting you: "motivation in unique ways". I think it's time to post something new above the toilet paper roll? ;)
I grew up in Belgium and all friends greet each with 3 consecutive kisses (alternating cheeks) in the morning and when saying good-bye. I send you my 3 kisses and hope to read about you thinking differently soon.
What a great blog post! Your honesty is appreciated and motivating.
Athletes of your caliber seem so dedicated and often make the rest of us feel like the differences between us are so great.
Your post makes the point that even those that are the most talented in the world lose their motivation sometimes. It gives hope to those of us that aren't as talented as you.
What separates the winners from the losers is what we choose to do when faced with fatigue and lack of motivation.
Personally when I feel "stuck in a rut" I like to shake up my routine a little yet still keep on keeping on. Switching up my workouts to include different exercises is one of the things that keeps me going, yet gets me feeling better because it's not the same old same old.
Anyway keep it up, obviously your hard work pays off!
I know exactly where you are coming from. There are times where I just don't want to be somewhere or be doing something, but then I say to myself, there is a reason that I am here doing this, so why not give it my all. If we just give up, then we won't ever be able to acheive any of our goals. What always helps me focus is listening to music when you have some downtime, it always seems to relax me and make me feel invincible like I can do anything I set my mind to. It will get better, it just takes a little time. : ) Just keep on doing what you love and don't forget that practice doesn't make perfect, but it sure makes it a heck of alot easier to reach your goals! Thanks for being such an inspiration to so many! Your dedication inspires me everyday to never give up, thank you for that : )
I've been following your blog alog with other athletes that I admire.
I was amaze to also read Bree Wee' blog (http://breeweehawaii.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-need-seashell-and-sand.html) talking about how hard it is to start traning after the off season. That focus is what separate the star elite athletes from us mortals.
Ah yes, the infamous 'rut'...seems like a mental rut is worse than a physical rut...you can continue to push your body when your mind is in it, but when your mind checks out, then it becomes extremely hard and frustrating. You're definitely not alone...and what you've been told is exactly right. How you come out of your rut and how you handle it will set you apart and above and beyond the rest. Noticing it, understanding it, and more importantly RESPECTING it shows great character and class. I have no doubt you will be fine...sounds like you're already coming out of it. Sometimes all it takes are the right words at the right time from the right source. Looks like yours came to you.
Awesome blog and very inspirational!
Competing can be a bit nerve-wracking sometimes but I always find once it is over it is very satisfying...push through it.
You are right. I do have the power to change how I feel. The difficulty is figuring out how to best do that...
Shaking up the routine is always a good thing. The problem is that I don't really have control of my routine very much. My coach pretty much dictates the workouts I do. However, it has worked wonders so I must try to stay positive!
I'm glad you take something positive away from this blog and enjoy reading it. Thanks for the support!
It's always nice and comforting to know that others are in my same boat.
Sometimes when we are always doing the same thing over the years we get a little bit tired and It's in those moments when is always nice to have someone to tell us some nice words.
keep up the good work and good luck for your trainings.
Yesterday was the first time that it started to snow in Porto...although it was only for a short time it was really nice to watch...=)
Sometimes, you may wanna says curse your coach because of the way he dictates things, but what he does is all for good reason and has molded you into who you are today. I am glad that you are staying positive though everything when times get hard...we all just have to bite the bullet sometimes.
See, I am as of now unattached and well my own coach, which is tough so it's very easy for me to say oh I won't do this or oh I won't do that and just push everything off and procrastinate, which by the way I am the best at...but I don't I go out and do what I have to do research videos online and different techniques to help me. I just need a guide and I always get frustrated because I don't have one. It would help to know if I am doing everything correctly...that's my biggest fear is at the open meet the 21st...I will be disqualified because I didn't do the technique right. I wish I knew how to go about this looking for a guide process, but as for know I am on my own. This will be well worth it in the end. I hope. Have a nice day and everyone else have a good one too!!!
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