My Holistic Approach Well-being: Training is therapeutic

Workouts are how I self-medicate ...

Rather than miss a training session and feel guilt on top of whatever emotional pain comes my way, I force myself to try to cope in healthier ways 

refocus

channel energy 

sweat

anxiety

profound sadness

bruised sense of self

mania

panic

worry

depression

fears

All can be managed better by being physically active. 

Swim

Bike 

Run

Walk

Lift weights

F R E S H  A I R

I don't push away stressful thoughts nor do I avoid them. Sometimes the mind, heart and soul are soothed when the body is working hard, pumping blood and oxygen through it like a cleansing 

It doesn't always work. It's hard to breathe - near impossible to breathe for an asthmatic - when tears aren't the silent type. Outright bawling into swim goggles and gulping pool water is dangerous and more stressful. Running towards a finish chute choking back tears is better than hyperventilating which happens if the feelings are overwhelming.

Sometimes crawling under the bedcovers is the only remedy. 

But oftentimes dragging my butt into the saddle, swimsuit or out into the woods with a loyal loving dog is "chicken soup for the soul"

I am a loner when it comes to coping with life's big woes. I prefer a professional therapist who is paid to listen and offer an objective  perspective or just listen over family and friends. I rely on my nearest and dearest to hug me and hold me and be supportive when I ask for their help.

I see this a yet another type of Ironman training.  Battling the demons within and coping with the unexpected on race day in a calm way, confident that I can handle anything. I have survived two bike crashes during races (one of which was a season A race far from home) and one car-bike accident 3 days before a race in another country (another A race). In my 30's  I was a crisis intervener for victims and their families at tragic and mostly fatal accidents, murders and suicides. I've also needed prescription meds to cope with personal crisis' and would rather not have to ever go that route again. I know what I have in my coping toolbox.

It's been a hard training week. I've nailed every workout this far. Mega workout wknd to come but I have Monday's recovery day off and appointments with both my massage therapist and an osteopath - yay!

Cheers to a holistic approach to well-being. Take care of mental health as well as physical health.

xox