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Need a pep-talk?



Me, Coach M, Missy

(While I am working on another post that, while writing it, has thrown me into confusion, I figured I would share (part of) an email from Coach M with you. 

Remember how last time we talked I was swimbikerunning on Struggle Street? Well, I am happy to report that I successfully steered off of it. With Coach M's help. Since it helped me, I figured it might help you as well, so I wanted to share it. Keep in mind that she is trying to make me feel better about myself, so she is totally exaggerating. I am not really all that. But it's still nice to hear.)



Sarah, 


It's always good to know what you are thinking. No worries about the long email. (Phew. She is too nice. I write novels on Training Peaks and, as if that was not enough, I also bombard her with emails. She is a very patient woman!)

The speed-build will last from now until your race, with more recovery than you think lodged in between. (Speed? Recovery? I am not really a fan of either. I like it nice and steady. I am still working on the 'quality over quantity' thing.) 

As far as helping your mind: Start with knowing that every workout I give to you - you nail it. Even on days that you feel frustrated, you hit your paces. You step up every time. Yes. It's not easy. Yes. It's difficult. But you know that you thrive on the challenge and granted, sometimes the workouts are ridiculous, but you are SARAH JARVIS! And with every drop of sweat, you have earned that title: that you are strong, that you are fast, and that you keep pushing to improve yourself. (Like I said: She is exaggerating. But I might as well live up to what she thinks I am, right? So can you!)

I think when you break things down in your workouts, it seems more manageable to you. And it helps you get through the workout better. Remember that, as a coach, I am trying to push you so that you have to dig a little deeper. The paces that I give you: I don't just pull those out of a hat. They are legitimate paces that I believe you can hold. My intent is not to break you; it is to help you push through the rough parts and then come out on the other end knowing that you can do it! (I was self-coached for about 10 years but, after working with HT Training for 2 years, I don't know what I would do without a coach. I would be totally lost.) 

Truthfully, you are in such a good place as an athlete. I know I have said this to you before but you are really strong. The mental side of training is tough for everyone. Everyone. Keep working at it because I can see your potential bursting out this year. I am so excited for you. (Don't we all have a lot of untapped potential that is waiting to burst out? It is totally up to us to make it happen! Let's do it!)

Mahogani

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