Yesterday while I was forcing myself through the last few miles of my long run I couldn't help to think about how my body is changing, adapting. At the time, I was simply thinking about pushing harder to get out of the rain. As I laid on the couch last night sore from the day's effort I knew I wasn't injured but darn was I beat up. My body was busy adapting. Healing from the beat down I placed on it. Getting ready to come back stronger after a bit of recovery.
I structure your Wednesday workouts with anaerobic adaptations in mind. Simply put I design the workouts to enable you body to sustain faster paces for longer. Now, I could go into neural, muscular, or cardiovascular adaptations and bore your to death. But, that's not where my head went today, and besides we have plenty of articles you can reference on this topic.
The adaptation theme stuck with me throughout the day. During any particular workout I am striving to adapt, and grow stronger. This is hopefully true for each of you, whether you realize it or not. But more importantly I began pondering broader scale adaptations.
The same principle that applies to each of your workouts applies to the decisions you make everyday. Earlier this year you committed to focusing on your training. In order to do so you have to make choices. Sure you could head out of work and watch another episode of your new binge watch on Netflix, but what if, instead, you sneak in a quick workout... and then watch my show? Sounds simple right? If it was truly that simple I probably wouldn't have a job ;) So we have to choices. Any everyone of those choices results in an adaptation.
Much of last couple of years I struggled with time management. It was easy for me to chalk it up to new dad syndrome. But I knew that I could be more efficient, more effective at workout, more present at home, and maybe even occasionally put myself first and get in the runs that I had so desperately missed. For me, I have changed my morning routine so that I am either getting in my workout for the day, or hammering out e-mails and newsletters before the store opens. If I don't get my run done in the morning, I head out in the afternoon. Same with managing my inbox, or cobbling together marketing plans, etc. The resulting adaptation is that I'm now more able to spend time working alongside my staff on the sales floor, which is truly one of my favorite things to do. I'm finally returning to a level of fitness that I am happy with. And most importantly, by accomplishing a few things for me personally and professionally I have found that I am much more present when at home with my lovely wife and amazing daughters. I can't ask for more.
Perhaps for you, MIT is a small step toward achieving desired adaptations in your life. I can tell you that it is crucial that you continue to reevaluate your progress. Check in on yourself from time to time. Are you achieving your personal goals? Are you happy with your professional achievements? And when you bring all of life's factors together are you able to be present and in the moment for those you love most? If you find yourself knowing you can do better, tomorrow's a new day. Adaptation never stops.
See you at the next workout!
Jeff