So I haven't been doing the weekly strength work that I should. Mostly due to the usual excuses...lack of time, moving this summer, busy with work and the kids...
However, they are all just excuses. What I find with triathletes, and I am just as guilty as the next athlete, is that I can find time to do the required run, swim and bike workouts necessary for competition. But in the summer, I just can't make it a commitment to do the strength workouts.
I have noticed a huge difference. When I am consistent with my strength workouts, my recovery is faster, I feel speedier on the bike and the run, and I am not as sore. However, what's really painful, is taking 3-4 weeks off from strength work and then getting back into it.
So, after the Cape Relay, The Cape Cod half marathon, Mooseman Oly (that was cancelled), the Long Pond Tri, Mass State...I finally made it back to strength workouts. Yes, I was sore. Yes, my runs and bikes suffered for a few workouts subsequently. But, this week, after 4 weeks of consistent workouts, my pace per mile has dropped by 30 sec's on my track workouts, I can do a 40mile ride with a fast 40min run after and recover enough to do a workout the next day.
What does all of this prove? Well, perhaps nothing scientifically, because I am only 1 subject and test case. But, I look at what I can accomplish with consistent strength workouts. I see how our athletes can race back to back weekends and bounce right back. Most importantly, I see BPC strong race results and accomplishments. Yes, it's due to consistent swim, bike and run workouts, but it's also due to the consistent workouts in the gym.
If you haven't tried to be consistent in the gym, or you aren't motivated, finding that you are slogging thru the miles with little return, then what you are missing is the strength component. Try a group workout- see how you can change your training and your life.
Ali
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