1 Theme
Taking Some Time Off This
I decided to try an experiment with myself - quit coffee.
I wouldn't say I'm addicted to it (2 cups per day is my limit) and have firm boundaries (none after 2 p.m.). However, it's time to reset my caffeine tolerance.
Swapping in decaf coffee has been the strategy I've used. If you can get a nice decaf then the taste is very much similar.
I also never took any normal coffee grounds with me which removed any temptations that may have been there.
During the first few days, I noticed my energy levels weren't as high as they normally are. I also experienced a slight headache on occasion too. After the third day, they went away.
Wednesday evening was probably when I felt the most tired. Coupling this while also peaking for Hyrox took its toll on me.
In terms of the outcomes, it's quite hard to tell other than my sleep feeling better. At night I feel tired and ready to go to bed.
I said to myself I would do a week without coffee.
What this has done is reevaluate my relationship with coffee. Do I need 2 cups every day? Do I even need a cup every day?
Caffeine is a drug and to maximise its effects it has to be used appropriately.
2 Positive Outcomes
I Missed A Run
This might not sound very positive.
Especially when I'm training to get into peak Hyrox condition. But on Wednesday night I felt done in. My body needed to recover.
So I took an extra hour in bed on Thursday morning.
Wow.
I felt so much better.
My recovery felt great.
There are going to be times when pushing harder is going to be detrimental to your progress - this was one of those times. In this case, pulling back and listening to your body so you can go again is more beneficial.
Training With Others
In the build-up to Hyrox, I've been making more of an effort to train with other people. Whether that's getting a meaty workout, a run and cold dip or a big conditioning session.
When I trained for the ultras earlier in the year, I made the mistake of doing a lot of the training on my own. I think this was down to the logistics of going big trail runs and the amount of time they took up.
Hyrox itself is just a big workout where you push yourself very hard.
Training with others has helped simulate this.
Plus, its nice to just catch up with people.
3 Learnings
How To Train Harder
Going to the gym with others has many benefits:
- Team environment
- Different workouts
- Pushing each other when you want to stop
- Highlighting areas where you can improve
The last two are the most important.
After a big session with someone else, you can go take the lessons you learned there into your own training.
What did the other person do well that I can use?
Day Drinking > Late Nights
It's weird when you're young you go out as late as possible and stay out most of the night.
As you get older, day drinking becomes a lot more attractive.
For me, it's down to the ability to have drinks and enjoy a day out then get the train home and have a good sleep.
I'm a morning person at heart (these chilly sunny autumn mornings are some of my favourites) so I want to keep it as productive as possible.
The Best Bagels
I jumped on the hype of the cookies and cream bagels.
A bold statement but they are the best.
Especially toasted with biscoff spread.
As we get further into the year, I've decided to do a new challenge however the premise will stay the same.
Stay tuned to find out what 👀
You can donate to my JustGiving here.