On Burnout....

Burnout happens to everyone.

Sometimes, you are just tired of doing whatever it is you are doing. Sports, work, life, food, anything.

Last week, I got burned out on riding my bike. Not really good for someone who has a HUGE bike goal in November (200 mile race), and a gigantic one next year (to be announced soon!).

I wrote my coach and said that I really just didn't want to ride my bike. It's that simple. I just didn't want to do it.

I asked if I need to just do this:

Or if something else was wrong. I felt so disappointed in myself. I HAVE to want to ride my bike. I usually love it. I look forward to it. Sometimes I get tired, but in general, I LIKE what I do.

And I have really entered into the world of ultra cycling, and I better like my bike.

I started to doubt myself and my abilities. And that is just a downward spiral going no where good.

He told me, "the difference in a rut and a ditch is the depth." I was in a rut, but he wanted to keep me out of the ditch! He told me that the poor metal place comes with a raised heart rate, and then comes illness or injury! Yikes! I don't want any of that!  Get me out of this!

So it was time for solutions. He told me to go "have fun on the bike" or don't ride at all. Fun or nothing.

So I did an easy ride with Anne by the river Tuesday. We talked and laughed a lot. I didn't get up super early the rest of the week. I rode with Anne and Laura wednesday, and we laughed and talked a lot. I slept 8-9 hours a night for 3 nights in a row. I kicked back, I painted my nails, and I ate vegan cookies. I went swimming and running.

By saturday (which was my birthday!), I did the Beautiful Backroads century, and I rode really well! I hung onto George's super fast wheel for 60 miles. I pushed myself and I really rode well. I got some serious speed and some confidence back.

I had a great dinner at Cafe Sunflower Saturday and Sunday I spent with my family celebrating birthdays!

I rode again Sunday, but easier, and I had a blast.

Even "falling apart" I still had a 16 hour training week in my worst week in months.  Not bad. It is clearly time for a reality check!

Coach and I adjusted my schedule to include some more cross training in the next couple of week. We also made room in my schedule for massage, chiropractor, and yoga. We also talked about life, balance, work, and training. Right now, if I miss the occasional workout, it's ok. The world will not end, and I will still be strong and fit.

I'm not Wonderwoman.

Sometimes I get tired. Sometimes I need a break. Sometimes, I just want to do other things.

I am just Kacie. I am a girl who has big goals and dreams. I work really hard, but somtimes I can't keep it togehter. Sometimes, I just want to spend time with my family (those are my awesome siblings!), get some sleep, and be a regular person.

And that is ok. I am still going to reach all of my goals. It is going to be ok, and I'll be just fine. Sometimes I just need to step back and look at the big picture, and accept it.