During a difficult rehabilitation period existing in a strange limbo, I was forever around individuals on poolside, in the gym, at their side during testing sessions and talking to clients daily reviewing sessions and discussing the intrici’s of data and session execution, while not being able to be active myself.

From the outside I looked ok (its amazing what some strong drugs and a get on with it attitude can achieve), inside I was frustrated and a little envious at times as my mind was willing, but my body was unable to do basic movements let alone swim, bike or run.  

What surprised me through this time of non-activity was what I found to be the biggest thing in training that I missed, it certainly wasn’t what I thought it would be. It wasn’t the sense of achievement from finishing a hard or long session, in fact it wasn’t performance or achievement based at all. The biggest thing that I missed and what became apparent to have the most impact on my well-being was the opportunity training gave me for space, time, and a little escapism. I missed the time to think and reflect, it amazed me at how much of my processing took place while I thought I was just out training to get fitter and stronger.

If you think training is simply physical think again, its benefits for mental well-being can not be underestimated and may be a larger component for your reasons to regularly train than you think. You may just not of realised it yes as it’s hidden behind the numbers you find so fascinating on your GPS watch and cycling computers.