At garage gym we understand that those who train here have busy lives. They are achievers. Family, careers, and other interest conspire against time to climb, ski, cycle and run. A lot of us had time in our twenties and thirties to do what we wanted when we wanted. Long periods of unemployment would need to be covered up on resumes, and explained in future interviews. Until about six or seven years ago I never complained about having enough time to Climb. Some adjustments needed to be made when I started a family and career. When athletes first come to garage gym they want to know “how many days a week do I do this shit?” I tell them that a set schedule will fail because it’s impossible to predict the future. I also encourage them to prioritize their outdoor activities over hanging out in my garage. Here are a few tips for the time crunched mountain athlete.
1. Plan your activities and training early in the day. The late Alex Lowe, one of America’s finest alpinist, was famous for his “dawn patrol” ski missions arriving at work or at home to make breakfast for his family by 9:00am. The longer you wait in the day, the more time there is for distractions and “emergencies”
2. Keep your gear organized and ready. When you only have an hour and a half to go skate skiing you don’t want to spend twenty minutes looking for your gloves. You can also save a little time by keeping gear in your car, especially if you are planning to go straight from work. Why go home to kids, house projects and the temptation of the couch. Hit It!
3. Learn to go solo. One of the lamest excuses you can come up with is “….I would have gone if I had someone to go with me” Seriously?
4. Hang out with people who have similar time constraints. Unlike someone who is taking the summer off to climb, your peers won’t suggest meeting for coffee before, or going for beers after. They will want to climb the whole time. They will also understand if you bail out the last minute, leaving them to pursue number three, like you did last week.
5. If you only have an hour, go for an hour. Even a half hour run around the neighborhood or doing some burpees in your garage is better than doing nothing. Or as Pavel says”…..if you miss a work out, skip a meal”
6. Workout at home. Having the ability to do some kind of training at home is huge. Kettlebells, pull up bars, dumb bells and fingerboards take up very little space. They will also taunt you when you’re slacking off. Make sure to dust them off before your friends come over.
7. Don’t waste time. Alcohol, drugs, television, Facebook and writing fitness blogs are a waste of time. Remember your priorities are what you do, not what you say.
8. Fake it until you make it. So you’ve been planning to go on a Mountain bike ride after work. But when you finally clock out all you want to do is head for home. Your friend bailed. At least you followed number two and have your gear in the car. So at least go thru the motions. Drive to the trail head, gear up and ride for a few minutes. Chances are you’ll keep going. Good for you.
Things have picked up at garage gym. There are currently 10-15 people who are training here on a regular basis. It’s been a fun and enlightening process to see others make real gains in their fitness. Also, my son Rory who turns four next mounth and trains at garage gym, rode his bike without training wheels.
Well put Mike. Isn't this the place where you share PAIN, NOT FEELINGS?
ReplyDelete