MasterStrongman’s BodyBlog

I made a decision today; I am going to quit training at all.  None, nada.

You see, I have recently suffered a few setbacks, nothing major but some injuries and pains that are hampering my training.  I have really dedicated myself to working out for the past several months and these set-backs are throwing me for a loop.  I want to train, but my body seems to be rebelling against me!  I have been so frustrated and obssessed with my quest to get better and these speed bumps are more than a little bit aggravating.  Now, I am not injured, per se… it’s more like I have some nagging pains that will easily heal.  But they hurt, so there you have it.  What do I do about these?  I felt powerless and out of whack.

But today in church, it hit me.  The reason I feel out of balance with my training is because I am out of balance with my life.  I am a husband, a father to two, a business partner, a lawyer, a farmer, a community activist, a friend, a servant of the Lord and an athlete.  But lately, everything in my life has been taking a back seat to being an athlete.  My training is out of balance because my priorities are out of balance.  Training and competition should augment your life, not be the focus of your life. 

So I am quitting training, completely for one… whole… week.  Now this is not a "layoff", this is an athletic vacation.  I do not plan on posting on Bodyspace.  I do not plan on going to the gym, I will not do anything.  I will probably stretch at home and drive my elliptical training or treadmill around the basement, but I am going to renew my focus and priorities back to the things that matter.  Family, career, God.  My training is important to me; it is the only thing that I do that is fulfilling purely to me.  But it must take a backseat to the things that matter.  When I think about it, I think that I want to turn off my athletic career, keep it off for a week, and after that week is over, I will reboot.  Turn off, and reboot.

I have done this about three times in the past few years and every time I came back with more peace, with more joy and with a more healthy outlook. 

Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, I will see you guys in a week.