p_b82 wrote: ↑June 29th, 2024, 6:57 am
Thanks folks.
I don't think that recently having hives, another allergic reaction to a insect bite, or replacing the flooring (carpet with vinyl tiles - with associated furniture moving + erg now setup in a "better" room) & being away for a long weekend has helped my capabilities on the erg the past 6 weeks or so.
The frustration is that this effort is only 0.5s per split slower than a 10k I did straight after I'd recovered from the FM; I feel there should be more there, but there isn't, based on my numerous HD's when attempting this since the end of April.
I think the FM discomfort is so very different I've forgotten how to push through & manage the oxygen debt parts of the pain cave mentally.
I've got three words for you Peter: context, context and context
Your FM training was targeted and incremental, building towards a significant goal so your focus was 'all in'. Now, you've lost that focus (I struggled for a few months after my 12hr session) it can all too easily become your enemy. Days when you pushed through because you had to, subtly become days you fade away or HD because you've already done the hard sessions so surely you deserve a bit of respite and it slowly, unknowingly, can become a habit.
Having allergies and lack of training will be a double whammy as your fitness is something your body doesn't need when your immune system is in overdrive, so that will be lost quicker than the usual already frighteningly fast pace.
The good news is, you've identified it and are frustrated by it. Now, the hard work of the rebuild begins, which will be tough, but always remind yourself you don't want it to be easy, as easy won't make it worthwhile.
Find a new focus, but try and keep it general or wider than just improving a specific distance / time, otherwise you might end up in the same rut. I'd recommend aiming for something longer as you'll get a bit more crossover benefits from it for the shorter sharper stuff too, and you can work your way down with a strong base of longer sessions under your belt (far more manageable than working up).
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km
"You reap what you row"
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