It has begun. I am IN TRAINING. 

So I’ve trained for a couple of running races in the past few years, but that was more like I “trained,” as in I followed a pretty basic plan that I usually made up myself to make sure I could finish the distance that I was hoping to run on race day. 

I do really love following someone else’s plan. For some reason, even with the knowledge I have from years of coaching and making up training plans for other people, I like seeing what other people come up with and trusting in the plan. It feels safe, like all I have to do is complete the workouts, and the hard part was already done for me. I gained this trust in college because I knew NOTHING about erging or even weight lifting at the beginning. I’m excited to say that after looking through this Rower’s Dream plan thoroughly (even though I found it a tad confusing at first), it’s an awesome plan. I haven’t done workouts like this in years, but they also seem manageable because they’re based on heart rate and my own ability level.

Starting a training plan now, on an erg in my basement while my kids sleep peacefully (hopefully) somewhere above me, is weird when I think hard about it. It’s also completely natural. I didn’t even consider WHY I wanted to do this training plan until I sat down to write this post. It’s a training plan, so obviously I’ll do it. I still have mediocre-white-man-levels of unearned confidence when it comes to athletic endeavors. I knew I COULD do this plan, so I wanted to go for it. It did not occur to me that it’s the first time I’m attempting to train (vs. just do workouts) as a mom. It’s a new perspective, and obviously my body has changed since the last time I did any serious erging, but I’m really pleased that this part of my personality hasn’t changed since becoming a mom.

I don’t think this has to only be for people with the “once an athlete, always an athlete” mindset though. Choosing a goal, getting a plan, and following it while having grace for yourself and your life situation is a great exercise no matter what stage of life a person is in. I’ve done two workouts, but these workouts are so different from the steady state I’ve been choosing for myself. Trusting in the process can be a joy, and in this case, I care SO MUCH MORE about the journey than the destination. I haven’t totally come to terms with the fact that I’m going to have to do a 2k (a 2000m test that is a standard distance in rowing) at the end of this, so I’m not at all focused on the end result because I’m in legitimate denial that I’m going to do it.

Here’s the point: I’m older now, so I finally understand the whole “it’s about the journey, not the destination” thing that I thought was insane garbage when I was younger and cared a LOT about race day. There is a LOT of joy and satisfaction to be gained from the journey, no matter where it leads. So pick an erg plan or find a running race plan online. Get a learn-to-draw book and be patient with yourself. Choose a goal, make a plan, and enjoy seeing the sights along the way.