Why a transition plan might be just what the doctor ordered right now.
It’s no secret that we are in crazy times. The impact of COVID 19 is far greater than most people ever expected and there is really no clarity about what is coming.The impact that this has had on athletes, YOU, at all levels from recreational to elite is palpable. This is compounded in families who have school aged children and are scrambling to manage their emotional health on top of our own. Here in the US we are going through a bizarre transition ourselves. No matter where you stand it is unprecedented and very stressful.
According to Stanford University biologist and author, Dr. Robert Supolsky chronic stress can lead to many disorders, including ulcers, hypertension, decreased neurogenesis and other ailments. Most of us know this and find our outlet somewhere out on the road. Many of us get the release through training and/or racing; whether it be a weekend group ride, GF or local criterium. This year most of those have gone away which has left us holding on, or hanging out on the hamster wheel for what is next. Some have backed off our normal training and some have dived in harder trying to find solace in miles. In either case, it is likely that stress levels are higher than normal. Leaving us in more uncertainty, which is in itself, stressful.
So, what does this have to do with our Transition plans? Well, here’s the deal. Whether you are coming off a period of hammering out your frustrations on the pedals or have been diving into the donut box, a short period of clarity and organized restorative training can do you good. The Transition Down plan will take you out of the cyclone and help you recover so that you can have the energy and mental stamina to knock out your next target. Whereas the Transition UP plan will gently guide you back to the path of righteousness if you have gone astray. These plans are designed to give you just the right amount of stimulus to help you move forward while freeing up time and energy to help you restore balance.
These plans have purpose built mobility, recovery, yoga and strength to get you back in touch with your body, as well as short focused sessions on the bike (as well as running & swimming for multi-sport). It is very important to take time to address connective tissue health and get non-linear movement. If this has been missing from your life, now is the perfect time to get back on track and ease your way back into a healthy routine. If you have been doing yoga and/or strength on a regular basis, well done. I invite you to check out the 10 new yoga routines that are part of the plan. And for those of you who have been doing SUF Strength and are at a higher level, it is perfectly okay to back take a short break, or back down your level and work back up. You will not lose those hard fought gains with a short rest or by backing your level down temporarily, especially if you add other/different movement patterns.
Many will think that there is not enough work in the plans. I admire your Sufferlandrian dedication but the truth is you must also be disciplined to do what is right not just what is easy or what you know. Rest and recovery are necessary progression to the next step. So, that when you take that step you do not falter. So, I say to you Sufferlandrians, make the right choice. For many of you it will be taking a short walk through the Sufferlandriand daisy fields. You didn’t even know they existed did you? But make no mistake… This path will lead you right back to Agonia, well armed to conquer the menacing trolls of despair.
-Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, Dr. Robert Supolsky
