Learning how to say, "Time for a rest day"

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 11 JUNE '24

I've been having conversations this spring with athletes that revolve around the topic of when they need to make the call to take a day off. Certainly, many already have a day off (or more) programmed into their weekly training - but many do not.

On the one hand, the athlete needs to have strong determination, mental fortitude and willpower to get to the track, the pool or the trail every day - even when they are tired or lack mental motivation. This tenacity and drive are hallmarks of the lifestyle athlete and are essential to consistent and persistent training and improvement.

On the other hand, the athlete must learn when their body and or mind needs a break. This is just as important (if not more so) due to the risk of injury or mental burnout that can derail an athlete for days, if not weeks. This ability to make the right decision is rarely clear and often brings with it guilt and self-doubt.

How can the athlete make the right decision? There are a few things that, when put together, increase the odds that a successful decision will be made.

Time. The more you remain consistently active, the more experience you gain from making the wrong decisions. Pushing through that sickness only to get more sick is a valuable lesson to learn.

Self-Awareness. Learning how you "feel" day in and day out is absolutely critical to reaching your goals. I think many athletes make great strides identifying their physical state but lack awareness of their mental state.

Data. We have a lot of data that we can now consider that tries to let us know how our body is responding to training daily. Some present valuable information that may explain why we physically feel the way we do. Others are just "best guess" math equations written for the "bell curve" athlete that seemingly only confuse athletes or, at best, confirm what is already obvious. There is a place for TSS, Performance charts, TL, etc., but its value is actually below the other items listed here.

A Coach. Having someone who is solely focused on the athlete, the athlete's micro, meso and macro training, their mental state and an acute awareness of the athlete's goals can be a huge benefit in making the right decision. Just having another trusted person on the athlete's team to bounce feelings, questions and scenarios off of helps the athlete learn and grow.

While all the above steps can really help an athlete make the right decision, it's important to emphasize that we never really do know for sure if it is the right decision. We have to be OK with that. And if the decision is to take a day (or more) off, we should commit to it, give ourselves some grace and move forward. We should never feel guilty or punish ourselves for taking a break.

It's OK for us to say, "It's time for a rest day." 

Gratefully,

Mark

CEO Team MPI