The best coaching advice I've ever received comes from my Grandmother. I described my training regimen to her; she slapped me on the shoulder and said, "take a day off!" She was a champion ski racer, so I took her advice. However, like many of you, a day off must be filled with something to do. What is that thing? I drink wine. Nothing expensive goes through this palate (unless someone pays for it). My choices begin on the $6 - 20 shelf. If my off day happens to be after a race, then I religiously reach for the magnum size. My purchasing consideration does not seem to be outside the norm. According to the book Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, Casella Wines (Yellow Tail) became a very successful distributor to my economic profile group. Thus, I feel satisfied drinking one, maybe two bottles during those special times. Wine is a conversation dispenser. It makes those times with the people closest to you much more truthful and interesting. If one is constantly training, then conversation might be what the doctored ordered. I suggest a glass beginning at 7:00; something right before dinner. Sit down with your significant other and pour them a tall one. Remember, they are not training, you are not training and if they haven’t had their vitamin E for the day then their opportunity is now. Your next objective is to pull them away from what they are doing, cross your legs and question them about their day. Once they take a drink, pour more wine. If they don’t drink fast enough, encourage them. You goal is to get them to enjoy your off day as much as you will...
These times away from training are very interesting. It allows me some introspection: what am I doing right? How can I improve my racing performance? Where are my weaknesses? In short, this time is critical to relax the mind and central nervous system. As important as this is for racers it is also important for everyone used to putting everything in to a goal. If your job demands the utmost attention and achievement then a day to retool is critical. What do you do to keep the pressure down?
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