Most of the coaching points I give my athletes during the winter and summer months (when weather isn’t ideal) is to remind them to continually adapt and adjust to the conditions. Rather than fighting against Mother Nature’s undefeated streak (yup, undefeated), adapt and adjust to what the conditions allow you to do that day. This requires much self-awareness in terms of being in-tune with your body (in the moment), as well as the phrase you all have heard, “managing expectations,” which sometimes means, “managing your own personality," right?
The more weeks, months, and years you train, the more quickly you should be able to identify the external conditions around you, and know how to adjust accordingly. The Legend himself left an enduring message that is very much akin to this notion of adapting to your immediate environment. Water works within the shapes/contours it’s given and always finds its natural balance, and so, you too must work within the cold, snow, heat, humidity, wind, storms, hills, etc., and find the appropriate balance for that day’s workout. I’m aware of how overly commonsense-esque this tip sounds, so (collectively) let’s prove it!
Elevate your situational awareness (good phrase) before your workouts begin so that you can report success, optimism, and confidence in your recaps, rather than letting harsh weather conditions kick you around and feeling defeated. Instead, kick back Bruce Lee style by adapting and finding a natural balance with the conditions (external and internal). The recent drop in temperatures will bring ideal fall weather and reveal your fitness, so keep your mental fortitude. View this adaptation as healthy reinforcement, not as negative feedback. We’re on the same team.
A final note on this topic would be to also see the occasional OPEN/flex days in your program as a “let the water find its own natural balance day.” What this means is that your OPEN days allow you to do whatever you need to do to reset/balance your mind or training for that day or week. It’s a catch-up, get-ahead, or OFF day. Listen to your inner Lee and use sound judgment.
Train Like Water!
Mike