However, I will admit that it is very refreshing to take a couple days off from the wrestling room, other than the occasional Sunday after a meat-grinding tournament. This doesn't mean that you can't do other things to keep yourself in top working condition. The weights are always there, just sitting, waiting for you to lift them and work your muscles until there is nothing left to give. And the road will always be there, waiting for each and every one of your footsteps, one after the other, until your lungs burn from the excessive cold air and your hands are numb because you still can't find the pair of gloves you bought last month.
Training is inevitable. Everyone has to do it. Those of us who make the most out of it are the ones who will see success in the end. Everyone knows what I'm talking about. The workout where you just "don't feel that good" or your "shoulder hurts a little." We've all been there, but there are ways around this common problem of training to the best of your ability.
One theory I have taken to is you have to look at training like you GET to do it. If you look at it like you HAVE to do it, it is a bother. Like all the other have to's in your life. You have to take out the trash, wash the dishes, go to work. If you look at training as you do all the other have to's in your life, I believe you can never truly enjoy it and get the most out of it. For me, it is personal satisfaction every time I complete a set of squats or power cleans, or every time I wake up at 6:00 am to go run in the freezing cold.
I look forward to that satisfaction and that is often what gets me through the workout. Honestly, that is what keeps me driving toward the end of the season. That hope for satisfaction when all is said and done. This is why I GET to train. Many people can't wait to get done with practice or lifting, and I'm not saying this is the wrong way to do things, because I know everyone has their own way. All I am saying is to try it my way and see if you like it. If it works for you, great. If not, no loss either. It's just like trying a different set-up for your favorite shot. If it works, you incorporate it into your arsenal, if not, you put it into the back of your mind for later use.
What I am getting at is that over Christmas break, you get to train. I wouldn't say that you have to or even should train all out as hard as you can, but use it as a learning time. Work on things you are having trouble with such as your conditioning, your stand-up, or your single-leg finish. Take advantage of the time, letting your body heal a little bit. You must remember that you still have 2-3 months left, and you don't often get as much recovery time as your body needs.
One thing I always try to do throughout any holiday is keep my weight within 5-7 pounds of my wrestling weight. One idea our coach preaches to us is wrestling close to or at your wrestling weight. Getting use to wrestling at your competition weight is an advantage that can only be explained by doing it.
As the holidays begin, I have come to a realization that it is a time to take great strides over your opponents. Focused training can put you ahead of the game, especially if you are only lacking in only a few areas. You can lose everything you have worked for these past few months in a very short period of time if you let yourself go.
Stay disciplined, and until next time, keep getting better.
Marshall Marquardt
Past Entries:
Entry 6 (12/7/05)
Entry 5 (11/23/05)
Entry 4 (11/9/05)
Entry 3 (10/26/05)
Entry 2 (10/13/05)
Entry 1 (10/1/05)
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now