"The only pace is suicide pace, and today seems like a good day to die."
-Pre
I don't know how many of you know Steve Prefontaine, but he was extremely well known for racing one speed - all out. The above quote was pretty standard fare for Pre, and for him, it worked, to an extent. The one thing that has always been said about Pre was that there was no doubt he gave it his all every single race, finishing in what appeared to be an exhausted state. Some would argue, however, that had he raced a bit more strategically in the 72 Olympics, he might have been on the podium for the 5000 meter race. Hindsight being 20/20, maybe so. But that's just not how he was built. His effort level for what he did was - all out. He was aware of it, just as much as his competition.
Think about that. Pre was one of the best examples of someone who spent a significant time being outside his comfort zone, not just in his sport, but in what he stood for regarding amateur athletes, particularly Track and Field. Now, I know what you are thinking, "what does any of this have to do with me?" Well,;...
One of the most common questions I get asked, and I know this is probably the case for a lot of trainers and coaches, is "what should be my effort level for x?" And my answer is always the same - It depends. Because no 2 people are the same, their goals aren't, body types, goals, skill level, etc. So I have a difficult time telling someone the exact effort level for them. I have an idea, I can give them some parameters, but what it comes down to is you. What are you looking for? What are you willing to do to get there? Being blunt, which I think is the best way to be - I explain it comes down to this- how much are you willing to suffer? Are you ready to step outside of your comfort zone?
Don't misunderstand, there is science, solid metrics you can use to measure effort level - from heart rate monitors, power meters, GPS watches, Fitbit's and all those other bullshit "bands" that measure all your stats to make you insane and give you your "optimal" training zones. Personally, I don't like HR monitors, there are too many variables that don't give you an accurate reading, and that whole 220 minus your age bullshit, well, if you think that's a great way to determine max HR, then please stop reading this and go back to your Shake Weight.
There is something I think still has merit, although some consider it dated, and that's the RPE, or Rate of Perceived Exertion scale. To keep it simple, think of a chart numbered 1-10, something similar to doctor's offices with their "pain scale". 1 would be considered easy, 10 would be considered "ready to pass out, blindingly hard effort". Athletes tend to understand this a bit better, yet there is still hesitation once one gets past say, the number 7. My question is, why?
Here's the thing - you want to truly see results? Then its time to ramp it up. Yes, I know, past a level 7, things will hurt. By hurt I mean, be difficult. Breathing becomes labored, muscles begin to experience lactic acid build up, lets call it what it is - things start to suck. But, sticking in your mythical "fat burning zone" does nothing but allow your body to adapt to that effort, and once it does, your progress actually begins to regress, and that's when frustration sets in. But think about this, what would happen if you learned to train above number 7? And little by little, and suddenly that 7 or 8 starts to feel like a 5. That's the beauty of training outside your comfort zone, progress is something that becomes a part of you. You begin to see things differently, your confidence goes up, head held high.
The key to remember - if you attempt to train outside your comfort zone, and can't last really long, what's the worst that will happen? Will the earth stop turning? Will people around you even know? No, no and no. By focusing on you, and your effort, not your neighbor's, not anyone else in the class, or in the training session, that's where true growth occurs. Just remember, nothing bad happens when you train hard. Its good for you, its good for the soul. Its an opportunity to learn more about yourself, and begin to experience true fitness.
I'd like to think we all owe it to ourselves to do this - get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Its how we push the bounds of health and fitness, and find our truly best selves. Why not give it a shot? What's the worst that can happen- you might like it? Hmmmm.....
Stay strong,
Guy
