Terrie’s tip – “Crappy” days actually offer more information and ability to learn than you realize. You just have to make a bit of an effort.

Today was a “crappy” day. No other way to put it. Now I’m talking about training days and my non-training time was beautiful and glorious because I am so alive and happy. But those 5 hours on the road – not so good. Thus, I will be talking about training days but as you can imagine I wouldn’t write something for just a small group of people. We’ll see how these principles apply in any aspect of your life.

First – You have to do what I just did in my introduction. You have to recognize that you’re using the term “crappy” (or whatever you use) to describe a specific set of circumstances that weren’t as great as you’d like. But in that recognition, know that there were other parts of the day that were good – even if you have to reach to find them, they are there.

Next – step back and tell yourself “this is just one day”. When it comes to training (as well as life) it all has to be put into perspective. Many parts of my training were good and tomorrow has just as good a chance of being good too. It is simply one small period of time in the grand scheme of things. Today does not predict tomorrow’s outcome nor does it mean all that hard work you put in didn’t mean anything. It will just stand by itself – unless you continue to dwell on it and catastrophize it into meaning the end of everything. Then, just as you predict, tomorrow will be horrible too – because your thoughts became reality.

Then, while you’re in the midst of this “day” – while out on the road in my example – ask yourself if you have any idea what this “down” is all about. That’s a good way to look at things objectively instead of just throwing your hands in the air and giving up. If there are different things you can try right then and there, go ahead and see what you can do. If not, store the ideas away in your mind and you can address them later. The primary point is not to get so focused on what’s seemingly wrong and then fall down that spiral staircase into the abyss. Stay present. You hear people talk about mindfulness all the time. Mindfulness doesn’t necessarily mean that things are always rosy. The point is to stay right here and now and now 2 1/2 weeks from now declaring that there is no way I can finish this race. If you have such a crystal ball, you should be out selling your prophecies instead of training on a long and quiet road anyway.

Make the decision on what to do. If you feel horrible physically for instance, maybe you should stop, head home or maybe even call someone. But, if you’re just dragging like I was today, decide to either rest for a bit or keep going. I did both and made it as far as I had planned to make it anyway. I varied my route a bit so I wasn’t as bored in order to see if that helped and it did. But the sun is the sun and when you can’t get out of it, you just have to suck it up.

Realize that your emotions are trying to sabotage you and tell your brain “thank you for your input. I see what you’re doing but be assured we’re safe and we will have a great day tomorrow. Just take it easy right now and don’t panic.” Yes, i know it sounds weird to talk to your brain but it really does work. And again it keeps you in the present.

When you make it home, sit down and evaluate what you think went wrong and how you can fix it. Spend a short period of time on this, always reminding yourself that it was just 5 hours and it doesn’t mean the world is coming to an end. Don’t continue to dwell on it all. Set a specific amount of time and then move on to things that make you happy.

“Crappy” days are just that – one day – or in my case, just 5 hours. And the rest of the time was terrific and will continue to be terrific!