the importance of balance

so in my last post i mentioned that i had only missed one or two workouts since getting started on my program at the beginning of november. i was thinking about it and realized that both workouts i missed i was able to make up for a day or two later. however, as the holidays are approaching and work is crazy, i missed two workouts last week that i haven't been able to make up, as well as last night's weekly yoga class. the workout i missed last thursday was a pretty important one. important because it would have been an easy way to see if my training is actually paying off. i was supposed to take part in an indoor 40k time trial at absolute endurance but couldn't because i had to work late. the last indoor 40k TT i did was in mid-october so i was anxious to see how my wattage and time has improved with about 8 weeks of training. but no go. i thought i could make up for that missed TT on sunday but just couldn't fit it in.

i had to email my coach yesterday to let him know that there's a very good chance i'll be missing a number of workouts over the next couple of weeks, mostly because of work. i had to work on saturday and sunday of this past weekend and will probably have to do the same this upcoming weekend, and right now my focus has to be getting my work done. deadlines are deadlines, after all.

and it's just that time of year. things are crazy for pretty much everybody this time of year so i've decided i'm not going to feel bad if i miss some workouts. once the holidays pass and the new year gets rolling, i won't be as busy as i am right now and i'll get right back on track. no sweat. the holidays mean traveling, seeing family and friends, eating excessively and not stressing about the little things. like missing a workout. i am pretty bummed that i missed that workout last week and won't be able to make up for it, but i think i'd rather worry about which wine i should bring to which holiday party.

however, my body is fairly sensitive to my work/workout balance. if i do too much of either without balancing it out with the other, my sleep quality is affected. and that's where i am right now. i've had about a week's worth of nights with little or no good, deep sleep. all i've been doing over the past couple of weeks is working working working and it's taking its toll. so today i've decided that no matter what, i'm going to go to the gym for a bit of a break in my work day. i haven't been to the gym in weeks because i've been so busy, but i decided last night while i was lying in bed staring at the ceiling at 3 in the morning that if i'm going to be working a 10- or 12-hour day, i'm going to reward myself with a trip to the gym, even if that means that i get an hour's less worth of work done. if i'm busy i still need balance, because too much of anything can take a toll on your body, mind and spirit. not a great place to be when the holidays are approaching.