Question for "Veterans"

During a training session: 

Get some calories in.

After that, focus on anything to get your mind off of feeling lousy: running cadence, efficient spinning, the next intersection...anything. Endurance training and racing are like roller coaster rides: really high highs and really low lows, but neither of them last for very long. Just know that those low feelings are fleeting and pretty soon you'll feel better.

Globally speaking:

IM training is about beating yourself down  and training tired. That's how you get stronger, mentally as much as physically. No that every workout you get through when you're just beat will make race day that much easier. IM races aren't really that hard, it's the training.

Take a rest day.  Eat and get extra sleep.  The body is trying to tell you something.

If you have to exercise, do something different, go for a hike, water aerobics,.....

last month I made a post on my blog which discusses why some sessions feel better than others: http://jorgepbmcoaching.blogspot.com/2008/03/why-some-training-days-are-better-than.html

As far a getting through those tough sessions; as long as the fatigue is normal and your mind is making things tougher than usual, I basically just SUAT = shut up and train. Of course I take extra care of the details ont hose days: nutrition, recovery, fueling, etc.

Most have flat coke on the run which should do the trick. On the bike, you can bring your own. Special needs is always an option if there is something you just got to have.

Espresso GU.  Has twice the caffiene as a cup of coffee and sugar you need.  I carry a couple with me on the bike.  Usually around mile 80 is my low spot.  I shoot a GU and all's better.  Same on the run; carry a couple with me for the low spots that I know are coming.

TJ

If you're talking about on race day that's easy.  Set the bar really low!  :-)  That is why you see so many people with a "just finish" goal.  All you gotta do is make the cut-off times and everything else is gravey. 

If you're talking about not making time on a training run/ride, so what?!  It's training. 

On mile 3 of my IM the thought came to me, "I am totally, completely, 100% exhausted!  OMG.  I've got 23 more miles to run....I've got another 5+ hours before I can sit down and stop moving!"  But I guickly tossed that thought out of my haid and concentrated on making it to the next aid station.

Control your thoughts.  You can't stop a bird from landing on your head but you don't have to let him make a nest in your hair!  :-)

 ~Mike