Keep Working Hard – you can always take it easy tomorrow.

‘Tenders Tips #4

You’d never know it to see me but I was once a triathlete. Which is to say that for a few summers I started and finished in the bottom half of the list at a number of local triathlons. It was a great way to enjoy a challenge when I wasn’t playing hockey. One of the best triathletes at the time, perhaps ever, was six-time Ironman World Champion Mark Allen. Like most professional triathletes, Allen had a work ethic that few of us could ever dream of matching. 

I still remember seeing a story about Mark when he was asked how he could work so hard. It was a bit of an odd response that he gave – he finishes every workout no matter how hard by telling himself that he could always take it easy the next day. 

I’m not sure exactly what he meant, but I found it empowering. One thing that holds people back is fear. Knowing that tomorrow you can take it easy, leaves you free to let it all loose in that day’s workout. At the same time you need to take advantage of what few opportunities you have to improve.  So I always saw Allen’s words as a note to make the most of what today is giving you.

So the next time you are straining to finish a training session – don’t quit and don’t back off. Like Mark Allen you can always take it easy tomorrow.

Of course he never did. That’s why he was the best.