I love training. I really do. I am not one of those athletes who moan at the sight of a brutal session, but rather enjoy the challenge. I feel empowered, fit, and it generally puts me in a good mood before I’ve done anything else. I suppose you could say I’m addicted to that post training dump of dopamine, but more importantly I would just say I am EXTREMELY passionate about sport. I want to get somewhere, and I don’t want to be left with that dreadful, dreadful question, “what if?”

I’m currently on a 1-2 week planned break from training and it has been hard. Exercise has been a coping mechanism of mine since I got healthy enough to train, and boy do I need it right now. However, my attitude to training and sport needed a detox.

I needed the break to go be normal for a while; to go out for a drink with mates, to see my girlfriend without the nag in my head of the next days training sessions (she has been a saint mind you), to focus on the Bar course, and to be a normal (ish) 24 year old. Yeah, I know, lofty ambitions on that last one. It has been fun, no doubt about it.

These breaks are a prime opportunity for self reflection. To see the error of my ways. What was good? What was bad? And what can I change this off season? More importantly, where do I want to be and how am I going to get there?

So, this break has been hard, but necessary. The fire inside that was slightly dampened after such a long slog is growing strong again. Even now, 10 days into my break, I feel ready to go. Yet, like a racehorse chomping at the bit I’m going to follow the plan as always and come back stronger, healthier, and with loftier goals than ever.