Athletes often hear coaches talk about the importance of remaining focused and fully present in all of their workouts, but should this apply to every single training session? Should every training session really demand your full attention? The mission of this episode is to provide a framework around your training mindset that will both optimize the results from your training and also prevent the performance journey from becoming a second job. The KEY for any athlete, but especially the time-starved athlete, is knowing WHEN to show up; that is to say, reconciling your commitments with the need to ensure that the training process is joyous and facilitates a de-stressing effect. While distractions in key sessions can lead to poor execution and limited results, and random will always generate random results, there is a sensible path in which you can glean all you need by being present in training, while at the same time ensuring that the bigger part of the long performance journey includes plenty of fun and enjoyment. You'll learn: (18:40) The Fundamentals of High-Quality Training - You, the athlete, must understand the goal of the session and where it fits within the broader program as a whole. "Most coaches and athletes fail to even consider such a basic question - stumbling toward a goal by simply embracing the daily ‘grind’ of work. It is no wonder mental and physical fatigue impacts so many. (26:00) The Challenges of a Time-Starved Athlete’s Life. Your goals are important. To achieve them will require commitment and consistency of training. The journey will include setbacks and some adversity, but, undoubtedly, success will emerge from successfully integrating training into your life. The Role of Training for a Time-Starved Athlete Training is a demand and stressor that enable adaptations for performance, but that doesn’t mean each session should be debilitating. Much of training can and should be soul-filling - beneficial for developing tissue resilience and general cardiovascular conditioning, but equally facilitating a dishwasher effect to the brain and a globally restorative impact on the body as a whole. How to Put Together an Effective Training Plan By implementing these key points, not only will you enjoy it more, but you will get better training results, fewer injuries and you will go faster. Episode Timestamps 0:00-012:10 Introduction and Matt's Personal Picks Purple Patch Blog -How to Turn Stress into an Advantage Purple Patch Podcast - Stress is not a Dirty Word The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Website and Newsletter 12:20-14:30 Word of the Week - Stress - "Each of us is an adaption machine." 14:45- The Meat and Potatoes - Knowing When to Show Up - Nailing the Training Mindset for a Time-Starved Athlete. Purple Patch and Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don’t just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events