I resolve to train less (3/4)

Athletes know accountability matters. Committing to a specific plan and regularly assessing progress is crucial to success. But too often, goals go rogue in January, falling under the category of lofty (often unrealistic) New Year’s resolutions that end up unmet. That’s why we introduced the antidote: The Resolution Diaries. Each week we follow three Equinox trainers on their personal journeys through the first 30 days of resolution season. They pen both progress and pitfalls in working toward change in a meaningful way.

Get to know all the participants here.

The pro: Cynthia Martinez, a Tier 3 trainer at Equinox Bryant Park in New York City

Week three update: “Record freezing temperatures have definitely tainted my desire to train for a sub-three marathon in Boston. I’m finally relieved that I don’t have that mental pressure that comes with chasing a record time. Finding ways to minimize stress is something that I know will be important as I cut back on intense training and prepare myself for a future pregnancy, my resolution for 2018.

I hit a major speed bump with swimming, though. I was so excited that I swam several times the first week of January, but suddenly, I was experiencing some shoulder pain. It was so bad that I couldn’t lift my arm above my shoulder without it feeling pinched. I went to see my physical therapist, Dan Giordano at Bespoke Treatments. He did some manual work on my shoulder and gave me some exercises to improve my mobility. “Try not to be a perfectionist,” he said, while advising me to ease into the sport. I think it’s so important to have a good relationship with a physical therapist—whether you’re injured or not, all athletes can benefit from regular visits. I decided to meet with my swim coach once a week (instead of two or three times), giving me time to practice on my own and at a more relaxed pace.

My husband and I also went to Key West for the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Running the local half marathon race has been an annual tradition for us the past six years. Once again, I decided to run sans watch. Shockingly, I came in fifth place overall woman; first in my age group 35 to 39; and set a personal course record of 1:32. I did not realize that I was moving anywhere near that time. I simply had hoped to finish around the same time I did last year at 1:37. I even ate a giant cookie before bed because I was eating more intuitively and not stressing about my diet.

The temps are supposed to warm up next weekend. Maybe I will try to get out and run.”

More From Martinez: I Resolve to Train Less (1/4), I Resolve to Train Less (2/4), I Resolve to Train Less (4/4)* Check back on 1/29.