running
Fitness

Turning Points – Jenny Fletcher

July 29, 2016

We asked seven elite athletes the same five questions and are revealing their answers in our weekly Turning Points blog series. Check back in each week to see how each athlete deals with off days, trains with the Forerunner 735XT and embraces the turning point moments.

When you have an off day with training, how do you come back the next day?

Not every day is going to be amazing. This knowledge comes through years of doing the sport where you learn to take it all in stride. You can’t expect all highs. After an off day of training I just get up and tell myself it’s a new day and to always give the best I can whatever it is at the moment. Then the highs and lows don’t effect you as much. It’s part of the process of consistent training and it just allows you to stay focused and keep pushing for greater results!

When a race doesn’t go as you wish, what do you tell yourself to get back on track?  

It’s just a race and it’s just ONE day of your life. It’s nothing big picture and it’s just part of training and racing. There will always be more races and you can focus on the things that went wrong and how to make it better next time but also remind yourself of all that went great. Focusing on the negative doesn’t lead to anything. Acknowledging it is important yes but it’s just a moment in time. Tomorrow it will be long forgotten so just focus on being positive and the next goal!

What’s the most important part of racing/training to you? 

This is an interesting question, for sure always being full of thanks and gratitude that I get to do what I love. Travel the world, stay active, meet people, and make amazing friends along the way… But I always hope more that what I do and how I live my life inspires others to go out and try to do similar things in their life by being positive and embracing a full life!

What advice would you give to other athletes who might be at their “turning point”? 
This is what life is about. Without turning points and hardship or failure or whatever it is life is boring. Know that this turning point has purpose and if you take it all in stride it will lead to better things to come!! Life is about experience. The good and bad. Everything is going to make you stronger, faster, wiser, more appreciative, more focused, and more alive. Trust me, when I say this, these are just moments in time, don’t let it overwhelm you and beat you.Always look for hope and positivity in everything. You will find it and it will always make you a better person in the end! Every opportunity can be used in your life to learn and grow but also impact those around you who may be going through similar adversity or setbacks. You can be their positive influence with just a hug saying you are going to be ok!

What  features on your Garmin do you appreciate the most when training? 

verything. I can’t get enough of the stats. But for sure time, speed, distance, hr, and then more details like power, cadence, pacing, left to right variability, your recovery time, your tss, hitting your marks in threshold capability.