Finding the strength to keep pushing through the "Slow Season"

Towards the middle of fall, nearing the end of October, I have always felt the "calm" roll in, like thick clouds before the storm. It has always been difficult for me to stay on track with great nutrition, proper sleep cycles, consistent training, and motivation. If you are reading this and you have ever worked out consistently before, than this probably isn't news to you. You can blame it on the shorter days, the dramatic temperature drop, etc. The truth is, for me, it's extremely important to not become stagnant.

I have known this to be an obstacle for me for as long as I could remember. I vividly remember year after year, I would begin my intense cardio, or weight training workouts in mid April in hopes to get that "Beach Body" by Mid June when Summer Began. As soon as summer would end, I would gradually pack on another 20+ lbs. and repeat the process. Looking back on this cycle, I see how this is just one of the many things wrong I have done that not only limited my results but created very bad habits. In addition it may also be hard on your body to lose and gain weight year after year, going from one extreme to the other.

My experience in training and athletics up until these past 6 months, have been a roller coaster ride from one extreme to the other. Almost like someone with a disorder! I would cycle between resting injuries and pain, to pushing my body to the absolute limit day after day. I would repeat this cycle and never truly feel like I was getting the results that I sought after. And I'm not talking about packing on muscle or lifting weights. I'm talking about true athletics! I'm talking about increasing speed, cardio, raw explosive power, strength, stretch reflex, all in the same.... The sad truth is I'm not alone in this area. Most athletes, including paid professionals have struggled or currently struggle with bad patterns and bad habits.

This year I seem to have found the strength to keep pushing through this slow season. I have been learning the meaning of periodization from my coach Nick Curson from Unity Jiu-Jitsu, and allowing myself to relearn all new methods of fitness from him. It's now Mid-December, I have never felt more explosive, more motivated, or as athletic as I feel today. What's changed, other than everything? I no longer push my body to the absolute extreme, I'm resting more, I changed my sleeping habits, and I'm complying 100% towards a proven system. No "half-steppin" here! By continuing gradual, one day at a time, constant growth; I hope to make 2011 better than any year before.

What's your story?