"Today, you may see English translations of aretas as “excellence." However, that is just a fraction of its true significance. In the Homeric Age, competition was the outlet for all other virtues – courage, loyalty, trustworthiness. The Ancient Greeks did not fear that competition bred immoral behavior. They believed that competition taught moral behavior. In the heat of battle, someone with aretas had proven himself to be a fearless opponent and brilliant strategist. Sports contests became a way to hone aretas in daily life. Thus aretas – attaining excellence through competition – became the supreme Grecian virtue."
As we head into this weekend, it is important that we build within us a competitive fire. It does matter how we compete! Recognize that the stress of competition does not go away with experience - it is not whether you have a psychoendocrine stress response (we all have it), it's how you interpret it. Recognize that biology and psychology are in a battle for control. Becoming a better competitor is about controlling your psychological state, which in turn alters your underlying physiology. If you can control your fear, then you can control your biology too!
Top Dog describes aretas as something the gods had that mere mortals sought to achieve. Aspire to achieve it, and start this weekend!
monday (on your own)
dynamic wu
+ light aerobic running
+ 6-8 x technique strides on grass
dynamic wu
+ light aerobic running
+ 6-8 x technique strides on grass
tuesday (6:00 AM)
800j, mcmillan wu
+ 80% steady aerobic running on park lake loop
w= 6-8 miles / m= 7-10 miles
+ general strength circuit at track
wednesday
400j + dynamic foot drill wu
+ aerobic running
+ hurdle walkovers
+ barefoot strides on grass
+ foot drills in sand
thursday
800j + dynamic wu & speed ladder
+ light aerobic running
+ 6-8 x 40m fast striding on ramp w/ walk recovery
+ hip work and/or mcmillan core
friday (in AM, time - tbd)
800j + mcmillan wu
+ light aerobic running
+ starts on grass in spikes
+ depart for Greenville no earlier than 12:30 PM
(race course is not available for preview)
(those not racing)
+ anaerobic threshold (AT) running on track
+ general strength circuit
saturday
COMPETITION, w6k @ 8:30 AM / m8k @ 9:00 AM
+ general strength
(those not racing, on your own)
aerobic running
+ stretching
sunday (time - tbd)
long aerobic running at Kennesaw or River
+ cool-down exercises
+ recovery at training room
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