One of the biggest claims I make as a running coach is that I can help others make running more enjoyable and more relaxed. But then, when I wasn't looking, something happened.
My running stopped being enjoyable. Shit, I thought. If I can't even do this for myself, what possible right or ability do I have to help others? So today, I went for a run after a break for several days.
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Here's a reference sheet for pre and post race nutrition. The primary source of this information is from Dr. Phillip Maffetone's fabulous book The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing. I'll be expanding on it in future articles, but I figure full information downloads are fun too, as long as they aren't lengthy....
Today I thought I would share a helpful list on mental strategies around racing. These tips are some great ways to not only be well prepared for the race, but for after the race as well. Enjoy!
Shoes are one those mysterious and sometimes overwhelming things for runners, especially for those starting out. But even more experienced runners and coaches will are quick to listen if someone they trust has something to say about shoes. Running footwear is really the only equipment a runner needs. Sure, shorts are useful and choosing a well fitted generally nylon pair of shorts goes a long way. As for shirts, I'm of the school that it's only needed if the weather is pretty cold (although obviously a good sports bra for women goes a long way, but I won't pretend to be qualified on that topic). When coming into a shoe store, there are 8 major considerations a runner should keep in mind. My thanks goes to The Runner's Repair Manual by Dr. Murray F. Weisenfeld with Barbara Burr for this fabulous checklist. The book goes more in depth of course, but these are the highlights.
Do you ever notice those little things about where, how, and for how long you run that showcase little bits of your personality in unique ways?
On a recent run, I went out and ran a slightly different route along Lake Merritt in Oakland. I noticed a little neurotic behavior I had not been aware of before. I was very concerned about making sure the run was still the same length as the normal route. It was as if the run would not be legitimate if it wasn't some predetermined length that I considered appropriate. As I took a look at this pressure I placed on myself, I really started to question it. What is a legitimate run, exactly?
Surprisingly enough, it turns out that "know thyself", that classic Latin epithet, is one of the most useful suggestions out there. One way that it has really turned around my life is in the ability to slow down and examine what is happening internally whenever I am in a space I'd rather not be.
Take motivation, for example. Say I'm feeling lethargic and resistant to the idea of doing something I fully know I need to take care of relatively soon. But when I try to take care of it, the resistance just rises and there is just a little flutter of fear. Fear? That's ridiculous. Its just a little task.
Check out this great video on Ultra Marathoner Rob Krar opening up about depression and his love of running. I think its a great example of the challenges of working with something hard to understand that can impact loved ones too. It might be over said, but the power of acceptance is truly incredible!
This week I have something a little different. Lisa Hamilton, a fellow blogger at consciousrunner.com, recently interviewed me for her weekly podcast episodes. We talked about running with the mind of mindfulness and meditation, knowing when to push and when to back off, being in the zone, and more!
Check it out at http://consciousrunner.com/cr013-running-with-the-mind-of-mindfulness-meditation/ The fabulous thing about the mental side of running is that it truly is a playground. I mean this is in two ways: its play and the games created are only limited by your imagination.
Let me give you an example.
This post comes now because I could have fallen into this trap myself very recently. It can be dangerous as even an experienced runner to provide your own coaching because its very hard to be a good coach to yourself. For me this was ramping up my training load and quickly realizing the plan was far too aggressive. For overtraining, catching yourself early is crucial for quick recovery and preventing injuries before they happen.
Running can be an absolute joy. In rhythm, endorphins flowing, body and mind singing in concert as our surroundings rush by. Those are the peak experiences of running and likely a major motivation continue to run through the good, bad and ugly.
But how often does that really happen? It all started out the way you would expect. It was a beautiful summer day, and there was a pretty girl, and I was going for it. I was showing off out on the sparkling turquoise waters, going back and forth on a windsurf board that she knew, and I knew, that I had no business using to show off.
After hours out on the water, I started to make my way back to the wooden Turkish yacht the small group of us were on for the week. She came with her friend on the rowboat, and I lurched up from the water onto the boat. My eye aggressively discovered a rowing oar, and soon I was using a cold can of Coca Cola as an ice pack as we headed back to the yacht.
I have a confession to make. I'm a goal raiser. Whenever I get close to achieving one goal, I get excited and raise it again. Goals motivate me a great deal, but it was years before I realized how many things were wrong with my approach.
Don't get me wrong, goals are amazing. They have the power to focus and motivate, driving us to greater heights. But if you're like me, sometimes the goal becomes so important that races in particular can become so high stakes that disaster follows. Part of it is cognitive distortions, but that's another article... |
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