Yesterday I was emailing one of the athletes I coach. He was having a lot of anxiety about the long run I'd given him for today. People who know me know I thrive off the mental component to most everything. I'm all about the mental connection to our bodies, to people ... If you can engage someone mentally (to include yourself), this is when the journey takes on a whole new level of sophistication and intensity; the commitment just is different.
I thought I'd include an excerpt from my email to him. Who can't stand a little motivation from time to time? My words were about his long run, but really, it's about anything:
It’s like anything. If you mentally prepare, you can usually persevere. It’s all in your head. For me it’s about settling into the rhythm of the run and not buying into those moments when my body starts to hurt or when it says, “you’re tired.” You’ve just got to keep moving. The great thing about long runs is there are highs and lows. That means sometimes you will feel incredible and other times you will feel like dog shit. Both will pass. The point is to stay in the game long enough to let the tough times pass and to move into the higher points. Then you learn that you can move through anything. Nothing will frighten you. Go get 'em!
6 comments:
This post comes at a good time for me- can't seem to run more than 5K these days with all my issues. Mental toughness is definitely an area that I could work on. Thank you for sharing!
That was awesome! Did you end it with, "Suck it up, Buttercup!" -- that is my favorite!
I tasted that dog shit this weekend on my short race. I was so thankful for my long run so I could feel better! Thanks for sharing!
I needed this - thanks :)
Awesome post! I always tell myself that for every crappy moment during long races, runs or rides, there will be a better one around the corner.
Ah, yes. Nothing says motivation like letting someone know they are going to feel like "dog shit."
Seriously, I really do think that helps. I think we as athletes sometimes expect that with all the hours we put in, that it should always be easy. I always have to mentally prepare for my swims or I'll drown. I actually visualize myself swimming parts of the workout.
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