The Finish Line

The Eugene Marathon (May 2 2010)

My physical training is done; now to deal with the mental stuff that fills every waking moment.

“You’re not running fast enough to get in under 2 hours.”
“This will be the first race I DNF!”
“You're over dressing – I will be the only runner in long sleeves.” Ect, etc

So starting today I’m going stop and ask myself, “Is this thought empowering or disempowering?”
Obviously claiming a DNF is defeating the purpose for even running the race. This is just crazy thinking. I’ve run this distance before and know I could even run further if I slowed down.
So instead, I will picture Scott Jurek and remember this line –

“Running fast and running far is not about winning. It's not about money. It's not even about suffering, or redemption. It's about discovery.”

Self-talk is a very powerful way to transform negative thoughts.

What are you thinking about just before a big race?

Recommended read - Ultrarunner Scott Jurek's Story at Runner's World.

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Runscapes #9

Some days I wish I could just keep running – far away into the mountains. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon – now that would be an awesome run.
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Earth Day is Everyday

As I outdoorsy kind of person – the planet and all (well almost all) of its inhabitants are important to me.
I spend Earth Day re-evaluating what I have done to protect this environment I run and live in.
I am currently reading, “The World Without Us”. An interesting and well written book about the environment.
The chapter on plastics is particularly depressing.

“Except for a small amount incinerated, every bit of plastic manufactured in the world for the last 50 years or so still remains. It’s somewhere in the environment.”

Plenty of the plastics are being recycled now but they are refashioned into even more plastic manufactured goods.

A few things I’m doing to reduce my consumption of plastic:

• Buy larger containers of shampoo, hand lotion, soap, etc.
• Use products with less plastic packaging. (Buy in bulk.)
• Reuse plastics bags and liners.
• Look for products in glass bottles.

What are you doing? ( Would love to hear your ideas.)

And excellent resource on plastic in our society and how to reduce it - > Fake Plastic Fish
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Runner Burnout?

"Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” – Anne Lamott

This line reminds me of my obsession with trying so hard to be the best and then failing… Why can’t I just be happy with what I have accomplished?
My big race day creeps up and even thought I’ve trained religiously – I feel like a beginner – fatigued, heavy, downgraded. I’ve lost my spunk!
It might just be a case of runners’ burnout – but I think it’s something more ominous...

For those who still crave a challenge - I found this little tidbit in a training newsletter.

Pre’s training workout before the 1972 Olympics included:
1200m repeats at 3:12, 3:09, 3:06, and 3:00 pace. “It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” – Pre
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