This weekend, I set out on my last 13 mile run before the OC Half on May 5. I really enjoy my long runs on the weekend. I seldom have 5 minutes to myself so to have at least two hours alone is a vacation, even if it means I need to run that entire time.
In a perfect world, I would have spent the day before my run eating and hydrating properly and getting a solid nights sleep. In reality, there was a lot of crying and waking up and children playing musical beds. I woke up at 6:15 for my scheduled 6:30 run. Since I needed to get out the door before anyone started asking for pancakes I downed a PRO BAR and got out quick without ANY coffee. The past few days have been really gray and overcast which is perfect for a run, what was not so perfect was the amount of wind coming at me from every direction. I was set up for failure before I even took one step.
The first three miles of my runs are usually warm up, at mile four I feel good and start to speed up. This did not happen. Running into the wind is just cruel, you exert maximum effort and it just isn't reflected in your pace. Around mile 5 I started to contemplate whether I should just call it a day. For the next 4 miles, I battled to keep going. My body was going but my mind kept saying this is ridiculous.
I know I have physically trained enough to complete my Half in a couple of weeks, but for my mental state I needed to finish this run. Quitting was not an option. I needed to toughen up mentally, otherwise all my physical training would not matter on race day.
I devised a plan to eek out the rest of the run, first I ran far away from my home. This way I ensured that I would need to finish the run or be forced to walk home either way I would have to complete the mileage. The next thing I did was to visual my goal. I pictured myself running to the top of the hill near my home and finally getting to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.
In order to achieve this goal, I needed to push through the pain. I allowed myself a couple of 15 second walk breaks here and there. I talked myself through it. I kept telling myself that if I could complete this run I would be more than prepared for my race. Just when I needed a real boost to finish the last 3 miles, Till I Collapse by Eminem came on, next I'm Still Standing by Elton John. Never underestimate the power of music to motivate you through rough spots. With those songs in my ears I was able to push hard and finish up some long hills.
When I was a high school swimmer, the school brought in a sports psychologist to talk to the athletes about visualization. That session has remained with me throughout my life and has guided me athletically as well as professionally and personally. When things get tough, visualize where you want to be and fight till you get there. Just keep going.
It was not quick and it was not pretty but when I finished I felt like I could take on anything.
How do you deal with tough workouts? Do you talk to yourself or repeat a mantra?
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