Why do you run? Why do you train? Why do you race?
These are all questions we can and should answer. It may not be easy to get to the root of your true intentions but the once you figure out the answer training and getting through the tough times will be easier and make more sense. Through this reflection you can get to the root of your desires and figure out how to truly thrive in your environment.
This past week I have been able to do complete two quality workouts and some good consistent training. During one of those workouts, instead of trusting myself throughout the entire workout, I felt the need to push harder than necessary to “get back to where I was” instead of trusting that I am back to where I need to be at this point. For me, I want to race so unbelievably bad that I was getting anxious. I wanted to prove to myself that I can still run these paces and to the point where it could disrupt the point of that session. What I should have been doing was trusting in the process and in myself that I know how to run the times laid before me. Trust in your body. Trust in your abilities. Trust in your training.
Something to remember is that you are how you train. If you teach yourself to go out too hard in training every day and die or slow down at the end of workouts, your body is preconditioned to slow down at the end of a race. If you consistently teach yourself to finish on a positive note and progress through a workout, your body will become accustomed to this for your races. Repeat positive encouraging thoughts to yourself in training as well. Remember it is both physical and mental and neither is compartmentalized from the other.
Paint your canvas. Good luck and swift feet this week!
Let’s do this Louisiana.