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Mental Strength

10/31/2014

12 Comments

 
Picture
Happy Halloween for yesterday, if you celebrate it. I don't usually so had to do some research prior to my classes yesterday re: what it's all about, then thought I'd dress up to demonstrate a 'scary costume' for my students. It was a bit of fun.

I'm not long back from my LONG run of the week, and my final long run before my LONG running event next week too. This morning I ran 32.5km and it took me 3:10. I took my standard bag of fuel and liquids and all was well. This run was definitely harder and more of a challenge that that of last Saturday, but I got it done all the same. So, why was it harder? Well, the distance was slightly longer (by about 1.5km), but I don't think that made a difference really, as it was quite early on (say at around 24km in) that it started to feel 'hard'. Hmm, perhaps from all the extra running sessions I've been squeezing in lately? Maybe they are starting to add up and effect my legs. Plus, my breathing and lungs felt a bit weird - I hope this isn't a belated issue from the Beijing race from a couple of weeks ago (which you can read about here:
http://runningthroughchina.weebly.com/blog/beijing-half-marathon).
One thing I definitely did differently this week however, was I used no music to try and distract myself: so it was just me and my thoughts for those 3 and a bit hours. Fine by me, as I have a lot of thoughts. I did this (the no music tactic) as I wanted to test my mental strength and train my brain to cope with running for long distances by myself. The result? All good, but slightly more of a struggle than with music, of course.
Here's the official picture - my longest distance prior to the 42km run next Friday:

Picture
Now FOOD, SLEEP, and MASSAGE are on my mind. Hopefully in that order, but I'm not too fussy. Here's a good, quick video re: some self-massage tips I just watched: http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/runners-relief-self-massage-techniques?adbid=10152394490781987&adbpl=fb&adbpr=9815486986&cid=socVID_20141101_34736497
Although, I think I'd still prefer a relaxing, non-DIY massage instead.


Did you/do you celebrate Halloween?

Do you practise DIY massage?

Any tips for training my brain and getting mentally stronger??
12 Comments
running schlub link
11/1/2014 03:05:06 am

You are on the right track. I eliminated music a while ago and it has really helped with my mental training in races. You are all set for the race, sit back and relax, let your legs rest up, and go knock out that run.

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 02:52:42 pm

Thanks Schlub! Yep, no music must have helped hey - I felt mentally strong during all 3 races just gone, even when my body felt tired/hurting.

Reply
Kim link
11/1/2014 07:04:01 am

Cute face!!!
I think it's good that you had a bit of a hard time on that last long run - got it out of the way so now you are ready for the event!!!

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 02:53:02 pm

Thanks Kim!!

Reply
Kristina link
11/1/2014 12:39:20 pm

I hate to break this news, but I don't think you scared your students at all with that costume :) You look so cute!!!

Way to go with the run! Sometimes I think running without music actually makes the time pass by faster since you can really get lost in your thoughts. Towards the end of a long run it's always extra hard without music though.

I think the only way to get mentally stronger is to keep doing hard things! The more you do them the more confidence you build. After this 100K event your mental toughness is going to be SKY HIGH!

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 02:56:48 pm

Haha, thanks Kristina! yeah, I think I got more laughs/nervous giggles and photos than any scared responses.
I like your philosophy of keep on doing hard things. We can do ANYTHING we choose too, no matter how hard. The body will adapt and will deliver even if it seems a crazy hard goal. :)

Reply
Kristen link
11/1/2014 02:50:36 pm

Your cat costume is way cute. Well done. :) We passed out a ton of candy to trick or treaters, but didn't dress up this year.

I actually wrote a blog post a long time ago on strengthening the mental muscle... so these would be my tips...

http://www.glitteranddust.com/category/running-and-triathlon/mind-and-body/

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 02:57:34 pm

Thanks Kristen!! Your post and what you wrote really helped - I read it before I went away to my event. Thank you! :)

Reply
Karen link
11/2/2014 10:19:54 pm

Such a cute kitten :) That's an awesome run! I don't think I could do a long run w/o music, I t really does distract me when it starts to feel tough. Good job on getting through it. Food ,massage, and sleep sound perfect !

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 02:58:56 pm

Thanks Karen! Yep, all three took place and were great!
Yeah, for the 3-day event, think I distracted myself by talking with the other runners or thinking, instead of music, but some had brought music with them too... :)

Reply
cheryl link
11/2/2014 11:55:23 pm

I think any time you challenge yourself on a run, it prepares you mentally for a race. I have done a couple long treadmill runs to challenge myself.
Your costume is cute. Halloween is the strangest holiday.
sometimes if my hydration is off I feel extra tired on a run...

Reply
Lou link
11/10/2014 03:00:34 pm

Oh wow, a long treadmill run would definitely be a challenge! Good on you. That's one mental challenge I haven't tackled yet.
Yeah, I was feeling tired at the start of my first marathon of the 3 day event with heavy legs, I think because of all the extra carbs and fluid I'd taken in? Or maybe just not enough sleep and tired from all the travelling perhaps... :)

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