For most, this gloomy picture elicits feelings of laziness, Netflix and chill, sleeping all day, and so on. For this runner, preparing for a long training run, I see complete happiness. You mean it’s going to be in the mid-60s with a misty rain during my long run? Sign me up! I found myself continuously saying, “Thank you Mother Nature! I love you Mother Nature!” Bliss.
I discovered how much I truly love to run today. Even when it got painful, I was smiling. I was so happy. There was nowhere else I wanted to be. Now long and slow are not two words I ever use or enjoy at any time in my life. I’m high strung, incredibly efficient and productive, and get shit done. In order to conquer this 50K in October and conquer I will, I have to embrace the long, slow distance. I can handle the physical part. The mental aspect needs work. This means I’ll be increasing my meditation sessions. Maybe I’ll actual find the consistency I’ve been craving! It will also involve more yoga, specifically yin yoga. I need to learn to slow down for so many reasons. This is where I will find the strength I need for this race.
I thought I would share some lovely strategies that helped me through today and other long training runs (or runs in general):
- Podcasts and Audiobooks: Find some good content to get through your runs. I don’t know about you, but 9 time out of 10 music just doesn’t do it for me. My favorite podcast to listen to is Tim Ferriss. They are longer so you can get longer runs in without having to worry about fumbling with your phone. My recent favorite is Audible. I can go on 2+ hour runs and have plenty of content. I just finished Rich Roll’s book which is AMAZING to run to and I just started on Kevin Hart’s new book. Of course, it’s fantastic so far.
- Fuel: Feeling hungry on a long run is not only annoying, it’s a good indication that fatigue is following closely behind. I’m not advising gummy bears here. You need to pack good quality fuel when you’re going on a long run. I found a delicious and nutritious option from Mung Pack recently and tried it out on my run today. I have a sensitive stomach but this didn’t bother me one bit. I liked it so much, I ordered more after my run.
- Smile and Practice Gratitude. Seriously, be thankful that you can run. And for goodness sake, just shut up and do it. There’s a reason you went out for your run and there’s a reason you’re going out for another or registering for a race. Connect with that “why” and get it done. On my run, I thought many times, “I’m doing this for my family. I’m doing this to make my family proud and show my daughter that you can do anything you set your mind to.”
I’ll leave you with other lovely gems from my run today. It was a good one. I slowed for the occasional picture of a crane or waterfall and was endlessly thankful for the ability to run, nature, that I am blessed to live in the City of Portland, my family, and more.
Have a beautiful day friends!!
GlowLoveThrive 