Week Two

   Training to run distance events is a strange thing. At the end of last week I must admit that I was feeling really beat up. Even with logging a steady 30 miles a week during the off season I found myself feeling totally exhausted from the added additional eight miles added to that week. My hamstrings were sore as hell, I was fighting the same old battle with my right shoulder and my knees, something that hasn't ever bothered me before was rearing it's ugly head. I started to have doubts about what I'd gotten myself into.

   The start of this week didn't go any better. My legs didn't feel rested at all and my energy level was in the tank. Some people listen to music when they run. Some people listen to running podcasts. I happen to enjoy both and I was reminded how special this gift of being able to run was by one of those podcasts that I listen to.

   My friend Chris interviewed an amazing guy who broke his back during a motorcycle accident. Ouch! You'll never catch me on one of those things. There's a reason my wife dubbed me the "Moped Invalid" during our honeymoon. The moped rental store wouldn't even rent me one! I was that bad. Anyways, after this guy's accident he's told by doctors that he may be paralyzed and most certainly never run or bike again. Incredibly he heals, comes back and is now running and biking again. I started listening to that podcast feeling sorry for myself. But, finished as a humbled man. Sometimes it's difficult to realize how lucky we runners are to be able to step out of our door and let our feet take us where they will. I needed to get over myself.

   Another terrible fault of our select group is that we're always trying to compare ourselves to past PR's and performances. I don't have anything to prove to anyone when it comes to this ultra. My goal is just to finish. Not to mention that I've never trained for a race this long. So, why was I beating myself up over what I deemed as poor workouts when I have nothing to compare them to? Stupid I know. You'd be surprised what rolls around your head as the miles tick by.

    Today's workout wasn't anything special. Just easy running for an hour. No speed work, no hills and no pressure. Out of 14 days of ultra training today's run felt the best. The hamstrings, shoulder, hips, knees and ego didn't bother me at all. It was what I really needed right now. The mind is a powerful tool. Negative thoughts and emotions can make you only see the worst about any given situation. Running can be hard. But, it's those hard times that help you grow and become better. Much like life itself.

   Following your dreams isn't something for the faint of heart. It takes guts. It take determination. It takes you to places where your hideously evil worst self doubts live. When you go there it's not fun to have them screaming that you can't. Just put your head down, smile and know that you can. You're your own worst critic. But, the critic that's doing all the talking is still at home on the couch!

   Have a great week every body. As always, thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to read my blog and watch my vodcast. Let me know how your training is going and if there's anything I can do to help. I survived week two! Ride that lightning...