The Underdog-Kasabian
First off, let me apologize. It has been some time since I have filled you in on my running dream and my move to the Land of 10,000 lakes. I am sorry.
When I first moved here I decided to sign up for the USA 10 mile championships. That showed me exactly where I was in my training. To sum it up, I got my ass handed to me. By mile two I was falling off pace and by mile three, I was in no man's land. I was only able to keep myself going by taking it one mile at a time and even that was a struggle. My self loathing was embarrassing. I was finding more ways to drop out of the race or just give up in my efforts than I was finding to drive myself to the finish. My lowliness in running had dropped just a bit more. I was mentally weaker than ever. It was time for a change.
For the last year and a half I had been stuck on the idea that I was a marathoner. Maybe I am, maybe I am not (just yet). After talking with two guys who I greatly respect, it was decided I would not chase the marathon. My coach and I decided that instead of rushing training to get a half marathon in to qualify for the Olympic Trials and then rush the training for the trials, it was best to put my efforts somewhere else. So for now I will focus on Cross Country and Track. Under my coach, my training has been the best it has been in two years. My mental game has slowly pieced itself back together. Am I where I want to be? Oh heck no. I have learned to shake off the little things though. I don't force miles anymore. In the past I had to run 100+ miles a week in order to prove to myself I was good. My coach, Mike Reneau, basically instilled in me that I was to an extent, over training. I was running miles but nothing that was truly quality. Our goal is to run lesser miles (80-90), and instead focus on the quality of workouts and the miles. This brings me to the quote of this blog. -- "If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What the hell difference does it make?.... The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles."
- Bill BowermanI have had a couple of races recently and felt pretty good in both of them. The training seems to be working. Because I am running well in workouts and not feeling as though I am forcing them, I am mentally sharper in races. I don't try and talk myself out of them, instead I am talking myself into the races. I tell myself to keep focus and to keep pushing. I am getting there. I am making the adjustments. I am doing the little things. I am looking forward to racing again, not fearing it.
Next up is the Turkey Day 5k, a low key 5k on Thanksgiving (duh). After that is the USATF Club Cross Country Championships in Seattle on December 10th. For all of my friends in the Northwest I would love to see you there. I know many of you will be going through finals and such, but if you can make it I would really enjoy your presence! Until next time, keep running!
