Stronger Than Yesterday
This is the first year I’ve ever uttered the words ” I can’t wait for winter.” As a southerner my first few winters in NYC were rough to say the least. I never knew a scarf actually had a function and I definitely thought a wool coat was the only thing one needed to stay warm.
Obviously, I froze my tush off the first several years I lived here. Looking back it’s pathetic that I didn’t investigate warmer winter gear and boots but you only know what you know, ya know?
I’m not really sure what my point is other than it’s amazing how one changes even as an adult.
Something that’s changed in my fitness/running life, is my ability to push through. Last night’s 18 miles weren’t pleasant. I was bored of running in circles in Central Park, wanted to stop my run around mile ten, but I knew it was my brain that wanted to stop and not my body. However, I still need to be able to push harder through the mental challenges.
At an earlier time in life, I probably would have given in to my mind and not listened to my body. I hope that throughout this week as I start to shift my focus slightly away from marathon training and into half marathon racing mode, that my mind can take control of any doubts that pop-up and that my brain grows even stronger than my legs and lungs.
My legs are strong. My lungs are strong. At times my mind is weak.
If I can put together the “mind” part of this training and racing program then I’m golden.
{and yes I stole this title from a Britney Spears song}
Mind over matter. I think you’re so far into your training program that this is bound to happen.
You still did it, rejoice, that’s amazing.
The little chimp in your head is your biggest opponent. You can do this!
Thank you, Nicole!
Ohh I needed your words today my friend! That’s exactly what I saw loud and clear on our disastrous 20 miler on Saturday. My MIND was killing me, not my body. My MIND was casting doubts, not my body. I need to remember this and trust my body more, ignoring that self-doubt creeper who likes to pop up at the most inopportune of times. How rude, right?
The rudest!
My mind has taken over lately too – something about this fall air though that sort of wakes you up. Maybe it’s the chill, or just the exit of “lazy” summer days… either way, today was a better day for sure and I’m going to enjoy the upward swing while it lasts
Thanks for the post – always good to know you’re not alone in the mind battles!
I have totally noticed that as I get older, I’m becoming more of a wimp when it comes to running outside. If its cold or wet, Im not as resilient as I once was.
How come its always the mind that’s the most difficult part? It’s like that with everything.
Great job on your long run!
That happened to me on Sunday and I gave up on mile 10, instead of finishing my 17 miles. I was disappointed, but I try to forget it. I’ll focus this week on my 18 mile long run. This will be my 4th marathon and have done it before. The mind plays some tricks!