Hi everyone!
It's been awhile since I've stopped in, so this will be a long one.
Just wanted to pop in and say hello!
Dana: I love music while I run! I use mix CDs exclusively, because I fully control every single song on the mix. Plus, mix CDs tend to be longer than purchased CDs, so they last for more of my run without me having to change the CD.
Some favorite songs on my current mixes include:
Everlast: Babylon Feeling
Billy Idol: Power Surger and Rebel Yell
Tom Petty: Running Down a Dream
Edwin Starr: 25 Miles
Jimi Hendrix: Foxy Lady
Macy Gray: Sexomatic Venus Freak
Sonia Dada: Summertime
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Fly Away on my Zephyr and If You Want me to Stay
Right now, I'm in the process of making a list of songs that will last 5 hours. Then, I hope to get a minidisk player or an iPod and burn all those songs and have them available for my little October obsession in Chicago.
Ladaha: One motivating trick I use is to create -- and follow -- a specific plan. That way, I can't leave anything to chance. I once read a quote that said "you cannot fail with a plan" because all you have to do is each step. So, if my plan is Run 3 miles Tuesday, Run 8 miles Thursday, Run 3 miles Friday, Run 14 miles Sunday...I just do what I have to do on the day I have to do it. I don't give myself a choice of doing or not doing. (Gosh...that's almost Yoda-like!
)
Robyn: I run on treadmills occasionally but I find it much more mentally challenging than road running because I get so bored. However, there is a woman at my club who runs 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week on the treadmill and she's in GREAT shape.
A personal trainer friend of mine gave me this tip: When you use a treadmill, set the incline to a minimum of 1% to more closely mimic flat road running. If you keep it at 0%, you're not working as hard as you would on the road (because you don't have wind resistance and some other reasons). I feel this tip has really helped my running.
Lori: The pepper spray is a great idea in theory. But as a former letter carrier (for 7 years), I can attest that it very easily backfires on you. Even when you don't perceive much of a breeze, the wind can cause the spray to blow back on you with disasterous results.
Cam: I can't stress enough just how much of running is mental. Honestly...it's all in your head and when you control that, you're able to progress. It's like I mentioned to Robyn above: I find treadmill running exceedingly difficult. In fact, I hate to/cannot/will not run more than 4 miles at a time on the treadmill. Now, to prove that this is in my head, I have run 20 miles at one time on the roads. And in fact, when I've got my monkey mind under control, I *can* run more than 4 miles on the treadmill...I'm just kicking and screaming inside my head the entire time.
So how do you get your mind under control? First, be sure this is what you want. I'm assuming this *is* what you want since the Turkey Trot was your idea. So you must at least like the *idea* of being a runner...right? So now you've got to totally commit to this idea. Choose a plan and do not alter from following that plan.
Play mind games: when you run, keep a mantra going through your head, such as "I'm strong and fit. I'm strong and fit" and "I am a runner. I am a runner."
Add more days to your plan if you have to, to move you forward. For example, if you say you can't go past 30 minutes and your plan calls for 35 one day, you'll need to add an extra day where you force yourself to do 32 or 33 minutes to convince yourself that you *can* get past that barrier.
Talk to people who you perceive to be "runners." Ask them about training and ask what they do when they just don't want to run anymore. You'll be surprised to find that "real runners" struggle with their brain telling them to slow down, just stop, sleep in, etc...just like us beginners!
Look for motivational messages that help you get in a positive frame of mind. I found some from the
[email protected]. Here's an example:
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IF YOU HAVE THE DESIRE, YOU HAVE THE POWER.
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Your dreams will come true,
if you have the desire to pursue them.
You must believe in yourself.
Know in your heart,
that you can do the job you've set out to do.
You're never given a wish
without also being given the power to make it come true.
The achievement of your goal is assured
the moment you commit yourself to it.
Everything is possible,
if you believe it's possible.
It's your mind that sets your limits.
What you envision you can do, you can do.
Start thinking of yourself as a success
and success will follow.
Success is a state of mind.
You can, because you think you can.
©
[email protected]
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As for my marathon training, last week was my last HARD week on my training schedule before the marathon, culminating in a 20 mile run on Sunday. I still can't believe I did it, but I did!! I've got the funny, short-sock tan lines to show for it, too.
I'm now easing into my taper, with this week and next being MEDIUM in difficulty and then moving to two easy weeks ending in Grant Park after the longest run of my entire life.
Good luck to everyone. It's been beautiful weather in Michigan...if it's nice where you are, get out and hit the roads!
Lynne in Michigan
http://lynned.pitas.com
music??
pep talks..:)
Ladaha, oh girl, get those shoes on and go.. are you using a headset, radio or not? Maybe a change of scenery, a park to run in or a trail nearby?? Remember that feeling you get when you run and the feeling afterwards, that sort of euphoric feeling, its great. Missing that feeling myself.. gets ya all peppy and feeling great. The rewards are worth it, you have some so far.. 3 weeks is great
