One of those things that happened to me this year is that my best running performances (St. Louis Marathon and Schaumberg Turkey Trot), were about being as loose and relaxed as possible, the more relaxed the faster I ran. And I was able to monitor my looseness, and able to maintain it during races. This help prove my concept of flexibility over strength. And at least for me being more flexible and being in a relaxed mental zone, and not panicking, proved to be a huge breakthrough for my running goals for 2013. I wasn't worried about my result. I set realistic goals for myself for each race. And I promised myself, no matter what, not to beat myself up about the results. With a calm mind, you can run forever.
That marathons don't scare me anymore.
The marathon is so built up as insurmountable myth, most non runners think you're insane, and even many runners think it's truly a trip to Hell. It reminded me of the old myths of sailors who believed if you traveled too far away from home, you'd fall off the edge of the earth. So, I decided in 2013 not to be afraid of the marathon, to see how far I could take it. I wanted to pursue past those boundaries. I am here to tell you, there is nothing to fear.
Nothing happened.
Didn't die, didn't end in a mass of cramping and a trip to the hospital with kidney failure. What I learned is, the long run is the most important run of the week, it's the most important training of your life. Your running career is based off how well you do your long runs. You cannot cheat it, you can't bullshit it, and you can't make it bend to your will. It's not to be compromised. You're not supposed to. If you try, bad, bad things will happen. So run it, and dare it to crack you. Test yourself at the long runs.
Running the Fox Valley Marathon and the St. Louis Marathon within 6 weeks finally got me over my fear of performance and mental blocks that hit me in the last few miles of every marathon I've ran. Running the Fox Valley Marathon made running St. Louis Marathon almost enjoyable. And that confidence lead to the best marathon results in 2 years. And I'll do it again in 2014.
That the routine really, really matters
The routine of stretching, eating and getting out the door is as important as the run itself. Keep repeating until it becomes second hand. Set it up, then just do it, only takes a few minutes the night before. Don't think, just react and respond. You'd be amazed how quickly you get out of the door. Make getting out that door for the run the most important part of your day. Everything after becomes so easy.
That the most important accessory this year in the Balaclava
It's already been a harsh winter, and training for the Houston Marathon in January conditions have not been ideal here in Chicago. But there's nothing like Under Armour's Heat Gear Balaclava to protect your head and neck, and makes you think you have a chance of completing your 10 mile run in sub zero temps, as stupid as that may be. Plus you look like a Ninja, and that helps the motivation a bit.
The Greek dessert is baklava, BTW. Don't slap dessert on your face before a long run.
Happy Running in 2014!!!!!
