Friday Ramble 04/15/22

This week: When the going gets tough, the tough get mental. Plus the proper way to run through mud, and more amazing accomplishments from the RP community. 

One of the things about endurance training in general and ultra running specifically is there will come a point when you feel like absolute trash. Like now for instance. I’m smack dab in the middle of a stressful 3-week mileage buildup that’s taking every ounce of my fitness and mental resources to make it through to the other side. 

But hey, I asked for it, so I can’t really complain.  

It helps to have full confidence in Coach Avery’s ability to lay out a schedule that’s not only demanding, but also attainable. He, in turn, has confidence that I can handle the heavy workload. 

Confidence is an interesting variable in this equation because last week I was overflowing with good vibes after acing workouts and nailing a 20-mile long run. Race goals were coming into focus: big goals, monster goals, sky’s the limit kind of goals. 

This week is very different. The workouts are tougher and the long run is longer. In addition, the fresh energy of last week has waned and the specter of an even greater challenge looms on the horizon the following week. 

If I’m not careful, things can go sideways pretty quick. This is what ultra training is all about: pushing yourself to the edge without falling off the cliff. It’s a delicate, precarious balance that puts just as much of a burden on you mentally as it does physically. 

And here’s the thing. Every single runner goes through something like this at some point in their journey when they decide to take on a challenge. The miles are just numbers, it’s the mindset that makes the difference.