Lake Michigan at Sunrise

Lake Michigan at Sunrise

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Friday Eve - Rest Day Post

 Two Part Post - 1: Motivation 2: Stuff
1.
Are you someone that always tries to motivate people, encourage them, tell them they are doing awesome, but don't give yourself the same pat on the back? Most of us huh. Well this post is about us.
This is feeling proud about yourself, myself, we are pretty great.

(Except you, yeah I see the Nutella smear on your face and you haven't brushed your teeth yet today, you aren't that great)

The thought started crossing in my head as I chatted with a coworker who signed up for her first half marathon. She started the early phases of, what the hell did I just do, but I can't back out now. She got a legit plan set out from one of her runner friends beforehand and isn't backing down. I added what extra value I could and try to encourage her whenever we talk running, reminding her the dedication to training is what makes those motivational videos and posters we all wish we were in. News flash, we are those posters.

I forced myself to take a look at my own training. About 6 weeks into the Hanson Plan. Plenty of days where I feel like I'm not doing enough. That I set my goals too high. That I should lower my expectations for my first race. You know the downward spiral. But then that day I pretended it wasn't me I was looking at.

You know those videos of people running in the dark, running 10 miles Friday, to wake up just as early on the weekend to knock out god knows how many more. The people that can tell you about running at -10 degrees or 90 degrees. That is me I'm looking at. What values to you honor in other people? I bet you have them yourself, but don't like to admit it.

The speech in this video has been around for awhile, but as I love the Bulls, I'm giving you it as a backdrop to a Bull's video. 

“Here’s the thing that makes life so interesting. The theory of evolution claims that “only the strong shall survive”. Maybe so, maybe so.
But the theory of competition says, “just because they’re the strong doesn’t mean they can’t get their asses kicked”.
That’s right. See, what every long shot, come from behind, underdog will tell ya is this: the other guy may in fact be the favorite, the odds may be stacked against you. Fair enough. But what the odds don’t know is, this isn’t a math test. This is a completely different kind of test. One where passion, has a funny way of trumping logic.
So before you step up to the starting line, before the whistle blows, and the clocks start ticking just remember: out here the results don’t always add up. No matter what the stats may say and the experts may think and the commentators may have predicted, when the race is on, all bets are off.
Don’t be surprised be if someone decides to flip the script and take a pass on yelling “Uncle”. And then suddenly as the old saying goes, “WE’VE GOT OURSELVES A GAME”.
So you know what? Game on. I'm going to keep dreaming big and so should you. You inspire me.

-
Annnd Stuff:

Got my new sneakers in! Same ones I have now, just different color (New Balance M890v3)
If you see these bad boys on the path, it is probably me and I expect a side five.

And my foam roller is still getting use:





For people dealing with gnats while running:
And some photos from the Rock and Roll Half Marathon:


Okay, that's enough for one day. Have a great day

14 comments:

  1. Your daughter is far better at using a foam roller than I am, I learned from my failed attempt last night.


    Pretty shoes - though I still don't agree with the practice of wearing them, ha ha.

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  2. If it hurts, you are using it right lol If you need, I had linked a couple weeks ago how to use foam rollers for different parts.


    Haha. I'm not patient enough to restart my running pattern to go barefoot/vibram. I did see a guy in the Corral 1 with them though! speedy

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  3. I sort of awkwardly side-planked and rolled my legs along it - it was uncomfortable, but not sure if it actually did anything.

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  4. Ooh, I like the new kicks! I'm all about bright shoes :)


    I'd give your co-worker the same advice that tons of people gave me when I started training for my first half - trust in your training, and when you get to the start line you'll feel confident that you can do it. I do remember thinking "wow, I can run a half by only running as little as 3 days a week?" and wondering if I had done enough, but the training plans work. Curious as to what plan she's using - I can't recommend the Higdon novice training enough!

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  5. The motivation bit is so true. I often feel like I'm not doing enough but then I look at my running now as compared to 5 or 6 years ago and I'm like "Woahhhh... 10 miles before work? No way!" and then I feel grateful that my body has been able to change and adapt so I can run at the capacity that I like!


    Clearly, I'm using my foam roller incorrectly and your daughter is doing it right :).

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  6. glad you like the shoes!
    She has a plan made from her buddy (another lady) that is pretty hard core marathoner. Sounds pretty typical , but good

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  7. You are awesome!
    I'll have to have her do some instructional videos!

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  8. So true...quick to motivate others, and just as quick to tell ourselves everything we are doing wrong.
    Thanks for the virtual pat...backatcha!

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  9. Nail on the head there! Thanks for commenting!

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  10. Melanie@Seemommyrace.comJuly 25, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    Great Post! and omg I love the the foam roller clip, so adorable!! I have to record my 3 y/o putting her leg in ours (its the "grid" roller, the center is open) and saying she is a pirate, haha!

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  11. Not doing enough!??!?! My god, SRD, I'd say you're doing more than enough. Also, you just killed your first race! You're totally gettin' 'er done.

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  12. Never enough! At least that's the feeling. I don't want to go to race day and feel I missed my goal by a short time just because I wasn't willing to go all in every day. But thanks :) Part of the post, to be more supportive of myself too! Thanks for commenting!

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  13. Great post. It's kind of funny... the people who should be patting themselves on the back tend not to... and the people who don't do anything and should feel worse about it... don't. I try to encourage everyone! And try to take it easy on me. I always feel bad when my mileage drops in the summer though.


    Love the foam roller vid!

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