You've heard of comparison shopping. Now I am going to tell you about comparison running. Comparison running can be a good thing and a bad thing. It depends on how much and why you are comparing and how that comparison motivates you.
When you run with a group, it is inevitable that you will compare yourself with everyone else out there. It is impossible not to do to some extent. Comparing yourself can be good in that it can motivate and encourage. I learn a lot by watching others and talking with them about their training. Everyone out there has something to share and something to offer the group.
Each person that walks/runs progresses at a different rate has their own set of challenges to overcome. One common obstacle is comparing ourselves with others and having unrealistic expectations that lead to discouragement.
There is a delicate balance between pushing enough, but not too much. It is important to push, otherwise we will never progress. For instance, to run faster you have to run faster. You have to push your muscles to places they are not comfortable going. If you don't, you'll stay where you are. Now, if you are happy with where you are, that's fine. If you are not happy with where you are, you have to step out and work towards that next goal by pushing yourself out of that comfort zone. This is what I have been working on lately - pushing myself to go faster. It is not easy, but it is working. Speed has not come quickly for me (pun intended!). I am picking up some speed, though. In the last year, I have shaved a minute off of my mile and I am not satisfied with that, so I will continue to push - not too much, but enough to accomplish my goal.
Set a goal. A goal that is right for you. Work towards that goal, looking to others for encouragement and knowledge to help you on your way. Step out of your comfort zone and reach for something new.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
It's not about the speed
This is something I have to keep telling myself, as well as others - it's not about the speed. It is about getting up and getting out! It is about making the decision to be active rather than sedentary. It is about eating something that is good for you, rather than something that works against you.
With all of the wonderful gadgets out there, it can be difficult NOT to concentrate on speed. I have a watch that will tell me how far, how fast and how long I run. This can be a great tool when I am planning a run and need to know how long it will take. It is also a wonderful way to train for speed, so that I know - that very minute - how fast I am running or walking. However, it can also be a pain! Some days I get too wrapped up in how fast (or slow) I am moving. I lose sight of the fact that I am up and I am moving! I may not need to go that fast that day. I may benefit from a slower walk or run that day. I have just the remedy for this obsession when it becomes too much. I walk out of the door WITHOUT my watch. Yep! I do. I know this is unheard of for some, but I believe it is good for us every now and then to just get out there and go.
I think the next time I head out, it is time for me to leave the watch at home this time. Just go and enjoy, listening to my body and enjoying my surroundings - won't you join me?
With all of the wonderful gadgets out there, it can be difficult NOT to concentrate on speed. I have a watch that will tell me how far, how fast and how long I run. This can be a great tool when I am planning a run and need to know how long it will take. It is also a wonderful way to train for speed, so that I know - that very minute - how fast I am running or walking. However, it can also be a pain! Some days I get too wrapped up in how fast (or slow) I am moving. I lose sight of the fact that I am up and I am moving! I may not need to go that fast that day. I may benefit from a slower walk or run that day. I have just the remedy for this obsession when it becomes too much. I walk out of the door WITHOUT my watch. Yep! I do. I know this is unheard of for some, but I believe it is good for us every now and then to just get out there and go.
I think the next time I head out, it is time for me to leave the watch at home this time. Just go and enjoy, listening to my body and enjoying my surroundings - won't you join me?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Simple Disciplines
"Simple disciplines repeated over time compound into massive success." I heard this said many years ago and have referred back to it over and over again.
Training for a marathon, consists of repeating simple disciplines, day after day. The main discipline is, of course, getting in your miles. Getting up, putting on your running/walking gear and heading out the door for a few miles is easy to do. BUT, it is easy NOT to do. Every day is a decision. Will I or won't I? For those who decide, "I will", continue in their training, gaining strength and endurance with each walk or run. By the end of the training season, they are ready for a marathon. On the other hand, those who decide, "I won't", might continue in their training for a while, but eventually stop altogether and do not achieve their marathon success.
What are the things in your life that you say, "I won't" to today that could make the difference, if repeated over time? The only way forward is to take one step at a time. Do those simple things that are easy to do and will make a positive difference in your life.
People say to me, "I could never finish a marathon!". My response is, "You could if you began with one mile and over 40 weeks built on that one mile by increasing a little bit each week."
26.2 miles doesn't come from nothing and neither do most achievements. Most people who succeed do so because they are willing to do the simple disciplines it takes.
Training for a marathon, consists of repeating simple disciplines, day after day. The main discipline is, of course, getting in your miles. Getting up, putting on your running/walking gear and heading out the door for a few miles is easy to do. BUT, it is easy NOT to do. Every day is a decision. Will I or won't I? For those who decide, "I will", continue in their training, gaining strength and endurance with each walk or run. By the end of the training season, they are ready for a marathon. On the other hand, those who decide, "I won't", might continue in their training for a while, but eventually stop altogether and do not achieve their marathon success.
What are the things in your life that you say, "I won't" to today that could make the difference, if repeated over time? The only way forward is to take one step at a time. Do those simple things that are easy to do and will make a positive difference in your life.
People say to me, "I could never finish a marathon!". My response is, "You could if you began with one mile and over 40 weeks built on that one mile by increasing a little bit each week."
26.2 miles doesn't come from nothing and neither do most achievements. Most people who succeed do so because they are willing to do the simple disciplines it takes.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Oops. It has been too long.
So much has happened since my last blog, but since I don't always blog about what is going on, I guess it doesn't really matter much.
Since my last entry, I have seen many of our participants cross the finish line of their first marathon. Wow. It is an incredible experience to watch someone cross that line for the first time. To see them approach, knowing that it is as good as done and seeing that wave of emotion as it becomes a reality.
Most of our participants started 40 weeks prior to their marathon, by walking ONE MILE. That is usually a difficult mile. Now, many of them have done 26.2 miles - in a row! Or they have done 2 half marathons - 13.1 miles each.
There is something about a physical accomplishment. I think the reason is that a physical accomplishment is not just physical - it is also mental. Marathoning is especially mental because you have a lot of time to yourself. You cannot escape you. Training takes time - not just on the day you train, but the entire training season. You can't go from 0 - 26.2 in a week. It takes time, effort and desire to build a foundation and see it through to the finish line.
That's true with so many things in life - school, relationships (especially marriage and parenting) or any other long term goal. There are many lessons to be learned from training for a marathon. I intend to discuss them here. But not now. Now I am hungry because I ran 5 miles this morning.
I think I'll go eat.
:-)
Since my last entry, I have seen many of our participants cross the finish line of their first marathon. Wow. It is an incredible experience to watch someone cross that line for the first time. To see them approach, knowing that it is as good as done and seeing that wave of emotion as it becomes a reality.
Most of our participants started 40 weeks prior to their marathon, by walking ONE MILE. That is usually a difficult mile. Now, many of them have done 26.2 miles - in a row! Or they have done 2 half marathons - 13.1 miles each.
There is something about a physical accomplishment. I think the reason is that a physical accomplishment is not just physical - it is also mental. Marathoning is especially mental because you have a lot of time to yourself. You cannot escape you. Training takes time - not just on the day you train, but the entire training season. You can't go from 0 - 26.2 in a week. It takes time, effort and desire to build a foundation and see it through to the finish line.
That's true with so many things in life - school, relationships (especially marriage and parenting) or any other long term goal. There are many lessons to be learned from training for a marathon. I intend to discuss them here. But not now. Now I am hungry because I ran 5 miles this morning.
I think I'll go eat.
:-)
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