Runners love two things: running and round numbers. We don’t like to run 7.98 miles. We like to run 8, so we’ll take an extra few steps past our destination to get that 8 to appear on our watches and our Strava logs. And just like a sale for $1.99 seems like a way better […]
Mental Strength Training
The Breath: The Simple Way to Improve Your Running Right Now
Breathe. Just breathe. It seems like we shouldn’t have to think about breathing. After all, our bodies are designed to breathe involuntarily without a conscious thought from us. Yet while running, being able to focus and control your breath can be a powerful tool. And if you think about it, controlling your breathing is a […]
Stop Listening to Your Body! It’s Lying to You.
I inwardly cringe whenever I hear the phrase “listen to your body.” I realize the spirit behind the message is to be aware of your body’s signals and adjust your behavior accordingly, but there’s a big problem with that. Your body is a liar. And not just a liar. It’s a paranoid helicopter mom liar […]
The Goal Conforms to the Individual
The goal is absolutely secondary: it is the functioning toward the goal which is important. —Hunter S. Thompson I am eight days away from my goal marathon in Charleston. With a lot less running on the calendar, I’ve been reflecting on how this goal feels different from my last. I’m not planning to achieve my […]
It’s Not the Legs or the Lungs; It’s the Brain
Running hurts. That is the main reason most people don’t do it. Sure, if you start slowly, incrementally increase your pace and distance, and choose to only run when it’s sunny and cool, you can avoid all but minor discomfort. But if you want to achieve something meaningful, you are going to have to push […]