Mental Magic

I signed up for my first Half Marathon a few weeks ago, and I've been contemplating this next big step in a long-term personal fitness plan that ends with me racing a full IronMan by 2016. I don't feel particularly frightened by the idea of running 13.1 miles, but I'm not sure I'm ecstatic about it, either.

Perhaps I'm just in a bit of a funk and will soon realize how exciting it will be to cross that finish line next May- after the copious races and chances for running with friends all summer long are over and the darkness of winter starts to really set in, I've heard some athletes find it hard to stay focused. I planned for that, and signed up for a spring race to keep me motivated- this Half Marathon! But I had a rough 4.5 miles last night, and when a run goes badly, all I can think about is "And I have to do thrice this distance!!"

Keeping my mental feeback positive is a huge challenge, even more than keeping my legs and feet and arms moving when they feel tired and sore. Even though I knew I didn't get enough sleep the night before, my troublesome run still had me second-guessing my ability as an athlete, and that can easily turn into a runner's demise if not kept in check.

As I struggled back to my goal pace after my third walk-break on Tuesday night, I managed to remind myself of my run last Tuesday, where the miles flew by with ease and a light snow had begun to fall- I looked up into the streetlights and felt like I was floating in a magical winter running world. I kept that good run close as I finally saw my destination and gave up the fight, allowing myself to slow to a walk as I arrived. Yet again, I find my mental landscape makes or breaks my ability to succeed. I can only practice the positivity as I begin training for one of the biggest races of my life in 2012.