I am registered to do the Monster Dash half marathon this Saturday. I have been using it as my one goal this season with the hopes to PR. Many of my workouts were for mental reasons to give me more confidence (those 6 x 1 mile repeat at faster than race pace were not for physical benefit!). I haven't struggled with plantar this year and the toilet issue can never be predictable, but this morning I woke up with a sore throat and a severely plugged up nose. UGH! This has already forced me to reconsider any PR goals and I can accept that, but if this yuckiness moves to my chest then I am pretty sure running a half marathon is not the ideal activity for getting better. So now I struggle with another DNF. Is it possible to DNF is I didn't start in the first place? If I don't start will that haunt me as well?
I am happy with my current level of fitness, but I feel my mental ability is lacking. How do you train mentally and keep a positive outlook when you have setbacks? Are excuses acceptable?
8 comments:
Well, my dear, this is where the wisdom of our someday-to-be-published book would come in handy. We write about differentiating between reasons and excuses. Usually excuses are just our mind screwing with us. Reasons, however, are valid. Reasons are truth; excuses are ploys. Reasons are fact: I am sick; I am in pain. Excuses help you cheat, ie, they help you skirt your fears (I don't want to look stupid or I may not be any good or what if I fail?). But only you can know the difference... I sure hope you feel better (I feel a cold coming on myself so I sympathize) and if you do start the race--Kick Ass!
Wow, there is nothing I can say that could anything to what Kara said! So I will just add my wishes for your speedy recovery and hope that whether you run or not, you will feel confident in your decision.
Actually, I have something to add (came to me in the shower this morning:-) I think it's usually people who are just getting started with exercise that tend to come up with bad excuses for why they can't do something, but seasoned athletes or people who really love to workout tend to overlook *good* reasons why they shouldn't workout, race, etc. And we know where you fall!!
Just do what you can out there-being able to deal with whatever happens in a positive way is where the victory lies. At least, that's what I'm learning!
At first glance at the title for your last post I thought you were announcing Baby 3 was on the way!!! Thought you'd find that funny!
Hope you feel better soon.
Kara - So glad you thought of me in the shower!
Charlotte - yes, Kara definitely made me feel better about this situation.
CY - very funny! I might be crying though if that were the case!
I am all for going for it... and here's why - its going to kill you if you don't at least try. And, what's worse not trying or never knowing if you just could have? Even if you don't PR, you will deposit one in the mental bank. I have done this for years, having had triplets and trying to start in tris 1 year later, one of my sons being diagnosed with autism in '04 and all the therapy for him/depressed funk I had to handle for 2.5 years out of that just to have life stabilize. I still did tris or at least one race even the year he was diagnosed because its my way of putting my finger in the air at setbacks (sick a lot because ittle kids. no sleep etc) and saying you are better than this. Only reason I would not is if I was injured and the race would make it worse or I was so sick I was delirious. I know you will make the right decision. If really want the PR do another race/same distance a few weeks later?
hmmmm. I too am with kara.
FOR ME a vision board so helps.
it keeps me on track as, every time I glance up in my office, there is is reminding me of my goals (from fitness to family).
Miz.
Holy crap - that's a great half marathon time!! You're crazy!!! You would have been done long before I got out there to cheer, and I'm sorry I missed you!!
WAY TO GO!!
p.s. I'm getting everyone I know to sign up for the Winter Carnival Half Marathon! I did that one last year, and I want to run it again. Are you game?!?
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