A Passion for Running

Comment by Susan

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

Even the blogfather is allowed some emotional turmoil now and then. Just do your best and have a great time…and it will all work out. I’ve said this before–as new runner, it helps to see you more experienced runners go through ups and downs since I have them all the time. Somehow it normalizes the whole running experience.

Comment by Jon in Michigan

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

I think its part of the process, Mark. You train hard, you break muscles down, so you can build them up again. So it is with the mental training. Deep self doubt comes in so that you can fight it off, and build up your confidence even stronger. Work the self-doubt like you would a big hill.

Good luck Sunday!

Comment by Chris Brogan...

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

I’ve been reading EXTENSIVELY on the mental aspects of sports. I’m doing this because I am really *really* bad at that part of it. The figuring out how to run, how to breathe… that’s all coming to me. But coming up with ways to fight all the various demons in my life? Phew… what a long trip that is.

My recommendation is to shift your reading from mechanics to mentals. Get books like MIND GYM and THE NEW TOUGHNESS TRAINING FOR SPORTS. Read about the skull work that goes into being an athlete. I think you’ll find your work coming around to that stuff.

Comment by Oliver

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

Mark, good luck for the race… Mixed emotions before a race is a common thing (maybe not for the younger, more “natural” runners but…), just be focused before the race, set your goal and be focused the whole time during the race (each k each mile!) and it will work out especially with your pretty good training. Off course, you can fail but with the right attitude and goal set it’s more probable that you will succeed! By the way, be also flexible enough to change your goal during the race.. In the end, bring on the road all you can do and this will always be a personal success for you! It’s not just the clocking time what matters! Beat yourself and you will beat the others And afterwards have a big party together…

Comment by Dianna (running chick)

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

Go buy yourself an orange hat. You’ll find the strength within the hat. I swear (but you MUST wear the brim low and tight or it won’t work).

We all know you can do whatever you set your mind to…you just need to believe it too!

Comment by april

Tuesday August 17, 2004 @

What? you are not invincible? I thought you were a supper hero? I actually think it’s probably more normal to have doubts and questions, compared to being perfectly confident all the time. Yet I have no doubt that you will do an awesome job…and I loved Olivers’s idea, if you need to readjust your goals in the middle of a race, it’s completely okay. Good Luck with the race!