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#I'M REAL: Sometimes You Have to Stop and Smell the Roses!
If you ask me what is the key to longevity I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress, and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”
Comedian George Burns was definitely in to something: Science suggests aging and longevity are influenced not only by genes and lifestyle among other factors but also specifically having a positive attitude, freedom from anxiety, optimism and a sense of human along with a perspective of vowing life as a great adventure. In other words, a person with low neuritis, openness and self awareness or consciousness.
First understand that when an athlete is trying to find that perfect prescription of just enough stress to elicit a response in balance with proper recovery- well- that limit can easily elude a coach and an athlete due to the many variables. The - know better do better- cannot be applied when life, bodies, and the chaos that is the universe decides the future.
For instance, the “small fires” that Doc, coach, and my restraint muscle has “put out” in the little niggles on my body that obviously pop up when adding intensity to my 30 plus year career of racing- have been just that small. Sometimes I enter the Tross office with a “ well shot I did it to myself! This spot right here- it doesn’t feel right! And I leave with skip in my step and a huge smile on my face after some laser treatments and an assurance it’s fine for my training to proceed: and what do you know: I stay calm and carry on- eventually the “crisi” I talked myself into is a tiny blurb as I continue to crush workouts that make my days HEAVENLY!
And then, there are the fires that turn WILD. Specifically, the nasty case of recuts femora’s tendonitis I picked up - hindsight I see I could have waited an extra day or two for that last long tempo - I had gotten little sleep the night before and my immune system was down for just a bit but I went ahead and executed cause I was excited- when I could have done something light, rested well and showed up the next day during full force for a workout that required a full force effort sans compensation that indefinitely walks next to fatigue.
Why is everything so easy to see hindsight- but I digress- that is just too much pressure to think me or coach or doctor or personal trainer can know exactly all the variables that greatly affect our run stride and nervous system levels. I mean- we do have wearables- but those cannot always be trusted either. So my conclusion- keep communicating with your people who help manage your journey and goals but in the end- YOU KNOW- YOU KNOW and you have to start also trusting yourself: body and mind!
I am currently relaxing by the pool at Port Orleans Riverside on Disney Property after 2 glorious days having fun and connecting with my mother and big sister: time we cherish once a year with each- it truly is such a blessing to get this time with my girls- although all three of us are constantly talking about work, goals, we do enjoy taking a breath to play and chatter for a bit together. This is the 3rd time we have come to Disney specifically to run the marathons. The last 2 were amazing; neither did I have any expectation and ran as hard and happy as rock n roller coaster. So this year, even though there is no attachment to this race other than fun, I was craving putting myself in the fire. I wanted to go there and sit in the burn that is what my fitness can sustain but my mind could easily despised myself to hold.
Why?
Because it is amazing when healthy- to realize how powerful our thoughts and mind is not only in running but in life.
Why is it that I used to think I redline at 6 pace when in fact I decided no that s not true it’s in your head and yes it will require you to feel a bit icky but that’s when you grow! As long as your stride is healthy - go there and embrace the sticky and watch those walls come crumble if down my friend. So when doing this, I practice all my mental toughness I can in practice so I know I can do it in the race! But it’s important to walk away from these workouts optimally and not maximally taxed. In other words- you rarely want to “go to the well” in training. This is the elusive line the dialed in athlete must be conscious of. Back that truck up for a bit! Then go dig again!
Trust that your race will be a hard performance- the race is not to be done in practice.
So I’m in Disney and I take my hip for a ride yesterday and I knew. The pain from this area was too much along with the suffering putting myself in the fire.
So here I am- in chapter 4 of my 24 chapter book- uggg I have to back the truck up.
Big picture- “we can’t always get what we want”
I’ve had so many fun moments the past year in running- the times, places, people- are precious.
So today I am grateful. Thank you for keeping me on my feet universe. I will listen-
Running is a gift to be enjoyed- and although I love to jump in that fire- I only get so much ha!
Looks like I will be racing with the masses and taking pictures with Nicky mouse this year!
With Gods grace I will have more opportunities; never give up. Always have perspective. LIVE LIFE even when life doesn’t give you it all -ha! This princess is gonna hang with some other princesses.
Give me a virtual high five for easy running this race- it’s not easy❤️❤️❤️🤣😳❤️
UPDATE: WE HAD A BLAST THIS MORNING!!!!! Thank you all for sending me those virtual hugs - I felt them. Today I was so very grateful for where I am today: At Disney with my momma and big sissy (both who I coached to this Half finish), running with a full heart and a patience that will feed the big picture.
#loveallrunning opportunities- fast, easy, beautiful, ugly, steady, exciting, hard - ALL OF THEM!
LONGEVITY! It takes a willingness to accept, breath, and work on having an attitude of gratitude.
