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9 weeks and counting
Posted on July 19, 2011 by tbrush3 in UncategorizedMy next Ultramarathon test is just over 9 weeks away. I have 7 key long runs between now and the race that will really help make this happen. A very funny thing happened this week that I have not been able to figure out. Confidence. The one thing I have never had when getting ready for one of these races is, Confidence. From the 50k, 50 miles, 12 and 24 hour races there has always been doubt of whether I can do this or not.
This week for some reason I woke up with a little confidence, in fact I will say a lot. I have no idea why. I wondered a couple of things. First, I thought well I have seen every possible bad scenario happen so surely there is not much that can surprise me now. Second, I thought what is the worst that can happen? Again, I think in Philly last year leaving my insides all over the course I have already had that happen. Finally, I thought maybe it is a combination of many things. I have seen the bad and experienced the good and I know at some point misery will come. I also trust my training plan and I plan to have support at the race as well. Having someone in your corner can really lift your spirits.
This past weekend while camping with my family, many things happened. Some of those good and some of those bad. We drove away from our camp site with excitement about our experience as a family and looking forward to the next one. That is why I am confident about September. I am expected some low points and hoping for some enjoyment. I plan to execute the best that I can and drive away being able to remember a great experience. That is my concentration for my next 7 long runs.
Why not be confident? I have never been confident and that hasn’t worked. So if for some reason I have developed a little confidence, I guess I will use it. My encouragement to you is find a reason to be confident. Whether it is your first 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon. Find something to give you confidence.
67 days to go. But who is counting?!
Happy running….
Hi Trey,
Confidence sounds awesome, I really need to find some of that, I wonder if I can buy it online?? I just wondered, you mention a training plan, and given that I have signed up for a 56 mile race (which may not be considered that long), for me seems a REALLY long way to jog. I have taken it into my head that just running more will help me get to where I need to go, but that is my general answer to everything, just do more of whatever it is that you need to produce. Can you offer any advice in regards to a first time ultra marathon runner that has until September to get it all together?
Many thanks,
jj
Trust me, that is a long ways! You can do it. A couple of things I have learned the hard one. 1- Make a plan to do some walking and start early. If you don’t start early enough it is too late later. 2- Be flexible with your plan. 3- Walk the hills. Not sure if you are on a hilly course but walk the hills. 4- Think big picture. Don’t run each mile and think about each mile. I always run aid station to aid station.
Let me know how it goes. I don’t have the ultra’s figured out at all! But I keep learning lessons!
Confidence in a wonderful thing, especially since success in such events depends so much on mind over matter, continuing on in spite of physical discomfort and pain. Who know what brings confidence. It could be experience or your training, or more probably, a combination. Whatever. It will help you succeed.