Runners/athletes, I believe, are perfectionists by nature. We strive for the right shoe, the right distances to run, the best clothes for the activity, proper fueling and the best food for the sport. We (I am anyways) always searching/striving to get better at what I do. I also will go back and analyze a bad day and examine all the reasons why I might have been FLAT that day.
My cyclist husband, has been “practicing/training” for cycling forever. But, now that he’s at the ripe old age of 43, he has just NOW figured out the formula for success in cycling (and he has yet to win a race). To compete at his level, he’s had to really improve his anaerobic capacity so that he can go HARD for a long time on race day. He’s really made a complete 180 degree shift how he lives his life.
Yesterday, Bobbi and I ran 20 miles. Pitch black at the start with some lightning off in the distance. Fairly muggy weather for California, but with the cloud cover it didn’t feel so hot. My buddy, is little miss cheerful. Even at 5 in the morning, she’s got a spring in her step and just CAN do it. I knew as soon as we started running, that I didn’t have the Oomph that she did. As long as I was running, I was ok. But, as soon as we stopped to stretch, pee, or refuel, I wanted to cry. Running 20 miles is freaking hard, people. Last weekend’s 18 was hard too, but, when we finally got to my house, I put both knees on the grass and told my husband I was going to crawl to the door. I didn’t but man oh man, what the hell did I get myself into? I have no idea how, but we finished the run with an 830 mile. For the whole 20 miles, our average was 830. Crap, that is fast. My legs know what to do but my brain is fighting me the whole way. If I said, gee, my legs feel flat- Bobbi will say no they are as light as a feather. During the running, I could here myself saying, just keep going, just keep going…I used every mental tactic I could plus one that I shouldn’t - anger. Although, a little anger got me through one of the ending miles. In retrospect, I’ve thought through all the possible reasons why I was flat on Saturday and I don’t have an answer. (maybe the 2 glasses of wine didn’t help– saving that for another post). This week, I am going to pay attention to every morsel that goes in my mouth, how much sleep I get and anything else that may effect my ability to run 20 miles. Bottom line, I will get this right.
If you’re in the business of hiring someone, you should hire an athlete. Why? Because we do it better!
Athletes are people who understand the concepts of WORKING TOWARDS something. Athletes are not lazy.
Why are all you athletes so awesome?
cause you are NOT couch potatoes.
You believe in working on these things until you figure them out. Understand the concept of practice,
striving for things, goal oriented
Athletes are for life- once an Athlete always an athlete!
10 responses so far ↓
1 Andrew is getting fit // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:40 am
I have to agree!
Next job interview I have I’m going to bring up running!
Andrew is getting fits last blog post..A run in the sun
2 UltraRob // Sep 1, 2008 at 4:01 am
I’ve worked with a lot of really good software developers that are also incredible athletes. I’m guessing it’s not because they’re athletes but because of their natural drive. Of course all the practice setting goals and doing what it takes to achieve them as an athlete has to also help.
UltraRobs last blog post..Time to Practice for Cyclocross
3 Running Knitter // Sep 1, 2008 at 4:34 am
Awesome job on your 20 miler!
Running Knitters last blog post..Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.
4 Lance // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:56 am
You know why I think athletes would make great business people (or whatever profession they choose)? If they’ve competed in a race of any kind, they know what it takes to complete it. Whether that’s a 5K run, a triathlon, or a marathon. There are demons to tackle along the way. There are highs and lows. And, for me it’s also not just about finishing. It’s also about the journey I’m on during the race. And isn’t that what’s it’s like the the profession we choose, as well. There are good days, and there are bad days. Deadlines. Just like running a race. And these races end up being just as much mental as they are physical. And the mental toughness is what really helps in all of the activities we do outside of the races we’re in…
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
5 MizFit // Sep 1, 2008 at 10:59 am
Id say, FOR ME, it is because I have found a fab stress reliever so you know I A. wont bring it to the job and 2. if I get stressed out I KNOW what to do with it and it doesnt involved screaming at you or drinking copious amounts and not showing up tomorrow
MizFits last blog post..Labor(ing? less?) Day Monday.
6 Mark Salinas // Sep 1, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Great post! I am a wannabe…ran 22 miles on Saturday. Sore right butt!
Mark Salinass last blog post..Talli van Sunder-The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
7 Fitarella // Sep 1, 2008 at 2:48 pm
congrats Rach, that is awesome! I’ll have a post on it soon, but my speed goal is not something i’m focusing on right now. Its not the right time and to be honest, i’m not into it at the moment. Anyhoo, you are absolutely right, athletes DO do it better
Fitarellas last blog post..The You’re an Idiot Diet
8 Yuri | myTreadmillTrainer.com // Sep 1, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Hey Rachel,
I’ve been following your blog for a few weeks now and I’m inspired by what you’re doing.
If only my mom were as fit and determined as you.
Since you’re into running and interval training, I was wondering if you’d like experience my Treadmill Trainer iPod running workouts.
I guarantee you’ll reach your running goals with the help of these running workouts!
Let me know.
Yuri
9 kch // Sep 2, 2008 at 3:06 am
“ripe old age of 43″? Hey, I resemble that remark! ;o)
kchs last blog post..2008 Olympics - The Men’s Marathon
10 Playful Professional // Sep 3, 2008 at 2:49 am
This is an inspiring post for me because I have claimed to be an athlete my entire life but have really fallen away from my athleticism in the past two years. If I’m going to be an athlete again, I better get off my butt and stop being that couch potato. Oh and I do want to be an athlete again.
Playful Professionals last blog post..Tuesday Totals #2
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