The art of negotiating!

Sometimes an easy run turns into a death march. That was the situation I found myself in today. After a hard 7 days of training I really was due for a rest day, but given that we are in the mountains for a few days I couldn’t resist getting outside on the trails. Well, within a few steps it became apparent it was gonna be one of those runs… My belly hurt, my legs were made of concrete, my breathing was out of control, and my attitude was poor. Too bad. Keep going. Let’s get in at least 4 miles. Ok, fine, maybe 3 is enough. Actually what’s the point. Go home. Dude, stop! Let’s pee and regroup. Ah, that’s better. Ok, I think I can do 4 miles now. You know what, if you run 5 miles, you can definitely take a rest day tomorrow. These splits are terrible. What is wrong with me?! Ok, regroup again. Next thought: what a privilege it is to have a bad day of training. Seriously, what a silly thing to be upset about! Ok, we’re doing 6 miles now and you’re gonna have to just get it done. You’ll live! It’s just time. Keep going. To the top of this hills then it gets easier. Etcetera…

This is how it goes sometimes. The ongoing negotiations in your head can be heated and intense, but somehow you’ve gotta to find a way to stay positive - to get the job done! Then give yourself credit for finishing the job, and for winning the battle between your ears. 

The best endurance athletes have found a way to master the art of negotiating. After all, what the mind believes the body achieves!

Keep going. Always keep going!

-Thys