Train your Brain, then your Body

There is and may not ever have been an athlete with the combination of mental toughness and physical ability of Chrissie Wellington. You just know that behind that smile is something very special. Here is a glimpse:

• Have a mantra and/or a special song to repeat
• Keep a bank of positive mental images
• Practice visualization beforehand
• Break the race up into smaller, more manageable segments
• Remember that training is about learning to hurt
• Get people to support you
• Mentally recall inspirational people
• Consider racing for a cause that is bigger than yourself

http://www.chrissiewellington.org/
article
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/health/chrissie-wellington-triathlete-champion/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

her new book - a life without limits
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Without-Limits-Champions-Journey/dp/1455505579/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330173558&sr=1-1

I read her book and it was a very honest, insightful glimpse into the mind of an adventurous, smart and caring person who just happens to be a four times world champion.

Run to work day

The thought struck me, if I commute to work running (9+ each way) then getting 50 miles/week in becomes a piece of cake. I commuted by bike for a while, so running will just take a bit longer. So today I got up earlier, and gave it a try. Left in the dark, 35F, headlight and backpack at 5:45. I really enjoyed the run, but I was fresh and there is a 350 foot drop in elevation from home to work.

The trip home was a different story. I hit a wall with about 2 miles to go, but the beauty of commuting is you have no reasonable options but to run (or walk) home. I walked a bit to gather myself then managed to finish running.

Sue took this as I made my way down the home stretch. It was getting dark, so I put the light back on.

A few days to recover, and maybe next week .....

After all, if I commute 2 days/week, that's almost 40 miles =  wooo  wooo