As runners we know that our sport, while difficult, gives back way more than it takes. Pounding the pavement has countless rewards: Stress release, confidence, health, mood boost, community, endorphins, I could go on. Studies show that, in a sense, regular running rewires the brain by allowing it to enter a “meditative state” that optimizes [Read More]
The Proper Care and Feeding of Confidence
Cultivating Confidence Are we born confident? Is it in our genes? Or is it learned? Does it flourish if tended to? Can we build it up like a muscle? Does it atrophy with neglect? I was plenty confident as a kid. I kicked ass and took names. Ok not really, but I had an expectation [Read More]
Own Your Awesome
I spoke to a running club the other day. It was fun to be among a group where everyone shares the same passion. What struck me though, was that so many of the runners, women especially, told me how ‘not fast’ they were. Almost all of them are Boston Qualifiers. I know speed is relative, [Read More]
Currently: In Over My Head
I can’t let the middle of the month slip past too much more without a Current update. Books: I’m gorging on Triathlon and Swimming books. Totally immersed (get it?) in my new sport, although I feel like a total poser. Running Path: Running mileage has been intentionally low and I’ve done my share of milling. Although [Read More]
Race Pace Head Case
Yesterday on the new training plan, my coach wanted 7 intervals of 3 minutes each at half marathon pace. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit this gave me no small amount of angst. Coming off a year riddled with injury and the heart scare, in which I ran (I use the term loosely) four halves but [Read More]
Confidence and Kids
Being a parent, I think a lot about confidence and kids. I was especially wary when Thing 1 entered middle school back in September. Those were some awkward years…for me anyway. Thing 1 had minimal trepidation. Her biggest concern was that the gym teacher she got was tough and they had to run a mile [Read More]
20 Miles: Feels Like the First Time
Last Sunday I planned to run my first 20 miler on terra firma of this training cycle. Ideally I’d have already had three or more under my belt by now but it’s been that kind of summer. Travel + heat + bailing to the bike + hip woes = poor training, especially endurance in my [Read More]
Confidence
Google images After answering the question yesterday about when I considered myself a runner, I felt a little embarrassed by admitting to all of you how seemingly full of myself I was as a kid. There’s a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance after all. (Thank you Fancy Nancy for admitting your gymnastic aspirations–good to [Read More]
