How to complete a long-distance race successfully
Thought process of a running runner
For many fitness enthusiast (or aspiring ones), completing a half/full marathon is a pretty common dream.
Recently, I joined a race known as “Seek the Peak” that happened in North Vancouver on June 24th, 2018.
Nope, not the Scotiabank half marathon that was happening on the same day in downtown. This was a 13KM run.
Yes I see that look of chagrin.
But it was 13KM, 1400m elevation.
And knowing that people can get out of breath just climbing 100m flight of stairs… this is 14X that.
So I suggest you try the Grouse Grind so you’ll understand what I mean by “this was a f***ing TOUGH race”- For people outside of Vancouver, If you wanna experience being a true ‘Vancouverite’, put this down as your to-do list.
Once again I shall recite. This was a f***ing TOUGH race. Toughest one I’ve ever done in my life.
But then again I only did 10KMs before. But I would imagine running a half would be easier or almost the same feeling as this.
I completed this race in 2:47:47. Pretty cool number eh.
So here’s some of my tips on what to expect when you sign up for a a long-distance race and how to complete the race successfully.
No I’m not here to give you tips on pre-race training (workouts, food to eat etc.), you can find many other articles online on that.
I’m here to guide you through the mental process DURING the race.
“The mind is stronger than the body. Trust that and watch what your body can do”— Brandon Hendrickson
In essence, the body achieves what the mind believes
And really when you’re physically running, it’s inevitable that there will be constant mental thoughts running through that brain of yours too.
Let me start by giving you a heads up on what you’ll probably encounter BEFORE a race starts.
You’ll see people around you with bright compression socks, fancy run packs over their backs and you’re wearing your company’s T-shirt you got for free…you start to question whether you got the right gear on to actually run.
People around you are chugging down protein shakes and bars and you probably only had a banana or nothing at all…you wonder whether you would faint during the race from ‘not having enough protein to sustain’.
People are rushing to be at the front of the line to get a ‘good spot’…you wonder whether you’ll get pushed behind.
Overall, regardless if these thoughts do surface…
Think: oh well, I guess I am at a disadvantage here; so If I do beat these people, man what an achievement that would be! But If I don’t that’s ok too.
Next part: The “journey”
It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen. — Claude M. Bristol
I cannot stress this enough.
You gotta consciously and constantly tell yourself:
“YOU CAN DO THIS”
Because your subconscious will be a jerk and tell you that “This is uncomfortable! Stop asap!”
Or you can repeat any other positive affirmations (You rock, You have strong legs etc.) If you get tired of the one above.
Other forms of motivation include:
Think of all the fat you gonna burn and all the ice cream (or whatever food you love) you can eat after.
Pick a runner that you feel is compatible to your pace and silently race him/her.
Every time you see someone slightly ahead of you, sprint to pass him/her then slow down again (interval training woot!)
And every time you pass someone, give yourself a silent HIGH-5 heh.
Swear- like actually say it out (Don’t scream- you’ll just lose your breath and annoy other runners). You’ll be amazed how it pushes you to work a little harder.
Be kind to yourself- if you feel like you can’t go on anymore, just go at a really slow pace and convince yourself the most important part is YOU DO YOUR BEST to cross the finish line.
Focus on enjoying the moment. The view. The feeling of your feet flying of the ground. The sound of your breathing. The wind blowing across your face…
And at the last 100 meters:
Don’t think, just SPRINT.
When you cross the finishing line…
It’s up to you to do and think whatever you want now lol.
(I’ll be cursing a whole lot in my mind for sure cause’ I’ll be too out of breath to speak)
I hope my experience gives you some useful insights; or perhaps for some, something to relate to and laugh about.
Will I ever do the race again though? Probably not.
Will I ever attempt a half or full? Same answer.
I guess I am not willing to do those things to prove my fitness capabilities. What’s there to prove anyway? I finished a race? So what? So I feel good about myself.
So the ultimate goal is not to finish the race but to feel good about myself.
But to “torture” oneself for 2–3 hours just to feel good…I don’t know about you but I can get that with interval training for 20 minutes, or yoga(or whatever physical activity one enjoys doing).
Though not to say running is bad, don’t get me wrong; for people who TRULY enjoy it please go ahead! But for people who do not enjoy running- don’t force yourself to do it because it will make you “fitter”, or because “everybody is doing it”.
Do what makes you happy. Do what makes you feel good.
And If you say “I hate ALL physical activity- none of them works for me so I’m just gonna be a couch potato”the you’re just a lazy piece of sh-
*cough
You just haven’t found the right type yet, so keep exploring and try new things!
GANBATTE=)
Thanks for reading! Clap or share please If you like it!
Tien Cin