That was my thought on number 8 of my 8 x 200meter sprints. Holy sheeshums those were tough! As usual very nervous prior to speedwork this morning. The warm-up was all about thinking about the speedwork to come. I
did 6 x 200 at the same pace last week and struggled, so I was worried there was no way I was going to be able to do 8. And of course those thoughts..."well if you were less of a sissy, you could do them with greater ease". "If you were tougher, they wouldn't seem as hard". Hehe..fortunately I just recognized those thoughts, said "hello" to them, and moved past...I don't have to OWN them. Those thoughts are fear and fear is ok, it's supposed to be there. It means I'm at the edge of my comfort zone and this is where cool things happen....or cold things...it was very cold! ...Sorry, ADD kicking in. After 3 of those I completed the next 5 with hands on knees at the end of each one, then walking, then jogging to recover for 200 meters before the next rep. Next up were 3 x 400s. These I remembered as being a little easier from last week but didn't know how I would feel after doing a couple extra 200s over last week. Once again they were tough, the last 50 meters seemed like 100, but finished those feeling strong and recovered between. And the pic? Not from today! Ha!! Just got tired of posting pics of freezing cold weather!!! It does depict how I felt finishing all those #$%^ing intervals thought! Warm wishes to all out there!
Comments
Thanks for making me question if I'm "running away" from fear. I can totally see that could a problem. I don't think I'm doing that, although you've given me something to pay attention to next time. I think I use the visualization more for not giving my fears power over me and that I'm free to run past them instead of dwelling on them.
It's still hard to be OK with letting fear just "be there"!
Thanks Karen and great visualization. One thing I am learning about fear, is that it is ok to let it be there. Just make sure you aren't trying to "run away" from the fear. I tried that all last year and it hindered me. And then I felt like it "stalked" me. let it be there, just choose to acknowledge it and know that you don't have to "own" it. Look at it as a positive thing. It's there to tell you you are living at the edge of your comfort zone, you are where you should be...it's a good sign, it's there to welcome you into the unknown. As a wise coach told me once, "say hi to it and welcome it". Cruize past, but don't try to cruize "away" from fear. It is there to help you.
Butt-kickin' workout, Lori! I'm getting more comfortable with intervals, too, and one visualization that I have found helpful is to "see" myself running past my thoughts/fears. Especially when I have to make myself stop fighting the speedwork. I relax, smooth out, and cruise away from those thoughts. You and Eric are really helping me understand what benefits there are to training my brain. It really is something I have to work at- it doesn't come naturally! Thank you, thank you! :)
You are awesome (c: Just sayin'
Onward!