Time to running geek out again…you thought in Napa all I did was run through a vineyard and geek out about that amazing view from these two feet…well no there was WAY more running geekdom to be had…followed by some realizations about why I’m not hitting the results that I want.
ANDREW KASTOR
Saturday running geekdom included…a running analysis and conversation with: Andrew Kastor (aka Deeana Kastor’s husband). Pretty sure that’s how people refer to Mr. BMX too…oh that’s Amanda’s Husband…hehe. Now that I have the attention of all running nerds, let me just say when I did my run analysis..he said and I quote “Perfect, great stride”. 
I won’t mention any names…but the person who was supposed to snap my running pic didn’t quite get it 
so here is someone else finishing their run. We each ran a few times and while it wasn’t a scientific clinic with cameras and such…if the man can watch his wife run daily for years and still call my form perfect, well we’re totally best friends.
Mum always told me I was and now it has been confirmed by a third party. I was really excited by this reaction to my form because as many of you know I’ve been working on my form religiously for months now and am slowing seeing the payoff in less injuries and faster times. 
Later that day I also had a chance to sit down with Andrew for about 20 minutes just to chat. Currently he works with Asics at great events like the Oakley Women’s Retreat and coaches about 20 athletes for races around the country…oh and he supports that amazing Olympian of a wife. It was great talking to him about potential races and getting a much needed WTF on my marathon time. I told him my current half PR and he looked at me like why on Earth haven’t you BQ’ed you totally can. He’s right, so if I can get out my own way I will.
LONG RUN FUN
You know all of that talk got me pumped up to run again the next morning right?! Don’t you love the running one handed shot? I think I am going to go pro with these…just not in Miami where I am so sweaty I think my camera would drown. 
BEING MY OWN COACH
This week it’s back to reality with running in Kansas City, flying to Miami, back to St. Louis and all that jazz….so without the amazing scenery and words of wisdom it will be time again to rely on my own inner drive for runs. I love the feeling that running gives me, but have been only half heartedly doing my runs lately because of an inner fear… I am afraid to fail at this marathon.
There I’ve said it…I’m afraid that I will spend months working towards this goal and simply not be able to pull it all together. I know that I can run 26.2 miles, I’ve proven that a number of times. I even know that I can run it much faster than I have based on all my other race times…but can I do it with a smile and still love running?
Do you ever get in your own way? How do you get over a mental fear?
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Gratitude Journal
July 6
I am grateful for corn on the cobb
I am grateful for white cake
I am grateful for watermelon
I am grateful for easy road trips
I am grateful for clean public bathrooms
15 comments:
I need to perhaps go back to the beginning, but with your full week, are you a proffesional runner then? Sorry if that seems like a crazy question.
Here is my latest run story, still pumped over it.
http://yolandarogers.blogspot.com/2011/07/facing-my-fears.html
I just had a similar post about my pre-marathon nerves a few weeks ago. For me, I just need to give myself a good mental talking-to since I know that most of the nervousness is unwarranted. I managed to talk myself down and into a 50-minute PR! Good luck with the rest of your training and your race. You're going to crush it!
WHAT a great feeling to have someone like that confirm you have great form. I would be on cloud 9 for awhile after that!!
I would love to hear that I have perfect form, but I still have months of work ahead of me! Thanks to your comment, I now part of what I need to improve on. Your running has improved so much & I know with your hard work, you will continue to improve and dominate that marathon! Happy running :)
Congrats on your perfect running form. What is your secret to success?
In terms of fears, they are always there and I just remind myself to not give into the fear. I imagine fear as the bully and know that I am strong enough to stand up to the bully and succeed.
How great to have someone you respect tell you what you needed to hear! That with all your hard work will lay the path to your goals. You already had the physical end and now your mental power is increased by his confirmation. Go get it!
My fears? My first 3 marathons were my fastest ever. I see people running such slow (in relation to mine) first marathons and of course they get faster. I went out and hit 3:32 right away. Now, I wonder if I really care about going faster or road running at all? My fear only stems from worry about how that appears to others who seem to think fast is never fast enough.
fear is the WORST. for SO long i was afraid to go for a BQ because i knew how much it would hurt to try for it, and to want it, just to come up short. but if you aren't honest with yourself and you deny the actual goal that you want to achieve you will always feel like you are cheating yourself. go for it woman!!! you CAN DO IT!
That's seriously awesome that your form is perfect!
I'm pretty sure fear is getting in the way right now as I'm training for my first marathon. Luckily I have a running buddy who has no problem telling me that I'm not reaching my potential and helps push me there.
my husband pushed me through all our half marathon training last year and through the actual event. He injured his knee pretty terribly in the process so he cannot participate this year...I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it alone but I'm determined to prove that I can!!
Let me know next time you are back in KC! :)
I am currently standing in my own way a lot lately. Adjusting to running in KC (oh the hills! I hate them!) has been a struggle. I'm running much slower and feel so out of shape. Plus, running without friends on long runs is a new (and so far unpleasant) concept to me as well. I too am afraid I will flop on my marathon, or even on my training. I know I can do it if I put my mind to it, I just need to DO IT and stop talking crap to myself!
That's a tough one. You just have to gradually build confidence in yourself as you complete each workout, being sure to pick workouts that will sufficiently challenge you. Then, trust the training & trust yourself.
When it comes to building speed, I can't recommend the Furman FIRST, Run Less, Run Faster program enough. I love that it requires cross-training between run days to allow for adequate recovery. As an example...I went from a 1:52 half marathon in late March to a 1:44 in early May!
No fear girl. Faith.
You've. Freaking. Got. This.
You know you do.
You're awesome.
The fear of failure only makes success all the more worthwhile!
That is so cool that Andrew Kastor analyzed your stride! I'm not surprised that it is perfect though :)
You are seriously going to rock your race!
BQ is a done deal. You know it. Get out there and do it!
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