Mental Fortitude
Dear Diary
5 weeks to CTM 42.2km
1 week to The Gun Run 21.1km
The phrase that has been top of mind this week is mental fortitude. It’s not so much about pushing through the physical discomfort but pushing through disbelief. Believing in yourself is key to getting through the mileage. The affect of the long distance, the physical demand on your body and how your body responds to the challenge of it all is not something I can fully describe just yet. But, it is intriguing and addictive.
I had a lightbulb moment this week. In a discussion with one of my staff, Dickson, we discussed transporting a cupboard. The client informed us that it took 4 guys to deliver this unit so it sounded really heavy. Chatting with my team leader about whether we should get extra hands, he assures me that it won’t be necessary. Here is his logic; he says that if he tells himself it is going to be heavy, it will be heavy. If he tells himself he will manage then it won’t be heavy. Powerful stuff! Same with marathon training. I decided that I can manage the distance. I did exactly that.
Decide your outcome before beginning!
This week's runs:
Tuesday - 7.85km. I wasn’t feeling great. My stomach was still upset with what I think was a nasty little bug. Pushed through but it was tough and I felt weak.
Wednesday - 9km - I had 1000 reasons not to run tonight but so happy I showed up. Stomach still a little upset but felt stronger than Tuesday.
Thursday - Day ran late so no running.
Saturday - 30km - 4:18:29 - It was a goodie! Cramps made for a tough middle piece but perked up after 21km. My pace was nice and slow, I had energy until the last km and then was so happy to finish. It really was emotional!
Sunday - 40mins - Brisk walk to loosen up the legs. I felt 1000% better than the previous weekend.
'I didn't even register the time.'
Yesterday I ran 30kms. Go me! It seems like a crazy distance and I can’t believe that I ran it. Second long run where I didn't register the time as was more about getting through the distance and various checkpoints. It is odd that I don't register the time as it is lengthy time on the road - near 4h20. We ran from the club in Meadowridge along the main road till Kalk bay harbour and then turned back towards Kirstenhof. We cut through the suburb until Tokai rd and turned up towards the circle, right onto Orpen, Spaanschemat and finally Ladies Mile back to the club. It was a lovely flat-ish route along one of my favourite stretches of road. I ran a large part of it on my own while dealing with cramps and lame legs but I do love my own company and a good tune. I felt good, had good energy throughout and finished strong. I am so proud of myself!
'I am so proud of myself!'
'It is one of my favourite stretches of roads!'
The training group was supported by a special bunch of people seconding with water, coke and snacks. It is special to be so supported.
I tried droewors as a snack and it worked well. I drank much less 32GI energy drink and water while I was expecting to finish both. The protein and fats work well for me to sustain energy.
I’m getting used to the additional weight with the hydration pack and collapsible flasks. I would like to do some of the shorter mid-week runs with the full pack on to gauge the weight better. My shoulders are a little stiff today! Other than that, I love my Rock Rabbit pack. The flasks with straws are absolutely fabulous. The pockets are so spacious and carry loads. I figured out how to silence any splashing water so it's absolutely silent. I’m quite sound sensitive as are many runners.
Invest in your own Rock Rabbit and get 20% off: Haylee20
Next week is the GUN RUN 21.1km! I am EXCITED. It will be my 3rd Gun Run.
Top tips for the week:
Believe in yourself that you CAN go the distance! Making this mental switch for me was MASSIVE.
Intentions for the upcoming week:
Get back into healthy eating to try shift a few kilograms before the marathon
Upcoming runs:
Here is my list for the rest of the year and some others you might like.
The Gun Run 21.1km September 18th Sunday (2) (entered) Cape Town Marathon 42.2km October 16th Sunday (0) (entered) Landmarks Half Marathon & 6km Fun Run/Walk 21.1km November 6th Sunday (0) Winelands Marathon 21.1km November 26th Saturday (0) (entries open) The Slave Route Challenge 21.1km March 2023 (1) Cape Peninsula Marathon and Half Marathon 21.1km February 2023 (2) Two Oceans Marathon 21.1km or 56km April 2023 (10) SAFARI Half Marathon 21.1km May 2023 (1)
Fueling:
32gi Sports Chews, Endure Sports Drink and Hydrate for running/snack fuel
HMT Vegan Protein - post run recovery. I loved chocolate for years and now love combining the strawberry and vanilla flavours. Takealot: https://tinyurl.com/25n6s7d6
HMT L’Glutamine - amino acid replacement and before bed to aid recovery. This stuff is the bomb! Takealot: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ep5nb.
Hasta la próxima
XOXO
Haylee
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