Get Comfortable being Uncomfortable
For those of you who missed my seminar last week, one of the things I discussed was how you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
The thing about endurance races and training for these races, is the fact it isn't easy. As people sign-up for one of my programs or for our running club, and we discuss their goals and what they want to do, I usually tell them it won't be easy.
It would be wonderful, if we could all take a magic pill that would help us lose weight, get us fit, and make us faster, but we all know there isn't such a thing. The only way to achieve your goals is to work hard and to earn them. For some, this comes easier than others. It's often tough to look at people who make it look effortless and easy. However, there isn't one of those people who make it look easy who hasn't worked extremely hard to get to that point.
As you all continue to train for the 1/2 or full marathon or a summer triathlon or if you're just joining us to stay fit, you must remember, it won't be easy. Staying fit is a way of life. It's something we can all have fun with and enjoy and the more fit you get, the better you feel. However, to get to the point where you are competitive in local or national races, to get to the point that you can say you've lost 25 pounds, you have to learn to be uncomfortable. You have to learn what your body can handle and you need to push your body beyond those limits. You need to use your mind to push away the pain that occurs at mile 16, 19 or 22. You need to know that at some point, the pain won't get any worse and finishing will make it all go away. You have to learn that being uncomfortable during the day, during your training, at night while you watch TV, is normal and once you accept that and you become comfortable with it, it's at that point when you will do well in your races.
What is your tolerance for pain? My pain tolerance, when I go to a dentist, is zero. However, when I run my pain tolerance is much higher. I have the ability to put my body through a great deal of pain. In fact, there are few days when I'm not in pain or not uncomfortable in some way from exercise or my Lupus. The thing I've come to master is using my mind to overcome that pain in workouts and especially in races.
Every once in a while, you all will have to run through pain and once you do, it will only make you stronger and a better athlete. So, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Will take your training and your racing to a whole new level.