Things I've learned now that I'm a seasoned ultramarathon runner

3 things that I've learned now that I'm a seasoned ultramarathon runner

I'm more focused on competing and that requires a ton of things like awareness, mindfulness, research, self-reflection, and being intentional, just to name a few.

All of my preparation reflects what the race course is like and my "A" goal.

Comparison and negative self-talk can occur, which is natural. If you are racing, then these things are bound to occur.

Neither are helpful when it comes to performing well, so it is important to practice dealing with negative self-talk during training and in day-to-day life.

I work towards acknowledging the negative thought, and then I let it go or use "thought stopping."

I've also reframed the thought into something realistic. People might call this positive thinking, but positive thinking is usually a bi-product of thinking more realistically.

I'll take the thought, "I'm too slow" or "I feel slow," and I change it to something like, "you're giving a great effort," "you're running hard, so of course, you're not going to feel the best," "it's you versus the course," and "you're doing better than you think you are."

I know that the work will never end, and I'll continue to stretch myself. There's so much that I want to achieve.

While we tend to only focus on results and the next big thing, it is incredibly important to be happy in the process.

I celebrate the small wins, like nailing the pacing on a harder run or feeling well-fueled during a long run.

All of these are important bricks laid down from a sturdy base for a successful ultramarathon. They need to be acknowledged and celebrated, otherwise, we're delaying happiness.

Celebrating the small wins also offers positive reinforcement. We do more of what works.

There's so much to be grateful for!

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