In the optimism-pessimism scale, I’m a water-bottle half-full kind of guy. Want to think the best. Rah-rah-rah! Find a solution, rather than wallow in the problem.
Except when it comes to racing. I always spend too much time in my head—thinking about what I did, what I could’ve done better, what hurts, and what the hurdles are. As we are now in the final countdown for Big Sur, there’s nothing else I can do to improve my performance. But what I can do is get the negative thoughts out of my mind shut it! and stop thinking about the reasons why Sunday will be a struggle z-z-z-zip it! Instead, all positive energy! From now until then…
I will appreciate the opportunity to run this course.
I will look at a hill and say “whatever it takes,” not any phrase that starts with “what the.”
I will pack enough bandages, balm, and anti-inflammatories.
I will think of the race in four parts and just figure out how to get through the one I’m on.
I will look at the ocean and say, “Wow.”
I will look at my frothy thighs and say the same thing.
I will think of what feels good (hey, my elbows seem to be ok!), not what doesn’t.
I will pack a PayDay bar. And pickles.
I will clip my body-hair before I leave because that makes me feel faster.
I will accept that I know that it won’t.
I will say thank you to the volunteers.
I will keep my eyes up.
I will accept whatever race I run.
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Ted is training in preparation for the 2016 Big Sur International Marathon with Runner’s World VIP. To learn how you can be part of the RW VIP program, visit runnersworldblog.com/vip.
