Whether it was advice from a coach, something from a friend or in a running group, what is something you’ve heard and put into practice that has left the biggest impression on you?
“Race pace is a little bit faster than comfortable.” — my mother, who has never run a race once in her life, but somehow gave me this lodestar to follow whenever I get lost in my pace.
“Slow down.” - Source: online, every running coach and influencer
Joking aside… the biggest mistake I made in my early running days, which were just a few years ago because I took up running after the age of 50, was to go out every run with the intent of getting a PB in either speed or distance. Learning that this was NOT the way was a big part of my running journey. Understanding the value of zone 2/easy running and its impact on cardio fitness was a significant learning experience for me. It also helped me to enjoy running more because every run didn’t have to be hard. I could just run and enjoy it.
I love this and resonate because I know that I am NOT going to win the race. While I was getting my scuba certificate, the instructor kept saying, "the slower you go, the more you will see." Slowing down saves energy, thus oxygen esp with scuba. I try to apply this principle while running because there is so much to see and appreciate. My last race I took my time and had some wonderful conversations.
Definitely tough at races! I’m about to start a training block for a half marathon in December, and I know when I run it I’ll be adrenaline-hyped. But I’ll really be trying to follow a pace chart. (Of course, I’ll also be trying to get through training without injury, so we’ll see how all this goes!)
It's not something I heard directly; it's a voiceover from Billy Yang in his 2018 documentary called The Why, which explores the reason people run 100-mile races. That quote changed the direction of my running, and it has helped put a lot of things in perspective. Here's what he said:
“When it’s your time, do you want to leave a well-preserved body, or do you really want to use it? A body with stories that says you’ve pushed it, and at times suffered, and you sought its potential.”
So true — very Hunter S. Thompson! Also really, newly relevant in this age we’re living in, with AI swirling all around us. What it means to live and be in the world in our bodies, to enjoy the physicality of living to the fullest, is something I think a lot about lately. This is really well put 👏
It dawned on me once, during an episode of excessive self-criticism, that not only were the people I imagined to be judging me *not* judging me, they weren’t thinking about me at all — they were thinking about themselves too! 😀
I’d say the advice Homer got from grandpa Simpson is always good to keep in mind. That was something like, “If you ever travel back in time, don't step on anything.”
But something more practical would be from a book I read recently, Meb’s 26 Marathons. It said, “You don’t need to get a gold medal in every workout.”
I don’t follow it too closely, but I like the thought.
I met and ran with Helen at the 1998 Shadows of the Giant 50K trail race near Fish Camp, CA, just south of Yosemite. She was 76 at the time. A great woman.
“Race pace is a little bit faster than comfortable.” — my mother, who has never run a race once in her life, but somehow gave me this lodestar to follow whenever I get lost in my pace.
'Running is 100% mental'
(meaning both - 'it's all about what you believe' *and* 'this is totally crazy'!)
We say this to each other in my running group all the time.
'Never quit on the uphill'.
If you have to quit, you have to quit. but wait till the terrain levels off, and see if you still feel that way.
it's had huge effects on my running - and my life.
Definitely this: "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”
From Haruki Murakami.
Also really like this one from Adam Wood, who must have heard this from someone else, but can be difficult to trace:
“The only way out is through.”
“Keep breathing” though it was for golf. Basically slow it down and be focused. Can work for running as well. “Pace yourself”
I can’t remember who said it initially but “ a body in motion stays in motion” doesn’t have to be fast or far just moving.
Newton's first law of motion.
Fantastic gems, thanks for sharing them.
“Choose not to be offended.”
I made that up myself, and it is very, very tough to do. I’m naturally critical and I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not the police.
Marcus Aurelius: 'Choose not to be harmed - and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed - and you haven't been'
Is it Necessary!
Also definitely true!
"Have you thought this through...chewed down to the bone?"
"In the end, we all must find our own way".
“Slow down.” - Source: online, every running coach and influencer
Joking aside… the biggest mistake I made in my early running days, which were just a few years ago because I took up running after the age of 50, was to go out every run with the intent of getting a PB in either speed or distance. Learning that this was NOT the way was a big part of my running journey. Understanding the value of zone 2/easy running and its impact on cardio fitness was a significant learning experience for me. It also helped me to enjoy running more because every run didn’t have to be hard. I could just run and enjoy it.
I love this and resonate because I know that I am NOT going to win the race. While I was getting my scuba certificate, the instructor kept saying, "the slower you go, the more you will see." Slowing down saves energy, thus oxygen esp with scuba. I try to apply this principle while running because there is so much to see and appreciate. My last race I took my time and had some wonderful conversations.
I did the same thing at my first marathon — I was so nervous/excited to get started — and definitely learned my lesson a few miles in!
Definitely tough at races! I’m about to start a training block for a half marathon in December, and I know when I run it I’ll be adrenaline-hyped. But I’ll really be trying to follow a pace chart. (Of course, I’ll also be trying to get through training without injury, so we’ll see how all this goes!)
It's not something I heard directly; it's a voiceover from Billy Yang in his 2018 documentary called The Why, which explores the reason people run 100-mile races. That quote changed the direction of my running, and it has helped put a lot of things in perspective. Here's what he said:
“When it’s your time, do you want to leave a well-preserved body, or do you really want to use it? A body with stories that says you’ve pushed it, and at times suffered, and you sought its potential.”
It's very Hunter S. Thompson, and I love it.
So true — very Hunter S. Thompson! Also really, newly relevant in this age we’re living in, with AI swirling all around us. What it means to live and be in the world in our bodies, to enjoy the physicality of living to the fullest, is something I think a lot about lately. This is really well put 👏
So many good bits of advice over the years e.g.
No one else cares (in relation to your pace and sharing runs on Strava etc)- you do you
Run the mile you’re in- great for long runs
Smile- it sends a message to the brain that you’re enjoying it (doesn’t always work…)
It dawned on me once, during an episode of excessive self-criticism, that not only were the people I imagined to be judging me *not* judging me, they weren’t thinking about me at all — they were thinking about themselves too! 😀
Ha so true but it takes way too many years to finally figure that out
Comparison is the thief of joy isn’t it?!
I’d say the advice Homer got from grandpa Simpson is always good to keep in mind. That was something like, “If you ever travel back in time, don't step on anything.”
But something more practical would be from a book I read recently, Meb’s 26 Marathons. It said, “You don’t need to get a gold medal in every workout.”
I don’t follow it too closely, but I like the thought.
Very, very true (both quotes!)
I especially like the one about not needing a gold medal every time out — it’s counterintuitive, but it hurts us in the long run, doesn’t it?
RFM: Relentless Forward Motion. Helen Klein (female pioneer ultra runner) told me this mantra was the key to her success running ultras.
I didn’t know who Helen Klein is but now I’ve just googled her and… wow! What a legacy she’s left. When did you meet her?
I met and ran with Helen at the 1998 Shadows of the Giant 50K trail race near Fish Camp, CA, just south of Yosemite. She was 76 at the time. A great woman.