We are finding ways to be creative while being confined to our homes or a small radius near our homes. Trails and parks are being closed leaving us without the release we have relied on. I have given challenges to clients that have made them think about their surroundings in new ways.
No matter if you are home with your kids helping them virtual learn, laid off, or still working we all still need something. Something that is ours to tie us back to the life we had just 2 months ago. Without a doubt life is going to be different. The way we interact with others, our gatherings, races: a new normal.
In talking with a client today about a virtual race option to spark his training, something occurred to me. There are so many of us, myself included that are still running, still training, but something is missing. We know races are out for the foreseeable future and almost everyone and their mother has a virtual option. But, if you are like me a virtual race seems like a waste of time. That isn't why we race to begin with. However, in being a small business owner I can empathize with the race directors that are trying to make it, trying to keep things similar, trying to raise money. Just trying. So, with a new race that has a virtual option this year, it seemed that maybe that's what I needed.
In going along with David Goggins and needing to re establish his badass. I realized I need to suffer. Our minds are taking over and giving us permission to quit, to take more rest days, to not work as hard. As an ultrarunner masochism comes with the territory. Suffering is a part of the journey. Without races we aren't putting our suffering and what we are made of to the test. The little voice inside is winning.
Not only am I going to do this virtual option of 100 miles, I am going to try to structure it so there is ample opportunity to suffer. Also an opportunity to come out with a fire, and problem solving skills in a time of desperation. I am encouraging my clients to do the same.
In thinking back to these cycles that seem to now be my life of a few good days followed by a few shitty days:repeat. I miss a hard training block with a hard ass goal at the end, I feel lost. I know I am not alone in this. This virtual run is going to be my spark as well. I am going to train like my 100 miler in late September is happening and I am going to show up in fantastic shape.
