My running plan today was to do hill repeats in preparation for an ultra challenge I’ve set myself in October - 50km up and around Box Hill in Surrey.
I don’t think anyone really likes hill repeats.
Today on the 9th repeat of the same hill feeling every heart beat in my chest, I started thinking about the psychology of it all. October feels like a long time away. The benefits of this session aren’t tangible - my legs hurt and I still have 5 more reps to do. The “fun” isn’t quite there in the moment.
However the training isn’t just the push up hill, the down hill nor the recovery time between sets.
The “boring” and the repetition is also training. Having past experience, there is a mental strength required with ultras, and the boring repetition and the drive to just get the next section done is what gets you through the distance when exhaustion has kicked in.
Then comes rest and recovery. Food that benefits the body. Stretching and slow movement to help muscles rebuild.
So the questions I’ve been pondering are: What else in life can this be applied to? What is going on in your life where the goal is far in the future, and the current tasks to get you there are challenging but boring?
Here are my conclusions so far…
Reaching a goal means we need to build habits that move us towards achieving it. This isn’t just starting new ones but recognising and redirecting our attention from bad ones. Habits = repetition. Habits may seem boring but they are the building blocks that help us move toward the goal.
While running, challenges are often linked to physical ability and the environment. In life, challenge comes from the natural resistance to good habits (sugar tastes good right?) but also from life i.e. everyday responsibilities, caring for others etc. We may also have limitations, physical, mentally, or emotionally, that hinder our progress.
What about resting? I find that coaching regularly has the tone of “do more”, “be better”, and “don’t stop” and rest gets sidelined. Rest is also often confused with laziness. Plan in rest and plan what that rest looks like. Rest gives time for reflection and reflection helps us see where we are heading accurately rather than just hoping for the best.
Good habits, challenging yourself, and planned rest and reflection are the building blocks of getting you to where you want to be.
I did miss something important in my reflection so far - I had a companion (see pic) keeping me going...
Goals, habits, rest - all feel more achievable when you aren’t doing it on your own.
In my coaching I aim to balance the drive to achieve, fix, and be better, with the benefits of rest, recovery, and reflection. You can’t keep moving forward if there is literally nothing left in the tank.
What is a goal you’re aiming for?
What are your habits that will help you get there?
How are you building in rest?
Want to explore this in a coaching session? Click here.
