Practicing Focused Intent

Its mile 4 if doing the 10k, or mile 11 if you're doing the half - - your body is feeling weary, your mind wants to be done. At one point or another you will hit a wall. Usually it will be a "mental" wall, you've trained for months you KNOW your body can finish. This is when you start chunking your long victory into small wins by creating distractions. I call it, "Practicing Focused Intent". Here are a few of my favorites that keep me moving:

• Pick a tree or object 100 yards ahead of you and tell yourself you can slow down when you reach that point.
• Spell your name, each step is a letter. Do your entire family! Keep going until each one is spelled out. Slow down when you,re finished! Your reward period should be much shorter than your earning time.
• Have a goal of counting to a 1000, I usually never make it, however -- its a good distraction while trying.
• Start a conversation with other receptive runners! A quick chat can lift the spirits!
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Another good distraction!

We are so fortunate to be doing a fully supported race. Approximately every two miles there will be a water station with Hammer Heed Hydration electrolyte drink and Hammer Head gels. They also have port-a-potties at each station. And the end of the race they have "post race" food for everyone to enjoy. Usually its fruits, carbs, and drinks! And all you half marathoners will receive a fabulous medallion.

Look at that car load of happy faces! We had six of us for Greenlake Saturday practice. Way in the back you can see Hope Soley and Jeannie McLam. Do you see something remarkable? Were ALL smiling and thats after our practice. The next row is Erica Wolf and Lorraine Cunningham, and riding shot gun is Pat Hamburg. We then high tailed it to 74st Ale House for a yummy healthy lunch!

You have all been awesome about getting in your donations. Thanks so much! This week the last payment is due! See you Thursday for practice. Soup bar opens at 6pm.

GO BEADS!!!