Here's what I'm going to do. I am putting it all on the line and predicting a finish time of 1:59:59. Am I feeling confident like Plaxico Burress after he predicted the New York Giants would beat the 18-0 New England Patriots with a score of 23-17 for Super Bowl XLII? Much like Tom Brady scoffed the idea his perfect season team would lose to the 12 point underdogs, I know those 13.1 miles are scoffing at my predicted time considering my record. But like Plaxico Buress, I have to believe in myself in order to attain the goal. Am I terrified if it doesn't happen? Not one bit. Because if it doesn't happen, I've lost nothing I've never had to begin with.
I've come to recognize I've played it safe most of my life for fear of failing, or not being good at a task the first time I try it, or believing my self-worth is measured by my physical (or lack thereof) abilities. Frankly, when I think about it, I've confined myself to a small little box from self-imposed sanctions. Since my training began, the only sanctions allowed are the sanctions for a strong and healthy body:
1) Eat Right
Eating right may look different for different folks. For me, eating right is about balance. I don't restrict sweets from my diet and I don't follow a particular diet or trend (this is largely due to my very stubborn grandma whom I adore and will post about her when I'm emotionally ready). I enjoy eating coconut ice cream with Pamela's Chocoolate Chunk gluten free cookies and or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I rarely drink, but may have a celebratory beer with my husband maybe once a month. I usually consume eggs for breakfast and like to add salsa (pico de gallo) for some flavor and enjoy orange juice early in the morning. I enjoy salads for lunch (I like to add tomatoes, cukes, garbanzos, carrots, with a lime and olive oil dressing), and will have lean protein (turkey, pork, chicken) with rice and veggies for dinner.
2)Rest When Needed
Maybe it has to do with the fact I'm no spring chicken, but rest has become really important for me. I'm not talking just about sleep, I'm talking about allowing my body to take a break. I feel energized and refreshed with seven hours of sleep. Anymore and I'm groggy, and less and I'm irritable. For training, I like to have two days out of the week where I'm not trying to log miles or work my muscles. I understand others like to train intensely every day, but I know this is what works for me and keeps me from being consumed by guilt when I don't work out or I want to work out but my family needs me.
3)Train Smart
I used to run, run, run, but in the last few half-marathons and marathons prior to my pregnancy, I was getting a lot of injuries around my ankles and feet. Now, I've recognized the importance of strength training to help me push through the last miles strong and injury free. Since incorporating strength training, my form has improved, and parts of my body that were subject to severe soreness during a long run are now stronger - back, quadriceps, shoulders.
I've got five solid months of training before my half, and here is what my schedule will look like:
Monday: Pilates + Run Tuesday: Crossfit *Wednesday: Pilates + Run Thursday: Crossfit Friday:Pilates + Run Saturday: Long Run Sunday: Off
*If my body is up for strength training, I will workout and consider it a bonus, if it's not, I will not feel guilty for not doing so as it was not intended to be a training day. I don't what the Hippie Chick Half-Marathon will bring, but I know what I'm bringing - belief that I can achieve my goal and beat Goliath.
What predictions do you have? Do you believe you have any self-imposed sanctions?
The cover that never was all because a team with confidence did not fear the Goliaths of Football.
No comments:
Post a Comment