Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Is there anybody out there?

The lack of response to my last post has now got me worried that the "Swine Flu" has become a pandemic and wiped out everybody, everywhere except for a certain blogger in the Adelaide suburbs (Hang in there Bay).

Perhaps what I need is to say something contentious, stir the pot, so to speak to get my hits up.You know, the other day I got to thinking Mother Teresa would have been better to spend her remaining days running Ultra marathons in the hills of Virginia then tending the "Untouchables" in some Calcutta ghetto!

Or perhaps you need a few jokes?



Now if your waiting for me to write something intelligent before you comment then I guess I'm screwed!!

Monday, May 18, 2009

THE TARAHUMARA

No, not the boss's life story, but one you will relate to.



I downloaded the above onto my ipod the otherday and been listening to this book on my runs lately. Now I normally wouldn't recommend things to read as I don't know what I'm talking about, yes I know it has never stopped me from blogging about anything before. Still, I have to let you know about this book. Just listening, in parts, gets my heart and mind racing.

Fantastically entertaining and deep on many levels I'm sure everyone could get something out of it. I will be referring to this book for years to come. Do yourself a favor.

By the way, my University closed today for at least a week as there has been a sudden uptick in the cases of so called "Swine Flu" in the greater Kansai region. Don't worry, no dead people here yet, it is just a happy overreaction. Being the positive guy that I am, I'll take advantage of it to get some more some miles in and finish this book ;)

And if you're reading Robert Song, I got the DVD packed with your music mixes that you sent today. Great stuff! Really looking forward to going through these, thanks again mate.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

MENTAL TRAINING

How would you like to run like this in your 80s?


The following is an extract from a speech Earl Fee made about his book, "The Complete Guide to Running" Here he talks a little about mental training. My comments are in bold.

Many runners are spending about 6 to 12 hours per week on running training but hardly anyone is spending even 1 minute per week on mental training. (Being somewhat of a self help book junkie I was very interested to see how these kind of techniques can be used to help one run better)

If you are knowledgeable about the mental techniques and practise them frequently you can greatly improve your performance. You need to learn about the many relaxation, breathing, visualization, focusing techniques and assertive statements.(I've noticed as I've increased my training efforts, mileage, and intensity, it takes great strength of mind to continue, follow through on the plans I've set. Today I had a goal of trying to run as many sub 3:45Ks as I could but was only able to do 6 before I called it quits. I didn't have any lactate acid problems and I think my body was up for a few more but my mind was screaming to me from the 3rd K on to stop. "It's too hot, it said; You're not fit enough for this; Is that a pain in your knee? Did you leave the oven on?" Well you get the picture.)

Vividly imagining is like the real experience The nervous system does not know the difference. This visualization technique is further reinforced by assertive statements which you can use at any time during the day, Repeat to yourself positive statements like” I can run relaxed and light.” “I am strong and prepared.” etc. One powerful technique is to act as if. By acting relaxed, confident and energized you can actually achieve these characteristics. ( I fully endorse what Mr. Fee says about being positive. While I was a really active positive kid, in the last 20 years I've not always been that way. But recently I try to put a positive spin on everything even if I do come off sounding like a bit of a tool. Example Person A: "Hey Scott how was your weekend?" Scott: "Well it was less of a weekend and more of a journey of personal fulfillment." Person A: "You're a wanker!")

Mental training can give you that winning edge. (Once more I totally agree. It has certainly worked for old Earl and it may, I mean will work for me too.)