Storytelling, swatting compliments and a revolt

Hi all,

Last weekend I was spectating at the Peterson Ridge Rumble. Almost a third of participants in the 20-mile race had a dog, so if you are into dogs, running and being in Central Oregon, put this one on your list. It was also the Bend Marathon, the Walla Walla 6 hour run, the Yakima Skyline 50k/25k and Gorge Waterfalls races. LOTS of athletes out there, so naturally I got to hear lots of post-race stories yesterday, basically, best day ever.

POST RACE STORYTELLING
Let's say you set out for a 4-hour marathon and run a 4:15, how do you talk about that race? Let's say you set out to run 30 miles on a weekend long run and "ONLY" get in 26. 

Do you swat away the compliments like flies, feeling undeserving that you are a badass because you ran 30 sec per mile slower than you hoped? Do you go on and on about how it wasn't very good and why it was terrible and you are terrible and everything is terrible?  Is that what you would want to hear from someone who ran 45 miles instead of 50? 

Be careful of how you talk about big accomplishments that are just off the mark. Talking to coaches, besties and running friends about missing a goal is a great place for reflection, real talk and nuance. Find the faults, figure out how to get better, lament what could have been. But your cubicle neighbor at work who doesn't run thinks you're awesome. So does your hairstylist and neighbor. They don't care that your time isn't what you wanted, they are damn impressed you trained every weekend for months and got out early in the rain. They may never run a marathon or maybe will one day because you did. But one thing is for sure, they don't need to hear your negative self-talk about how the amazing thing wasn't good enough. More importantly YOU DON'T need to hear that about yourself.

You don't need to hear yourself over and over saying the run wasn't that good. I wasn't fast enough. I didn't get as far as I wanted. Repeating these sentiments can make you harsher to yourself and social media is already working hard on that! 
By putting yourself down you are convincing your brain to feel pessimistic about your running and what you deserve. You deserve to feel awesome, even when you don't hit the A-standard, gold medal level you set for yourself.

It is ok to accept compliments on your run without saying anything disparaging about how it went or about your ability. You ran far, even if you were bummed at the outcome. 

POST RACE REFUELING
I had an athlete ask a good question about post-race refueling. The question was, I typically have a protein shake post run, should I do that at a race? 
Funny enough, I hadn't really thought of that for runners at a race since there is food, no need to drive from the trailhead home, no waiting, just eat. BUT, many runners can't finish a tough race and then go right to the post race burger/pizza/burrito. If you live for finish line food and can get in good calories with protein post race, then no need to bring anything to supplement. If you cross the line and may not be able to eat for hours, BRING THE SHAKE, it gives you hydration, calories and protein without you having to stomach real food if you aren't ready. 

A REVOLT
"A revolt against impossibility." A podcast with Jacky Hunt-Broesma, a cancer survivor, amputee and trailblazing ultrarunner who just ran really far.

PROTEIN FOR YOUR AGE
Check out this newsletter which addresses protein needs in female athletes. A key takeaway here (and why you shouldn't just copy a friend or some Instagram meals) is that a women in her 40s+ needs more protein post exercise than a woman in her 20s.

JOIN ME
Strength Training for Runners on Wednesday nights. Always free. See you on your screen.