Supporting – RunningWell

Hi Everyone!

Huge congrats to Jason who ran the Petit Train du Nord Marathon on Sunday! Sounds like it was a bit of a rough day as we know can very easily happen in races, but he persevered and toughed it out in tough conditions. Speaking of conditions, the Minnesota marathon on the same day was canceled due to high heat. In October! I think heat training should just become a staple part of marathon training going forward.

I watched an interview recently of a man who had survived an accident where he’d received 3rd degree burns to 90% of his body. Horrific, but he had come through it and had a very positive outlook. When asked why he thought he’d survived and recovered so well, he said it was because of the love and support he’d received from friends and family. His parents were by his side every single day for 4 months, his sister and brother in-law were there, his friends from all over had sent cards and signs that filled up his room. At one point he had a roommate with similar burns. That man’s mother came in once, berated him for bringing this upon himself, and left. That man didn’t survive. You might think: your body doesn’t know there is a loved one in the room and cards on the wall when it’s trying to heal. But the interviewee believed, and I agree,that there is a definite physical benefit to feeling loved and having a support system.

When we are training hard, doing what we love, but also challenging ourselves physically and mentally, we are not doing it in isolation. I think it’s important every now and then to recognize our support teams and thank them for their role in our journeys. I also recognize that we ourselves make up a significant part of other peoples’ support teams. I credit this crew with much of my ability to thrive in this sport. Again, support is not about physically assisting. It’s just being on your side – having your back and wanting the best for you. It could be making you a sandwich or smoothie after your run, but it could also show up as simply as asking “how was your run?” It’s caring. And it makes a difference. That’s why there is strength in teams, friend groups, family units, … we don’t thrive in isolation. If you’re wondering whether to make the time to send the note, make the phone call, or even send a facebook message to a loved one, know that it does make a difference. And remember to thank your support team at some point along this journey too – they may not know how important they are. I’ll go first: thank you all for caring, loving and supporting myself and each other. We are all stronger for it.

On to tomorrow’s workout – back to Lakeshore and Leslie –6:05 drills, 6:15 GO!

1. Let’s do 3 sets of 4 x 400m. First set with 1 min rest. Second and Third sets with 90 sec rest (so they can be a second or two faster). 3 minutes between sets.

2. Marathoners and Half Marathoners, finish with 1 mile (between tempo and marathon race pace depending how the legs feelafter the 400’s)

3. Ppl running Chicago: 1 mile at race pace,2 x 400 a lil’ quicker.

That is all – see you in the am!

Seanna