Bin Your Ego

Bin your ego

I was out walking with someone recently and a runner came past, going really slowly - I took it to be that that person was base training and keeping at a low heart rate level (because I'm into that at the moment!!) but the person I was with said "blimey, look how slow they are; I couldn't run that slow, it's hardly worth them being out".

Do people think that when they see me, I thought?

Do people think I'm a rubbish runner?

Then I thought, actually, I don't give a monkey's what people think I look like when I am out running.

At the end of the day it's about doing what makes me stronger as a runner. I am wanting to build a base so that I can tackle longer distances, I have no desire to run those distances faster than anyone else but I would like to complete them and still be able to move the following day.

Why build a base?

By building a base for running, you increase blood volume, improve glycogen storage and develop stronger connective tissue, that's the technical bit. By developing stronger connective tissue you help prevent injuries - because you are stronger. Improving blood volume and blood flow helps supply your muscles with fresh blood and oxygen, it also effectively carries away the muscles' waste back to the kidneys for cleaning. Better waste management leads to faster recovery times, less soreness after a run, and overall improved tissue health. Bada bee, bada boom.

I will, therefore, continue to base build at a slow pace.....I rather like it, I ran 15 miles the other day and apart from a blister, had no ill effects from it.

Dump the ego

Obviously when clad in lycra and putting yourself out on public display, you feel a little vulnerable, I get that. But what purpose is your ego serving you?

Ego can be destructive to your running. It can lead you to adapt poor form to look good, you could push yourself outside your comfort zone, which can cause both short term and long term injuries. It can stop you going out at all because you are worried about how you look and this could prevent you doing something you actually enjoy.

Don't compare yourself with others, they are running their race, you are running yours. None of us are the same, we are built differently, are different ages, have different running backgrounds.

(er, I might just admit here to falling into the Strava leaderboard trap, it got so bad I had to take myself off at one time, but I now have it under control!!)

Be kind to others - we all have egos and they can be easily knocked, so please be mindful of your comments to other runners - always try to make others feel better.

Be nice to yourself - focus on the positive aspects of your running journey - can you run further/longer than when you first started? Sometimes a run feels like you are running through porridge - don't beat yourself up, chances are tomorrow's run will feel good - at least you are out there so give yourself a cheer!.

Bin your ego if you want your best chance at progress.