3 Big Takeaways from “The Ultra Mindset”

Endurance

I just finished The Ultra Mindset, An Endurance Champion’s 8 Core Principles for Success in Business, Sports, and Life, and while some of it felt lackluster—or far-reaching, as he tries to educate both on the mindset of an extreme endurance athlete and that of any other endeavor in life—there were three sections that really hit home for me in my running.

While I’m not training for any ultra distances (yet?), I can already see how these ideas have trickled into my training and helped strengthen my mental stamina.

A Weekend Chock-Full of New Things

Running & Eating & Reading, Oh My!

Happy Monday, friends!

I know what you’re thinking: new things, Vanessa? running, eating, reading? That’s basically all you do. And you’re right, but this past weekend was dedicated to mixing things up when it comes to half marathon training, upping my mileage, meal prepping, and eating well.

Here’s a plethora of weekend snapshots that won’t look like my same old photo updates.

Perfectionisms: Self-Abuse Disguised as Self-Improvement

SELF-TALK THAT LIES

On a run in City Park a few weeks ago, the man and I talked about how we’re both prone to perfectionism, how we both let the ultimate goal sometimes sabotage the smaller progresses, how the black-and-white, all-or-nothing way of thinking when it comes to certain goals (fitness, finance, career, etc.)  is sneaky and seductive, making us think we aren’t (ever) enough, setting us up for self-scolding and, ultimately, self-sabotage.

Race Recap: My Thoughts on the 2016 Colfax Half Marathon

I DID IT!

I accomplished my goal of running 13.1 miles in UNDER TWO HOURS! While my official time was 2:03:25, my goal was to break 2 hours of actual running time.

I paused the Garmin Forerunner only when I stopped to drink water, quickly eat a Clif Shot Block and/or cantaloupe, and once to pee. I never walked one step of the actual 13.1, and my average pace was 9:04. I PRed everything. I can’t believe it!

Pre-Race Days: The Colfax Half Marathon

UP & AT ‘EM

Good morning, loves! I’m up early on a Saturday morning.

About this time (7:30 am) tomorrow, I’ll be halfway through the Colfax Half Marathon!

I’m feeling a little nervous but mostly excited and ready, especially after eating all the carbs, going to the Race Expo to pick up my bib, and visiting the grocery store for a few more fun pick-me-ups.