Set big, grand goals. Visualize the life you want and then start making it happen. Set 6 month goals, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year goals. Your BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) isn't going to happen overnight - it might take 10 years - however, it's living the life you've always wanted better than living a life you aren't passionate about? Today's motivational quote reminds us that we are our own enemy in terms of success. Stop saying "can't", "shouldn't" or "impossible". Switch your vocabulary and you'll switch your way of thinking. You can achieve what you want in life.
Interview with a Runner
Kristen Moore is our featured runner this week. Kristen's been living in Manhattan for 9 years (just one more year and she's officially a New Yorker!). She works in PR producing events for over 10 years, which means no two days are alike and she's always on the go. She loves soaking up the city on the weekends and, more recently, getting in all those long runs every weekend! (She recently completed the Miami Half and is looking forward to completing the NYC Marathon)
How do you know us - Hot Bird Running?
I was introduced to the Hot Bird girls through work. My company's HR/Healthy Living program invited Jessica and Megan in for an 8 week running clinic over the spring/summer of 2012. I had been toying with the idea of running my first marathon but wasn’t sure how to properly train for 26.2 miles. So I immediately signed up for the clinic and after meeting Jessica and Megan I was instantly hooked on Hot Bird Running.
What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything?
Well…my ORGINAL goal was to run the 2012 ING NYC Marathon. However, when the marathon was officially canceled due to Hurricane Sandy I knew I needed another challenge. My CURRENT goal is to now run the 2013 ING Miami half marathon and achieve my PR of 1:55. Thankfully, Hot Bird Running has helped me safely and smartly transition from full marathon into half marathon training. And finally, my FUTURE goal is to retrain and run the 2013 ING NYC Marathon.
Who or what inspires you to run?
Actually, it is my overall determination that inspires me. I enjoy working towards an end goal because that’s what motivates me to get out of bed and work out every morning. I also need to have a day-to-day training schedule because then I take ownership of my training and hold myself accountable. It has been inspiring to look back at my commitment to running over the last 8 months. I have seriously pushed myself to run distances I never thought I could.
What is your favorite running route/place to run?
In the summer, I spend my weekends in a quiet little Hamptons village near the beach. My route includes fields of farmland and serene ocean views. I love that I can run for miles and miles and never once stop for traffic lights. When I'm back in the city, I enjoy running through the different NYC boroughs. My favorite is running from Queens back to Manhattan because I have to cross the Queensboro Bridge. I get so pumped up as I’m trudging up the bridge because I envision myself running in the NYC Marathon. I've heard that the cheering crowds are electrifying as you come off the bridge and enter Manhattan.
Who is your favorite person to run with and why?
I love running with my boyfriend because he gives great advice and pushes me to run a faster pace. However, he is a short distance runner so I'm often on my own. I really enjoy running by myself because it gives me a chance to relax, clear my head and focus on my pacing.
What is the best piece of running advice you ever received and who was it from?
I have a history with running injuries and my mentality has always been to "run through the pain". Unfortunately, I learned the hard way while training for the 2010 Nike San Francisco Half Marathon. I decided to race while still injured and then had to spend an entire year recuperating from severe tendonitis. Hot Bird Running has taught me to listen to my body and back off if something doesn't feel right. Jessica once told me that a person can prevent a serious injury by simply taking one or two days off from running. Stopping when there is a problem gets you back to running in the shortest, safest amount of time. Best advice ever!
What is your favorite running gear/piece of clothing?
Tough question because I have too many favorites! But overall I'd have to say my iPod Shuffle, which is loaded with early 90's rock. I wouldn't be able to get through my long runs without Nirvana, Beastie Boys and some Rage Against the Machine.
Post Race Slump
Meghan is sharing her ups and downs after running a race and how to break out of the slump.
I ran two races back to back this September: Ragnar Colorado and the Great Cow Harbor 10k. Both races were fun, beautiful, with great friends and I felt awesome after each race. Ragnar Colorado was a 200 mile relay from Breckenridge to Snowmass. I ran 33 of the 200 miles and loved every minute of it - especially the scenery. I got back to NYC and Jessica and I ran the Great Cow Harbor together. We had fun this race and didn't stress too much about our time.
Since then, I've had a very rough time getting my mojo back since the races. I haven't felt like running and I'm tired, like all the time tired! Here's what I discovered in dealing with my post race slump.
1) Give yourself a break! You just ran a race, reward yourself with a few days off.
2) Gush about your race. Meet a runner friend for coffee and tell them all about your race. You trained, you sweated, you rocked it. Brag a bit.
3) Plan your recovery. I love active recovery plans that are full of yoga, spin classes and fun classes like kickboxing. Lay off the running for a few days (or a week or two) and work your muscles in a different way.
4) Pick your next goal. Find that next race that you want to run or your next vacation. Give yourself something to look forward to!
Beat those post race slumps by having a plan and giving yourself the time and space to recover, sleep and find your mojo!
Hot Bird Running Coaches Recommend . . .
