Finding Meaning…

I have become increasingly reflective since I returned from my 12,000 mile motorcycle journey.  It has been wonderful to contemplate my place in the world and how I can lead a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Sometimes you have to look back to move forward with enlightenment.  I continue to be extremely proud of my accomplishment of circumnavigating the United States in such a short time, setting numerous endurance records in the process.  I never considered the possibility of riding Coast to Coast in just 40 hours and 35 minutes.  It’s been interesting to know I accomplished something never before attempted.

So many friends have commented on how this endeavor has clearly established me as a badass (their word…not mine).  However, I realize the difference between a badass and dumbass is razor thin.  I clearly crossed it throughout this ride.  Continuing to push myself after I hit the desert and the ensuing 124 degrees after 33 hours of riding wasn’t the smartest decision.  However, I learned the first casualty of extreme fatigue is the ability to actually realize how exhausted you truly are.  Pushing through complete exhaustion during a 24 hour run is not nearly as dangerous as riding a motorcycle for 40 straight hours with the throttle locked at 75 m.p.h.  I realize how fortunate I am to be alive and I plan to enjoy every moment I am given.

My body is still recovering from the rigors of riding 20+ hours for most of 14 consecutive days.  Achilles tendinitis in both feet has forced me to spend more time cycling and less time running.  Although I’m extremely disappointed that my plans to run the Hartford and Marine Corps marathons are in jeopardy, I’m finding comfort and joy in preparing the runners I’ve been coaching for months for both marathons.

It is wonderful to be coaching such a large group of such committed and dedicated runners.  As a coach, nothing is better than having runners follow my training plan and achieving PR’s in the marathon.  I’m confident EVERY runner I am currently coaching will shatter their current personal best.

One runner wrote:

“Being coached by Rick Muhr has yielded negative splits and positive results!” -Penelope Hauck

Coaching runners, particularly charity runners, is one of the greatest sources of satisfaction and inspiration.  I am so excited for our Marathon Coalition kick-off November 21st.

The 2014 Boston Marathon promises to be the most meaningful and best ever…perfectly aligned with where I currently find myself in life!

 

 

Running: A Real Pain In The Butt

Marathon Coalition sports psychologist, Grayson Kimball, writes about a recent running injury.

Tales from the Grateful Runner:

Running: A real pain in the butt….

When I wrote my last blog, I was coming off a triumphant return to racing. Having just completed the Boston Run to Remember Half-Marathon, I was eager to find my next race. Well, one week after running that race, I went out for my typical Sunday long run and returned with an atypical pain in my upper glute/lower back. Like many runners, I assumed that 2 days off would heal all wounds and I’d be back at it. Well, 2 days turned into 4 days, then a week, then 2 weeks, then 3 weeks, and then a trip to Physical Therapy. I’ve had my fair share of running-related injuries over the years, but this may have been the most painful yet. Simple tasks such as standing on one leg to put on shorts, rolling over in bed, and just walking around became nearly impossible physical challenges. This injury presented me with an awkwardly painful limp and prevented me from running for nearly 6 weeks. In the mind of a runner, 6 weeks is beyond eternity. But it was during this time that I actually made significant gains, both mentally and physically.

Injuries can put your patience to the test. Dwelling on how many days it had been since I was able to run or feeling jealous of other people enjoying a run on a beautiful summer day (while perfectly normal to think about) wasn’t going to be helpful – it will only add to frustration. So, although I was unable to run, I was able to ride the bike. This was all I needed to “stay in the game”. Every bike ride was a mental challenge. I knew I was working complimentary leg muscles and improving my leg turnover. This may not sound like much, but when faced with a negative situation (like not being able to run), it’s imperative to grasp onto any positive factor you can. Through the suggestions of my physical therapist, I focused my workouts on strengthening my lower back, glutes, core, and legs – once again, reminding myself that these workouts would make me stronger once I could run again. Lastly, I made a commitment to cleaner eating by cutting out some simple staples from my diet such as bread and rice, and developing a better awareness of my portions – dropping a few lbs would make me feel “lighter” when running.  What I did was put myself in a “training” situation – I was training to get back into training. And this was the key to getting me through the rehab. Always looking forward – reminding myself that every day of rehab was getting me one day closer to running. Sure, there were a few setbacks – my first attempt at running ended roughly 1/10^th of a mile after I began…. but it was all part of the process.

Through the exceptional work of my physical therapist, I’ve been back on the roads (pain-free) since mid-July, back to double-digit mileage on the weekends, and all signed up for the “Chilly Half-Marathon” in Newton, MA on Sunday November 10^th.  Who knew running could be such a pain in the butt? But once again, I’m Grateful to be running…..

For more mental training tips, check out www.gratefulrunning.com