And That Is (almost) a Wrap!

And That Is (almost) a Wrap!

Nita Sweeney

We join MIT expecting to be inspired. And season after season we’re not only inspired, but amazed.

Already this year, we've seen strong finishes in Grandview, Wineglass, Air Force, Chicago, and many other races!  Hurrah to those of you who have already earned a medal and even bigger shoutouts to many who've taken home more than one! And Columbus, Indy, Marine Corps, and New York are still on the horizon!

Meanwhile, if you are on the injured reserve, hopefully you’ve seen the Fit for Life Physical Therapy family. Give yourself a pat on the back for being smart and living to race another day.

More Race-Day Tips:

Long-time MIT Runner & Advanced Training Program Coach, Reverend Steve Hielkema offered an extensive list of fabulous tips in his “Marathon Mentality” piece in the recent newsletter. If you missed it, read it here. As a highly anxious person, I’ll add my race-day anxiety options to those he offered.

Anxiety generates unpleasant thoughts and body sensations. When the jitters arrive, you have two options: turn away or turn toward. Neither is wrong or perfect. Have every tool at your disposal. If one does not work, pull out another.

Turn Away: These tactics help you change your thoughts and body sensations or distract you from them. Try these first.

Common ones (some of which Coach Steve mentioned) include:

• Reframing (I’m not nervous; I’m excited.)
• Positive thinking (I’ll trust my training.)
• Visualization (I see myself crossing the finish line upright and happy.)
• Mantras (I am healthy and strong.)
• And yes, even zoning out (La la la la la.)

Turn Toward: But sometimes, turning away does not work. It’s mile 20 and the suck must be embraced. That’s when I suggest that you switch into full-on mindfulness mode and infuse this experience with awareness and equanimity as if your life depended on it.

Here’s how that works:

• Choose a focus. (It’s pain, Nita. There is only pain.)
• Get curious. (What exactly does deep fatigue feel like? Where do you feel it in your body?).
• (No, your nails do not need to be embedded into your palms. Open your hands.)
• Drop any story your mind has spun as it tries to protect you. (No, you are not going to fail. It only feels like it.)
• Bring your mind back to your object of meditation. (Your aching feet. Your lying mind. The idiot holding the “You’re Almost There” sign at mile 22.)

Especially if you are aiming for a PR, “turn toward” is your friend. Whether you focus externally (next intersection, next driveway) or internally (befriending your discomfort), that focus will help you maintain your pace and finish strong. Use it to your advantage.

But Nita, I finished my race and the post-race blues have descended.

 Ah yes, most of us experience at least a short letdown once we’ve achieved a big goal. You’ve worked hard all season, looked forward to this day, and it’s over. What now?

• Party: Celebrate your success: You did a thing that very few people ever accomplish. Watch for information about the MIT post-season celebration. Gather there or with your pace group to show off your shirts and medals. Tell all the tales. Bask in the glory.
• Plan: There’s a reason the internet works 24/7 and it’s not just for door dash. Feeling blue? Sign up for another race! And, of course, sign up again for MIT!
• Rest: You’ve earned some downtime. Especially if you have aches or pains that did not fully resolve by the end of the season, step it back and check in with the Fit for Life pros. No, you will not lose your fitness. And yes, your body will appreciate the break.
• Pivot: (I swear I’m going to resurrect this word for good if it kills me.) If hard training and your goal race leaves you burned out, try something new. Cycling. Swimming. Triathlons. Pickleball. Disc golf. Laser tag. Rowing. Prancercise. (Google it. You’ll thank me.) Keep moving but change it up so you use different muscles and brain pathways.
• Commiserate: Some days you just need a good cry. If you don’t know by now, MIT is much more than a training group. We are family. Find another MIT member and share your blues. Chances are they’re feeling it too.

Congratulations and/or good luck! I hope to see you all at the post-season party, and next season.

Nita Sweeney is a long-time MIT member, bestselling author, mental health advocate, and mindfulness coach. For coaching or commiseration, contact her at nita@nitasweeney.com.

If you need more advice regarding your race recovery, please contact Fit For Life Physical Therapy.  They are proud to move people every day.

Please visit their website https://www.fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com/, email them at info@fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com, or call or text at any of the phone numbers for the three convenient locations inside Fleet Feet+FrontRunner stores:

Polaris:  1270 East Powell Road Lewis Center, Ohio 43035 ~ 614-981-2065

Upper Arlington:  1344 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221 ~ 614-981-1979

New Albany:  5792 North Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230 ~ 614-581-7441