Mental Toughness

The phrase "mental toughness" is tossed around frequently when the subject of distance running comes up, and from what I've gathered, it seems that many non-runners misconceive the ways in which cognitive fortitude manifests itself in one's running life. During a race, rarely have been in a state of utter fatigue and suffering, often because I have adhered to a training program designed to get me to the finish line comfortably. At that point the battle is really not mental--it's merely a matter of executing a plan for which I've been practicing for several months. The true mental struggle comes in the preparation. The act of being steady and disciplined in training is a major challenge--it has been for me, and I expect that it is for others. In contrast to race day, where waking up early is simple due to excitement and running at a brisk pace is easy because of the crowd, on a daily basis, the particulars of a running lifestyle are taxing. Personally, contentment and revitalization have come as I've learned to allow running to seep into life's natural rhythm. It's becoming akin to eating or sleeping in the sense that I'm not deliberate in choosing to do it on a given day. Rather, it's become ingrained as part of my life: the steady thudding of my shoes against the pavement like the beating of my heart, both metronomes of liveliness.

Moving Forward

Yesterday morning, I had a rejuvenating run to Del Mar. The route, which tracks along N. Torrey Pines Rd., has emerged as one of my favorites in the La Jolla area. There is a splendid view of the Pacific as one runs northward and passes over the crest of a coastal ridge. In the early morning, the fresh saltiness of the seawater is pervasive, and the cool breeze off the ocean is soothing. On the way back there is a rather large hill to surmount, which is tiring, but makes offers useful terrain variation.



It was the first time that I've made the trek since the AR50, and it was a much-needed dose of intensity to what has felt like a stagnant few weeks. The path that I normally follow when running to Del Mar requires 3 hours (roughly 20 miles), and yesterday was no exception. I followed this outing with two hours of soccer at the all-Chinese pick-up game later that afternoon. Dizzying exhaustion overtook me by the end, but having my energy sapped was what I needed.

I've been struggling with soreness in my left knee for the past two weeks. It's a nagging sort of injury that doesn't seem to get worse with activity, but also doesn't seem to improve with rest. Stationary biking (both before and after running) has provided some help in loosening up the joint. I've been too stubborn to cease activity all together, but I hope that healing comes soon, as I begin to plan for a 100-mile race this fall.