Uncharacteristically, I was able to let my mind wander for a short time while running tonight. Usually I can't get away from "running numbers" and "doing math" while running. But for a stretch tonight I pondered what makes for that "feel good" day. Everyone who's ever competed or played a sport knows about this phenomenon. There are days when you just "feel good". Those are the days you hit two home runs in a game (Strawberry Days tournament, Pleasant Grove, Utah circa 1992) or just go off for 20+ points in a big game (Mt. Ogden Regional Explorer Olympics Championship, circa 1984). Oftentimes they're days never to a recaptured but only continue to live in the memory. In my running experience these "feel good" days occur but, different from other experiences, it seems they can be repeated. I don't know how to describe it or predict it. It's kind of like the Supreme Court ... I just know it when I see it .... Or feel it in this case. I've had a couple of these days over the past four months of running. Ironically the Feelin' Good 5K on St. Patrick's Day. I did feel good! Oddly, I didn't run some incredible time that day but I felt great. I felt strong and smooth (although photos from the event make it look like I'm a middle-aged, middle-of-the-pack guy who may die soon!).
The other event was the Ogden Half Marathon. I didn't realize this one right off but after two miles, I knew it was a good day. After four miles, I was still feeling good. Somehow that feeling breeds confidence. As the miles ticked by and I found I was holding an 8 minute per mile pace, I was thrilled. Of course, at mile 9 the realities of the situation hit me and it became much more difficult. I didn't finish as strong as I would have liked but it was good. After the race, I felt much better than I anticipated and I was pleased with the accomplishment and effort.
Okay so what's the point? I don't know. My thought is that there is a secret and very delicate formula to achieving those "feel good" days. I'm sure it has to do with nutrition, rest, and training. There are most likely several other contributors. When each of these elements are mixed in the near-perfect ratio, the result is a "feel good" day.
So did I have one of these days today? No. But it seems I've had some near-misses along the way. There've been days of training and racing where I've felt "pretty good". But maybe there was too much salt or not enough sugar in the recipe leading up to the effort.
It seems like the secret recipe is what a vast majority of the running magazines, websites, blogs, etc. are attempting to solve and pass along. "How to Run Your Fastest 5K"; "Effective Training on Limited Time"; "Crosstraining for Success"; .... The headlines scream out. But just like the recipe book with sections of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, you've got to know what you want in order to end up with what you want.
Anyway, I hope to have more "feel good" days along the way. If everything goes perfectly, October 6 will be one of those days for me!
Memorial Park
Easy Run
6.2 miles @ 9:02 (55:55) [How's that for hitting the training target?)
I'm visiting a podiatrist tomorrow to get my blisters checked out. My guess is he's going to tell me to get new shoes.
No comments:
Post a Comment