The Number 1 Ultra Myth!
The biggest myth that comes up again and again amongst ultra runners is a lack of time, I don’t have the time to fit my long runs in, I don’t have the time to run regularly over the week, I don’t… is always an excuse.
We get it there is so much you have to do, work, kids, cooking, cleaning, a few social activities and kids – yep mentioned twice because they take a lot of time!
One particular client I have worked with comes to mind when this ‘lack of time’ myth comes up. I started working with them prior to the birth of their first daughter. They were able to balance their training for their goal event around having a daughter less than 12 months old on the scene.
There were four keys that allowed them to achieve this?
- They were flexible in their program and knew that not every set they did would go ‘exactly’ to plan.
- They ensured quality training, not just lots of training.
- They included their partner in their discussion on their training so that they knew what was happening.
- We worked their program into their life – not the other way around.
The result they smashed their goal and their family was able to enjoy being part of the experience. To top things off they tied in a lovely family holiday after the event to celebrate. The memories they created, as a family, over this period will never be forgotten, for what it added to all their lives.
Ultra running must add to your life and not detract from it. This is why your plan must work into your life and not your life into your plan.
The other essential ingredient that this client had was a training plan. A training plan allowed them the focus and clarity that they needed to know exactly what they had to do each week to achieve their goals. A plan allows you the same outcome, to overcome your ‘lack of time’ myth. A plan achieves this through allowing you to:
- Prioritize your time – TV is the big one which has to go for most people, but you never miss it.
- Build positive run habits – you have to build positive run habits and this comes from having a structure you can follow.
- Instigates organization – you have to be organized with your time. For many this means that on a Sunday afternoon some time has to be devoted to planning for the week ahead. This includes food prep and organization of training gear/ work gear.
If you are committed to your goals, you will make them happen. Are you a ‘thinker’ or an action taker? The choice always lies with you.
Enjoy the adventure.
Run, smile and have fun!
Nick Muxlow