HealthFeb2016

“In the middle and end stages of any long race, the desire to
keep pushing erodes. How one keeps pushing is mysterious,
since it is easy to back off or drop out. I guess the satisfaction of
a completed race is worth the battle.”
— Jay Birmingham
Local distance runner and coach, Jay
Birmingham says, “Preparation is first
and foremost. Once the hard work of
training has been done, competing at
one’s maximum is possible.”
When the going gets tough, how do
they keep going?
The effect that spectators have on
marathoners cannot be overestimated,
especially during the latter part of the
race.
Days before the race, runners will
begin hydrating and building up their
glycogen reserves by eating lots of
carbohydrates. These will help them
avoid hitting “the wall” late in the race.
Pacing during the race is also critical,
and they must not begin too fast.
“In the middle and end stages of any
long race, the desire to keep pushing
erodes. How one keeps pushing is
mysterious, since it is easy to back off
or drop out. I guess the satisfaction of a
completed race is worth the battle,”says
Birmingham.
Much of the struggle is mental.
Runners train their brains to stay positive.
They use “self talk” and work on their
“inner voice.” If that voice tells them
negative things, then it will only magnify
fears and doubts. But if it tells them to
be strong, relaxed and confident, then it
will strengthen them.
Distance runners think in the present
and about the manageable. Running
from mile 10 to 11 is “just one mile to
run,” rather than, “oh no, 16 more miles
to go!” It is a mindset as much as it is an
act of pure physical endurance.
12—HealthSource February 2016