Into the Mind of Brooks: Mental Training

I've been analyzing my running abilities (and life in general) lately, and something I ponder frequently is what it is that has made me stronger and faster at races this year. What I've started to realize is that there is no real trick or shortcut to it, but rather, a few reminders that make the suffering more palatable. Everybody's mind and body will work slightly differently than mine, but for what it's worth here's what works for me:

1. Past experiences: After 2 1/2 years of pummeling my body at 50-100 mile distances, I've learned that humans are resilient creatures, and it takes a LOT to kill a person. Case in point: I'm sitting here writing this. And while I've certainly tried  at races (read: 2009 Minnesota Voyageur 50), nothing has proved fatal. This is a vital bit of knowledge when the going gets tough... I simply have to mentally remove myself from the current moment and current suffering and remind myself that this too, shall pass, that it won't kill me, and there is no reason to stop pushing.
2. The faster you go, the sooner the suffering ends: Easy concept. Difficult to execute at times.
3. The 'Small Drop in a Big Bucket' concept: This is one I came up with around mile 80 at last years' Leadville 100, and it has had the greatest psychological impact for me when I enter super-suffer mode. During a 100 miler, think about how short of a time period the 20-30 hours you're out there is in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it will be the worst 24 hours of your life, but consider how you have 8,736 hours to recover and NOT be in that level of pain until next year (assuming you don't swear off running altogether). Really doesn't seem like that long then, does it?
4. Confidence: I don't know what this years LT100 field looks like yet, but I'm sure there will be 20+ runners at the starting line who are more talented, more fit, and stronger than me, but I doubt there will be 5 who can endure and push through as much pain as me. I consider this to be a great equalizer at the 100 mile distance.
5. Regrets: Nothing has eaten away at me, and bothered me as much as my DNF at last years' Hardrock Hundred. Period. I plan on it being the last DNF I ever experience. Knowing the regret I still feel because of it provides all the motivation I need to keep grinding.
6. Something to prove: I'm a bit of an anomoly, having Cystic Fibrosis and still doing ultra-distance racing. I like knowing that I'm doing something previously unfathomable, and want to see just how fast I can get despite this minor disadvantage.

Oh, almost forgot... this was in this months' Ultra Running magazine:

Back to Training!!

Sometimes the best way to get out of an excercise (or lack thereof) funk and regain motivation is to sign up for a race completely on a whim. This generally gives you a real, tangible need to start training again. I have done this with all the big races I've ever completed. When I signed up for Leadville last April, I could barely complete a 50 mile race without feeling like complete death... so why wouldn't I sign up?? Duh. Makes complete sense.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2009. Obviously the standard operating procedure would be to eat, drink, and be merry until you puke... OR, you could sign up for a 100 mile race that's barely over 8 weeks away. Never being known for my planning, that is the option that was chosen on Thursday.
SO...
 On February 6th 2010 I'll be attempting the Rocky Raccoon 100 in Texas!!
Get the full scoop here: http://www.tejastrails.com/Rocky.html

Time to cut back on the beer and ramp up on the running... 69 days and counting!

10 Days to Leadville: An Update

Since the Voyageur race, mentally and physically preparing for Leadville has been a new challenge.

Fear of the unknown and a loss of confidence due to my scary race experience in Minnesota are what I've been struggling with the last couple of weeks. Thoughts such as: How is it possible for a human to cover 100 miles non-stop?! If I can't finish 50 miles unscathed there's no way 100 is possible! Why am I even trying this; I have CF?!

After stepping back to analyze it, I've started thinking that these must be the same thoughts that attack anyone who is setting out to accomplish something that they never thought possible. Since this upcoming race is my Mt. Everest, it wouldn't make sense for me to not be anxious, excited, and scared to some degree.

My Cystic Fibrosis doctor and nutritionist at National Jewish have been another key to me regaining a measure of confidence. They are helping me formulate a scientific hydration and salt intake plan for Leadville that should keep my fluids and electrolytes in perfect balance for the duration of the race. All I will have to worry about is the minor task of covering the distance and dealing with the blisters and fatigue :)

At this point, just finishing a 100 mile foot race will be victory for me (and hopefully other families and individuals who are affected by CF.) Goal time: 23:45.xx