Three common denominators to running regularly.

In 2008, the American College of Sports Medicine published a suggested prescription for exercise and physical activity, which if followed, can create a level of health and fitness for others to envy.  After all, most American’s are not exercising enough, and our current environments at home and at work are conducive to sitting.  Our comfy chairs, couches, and cushy floors enable us to take solace in the midst of doing little, quite literally.   Sadly, this solace is not in the form of a productive moment of Zen or meditation, but instead, being trapped inside the vortex of Facebook, Instagram, or television.  Though exercise prescriptions are well-intended, there is still a lack which stimulates people to move, and motivate them to continue that very trend once they've begun. 

So how can we get people moving? 

There certainly is no one single answer, but there are a few common denominators that can prompt one to explore the idea of moving and exercise, with hopes of those exploring not only their bodies, but their minds as well.  First, choose an activity that is Fun.  If it’s not running, that’s okay, just choose something you know you’ll enjoy and actually perform.  The second rule is the activity must be Social.  The irony of this rule is that I run alone 95% of the time.  With that said, that 95 % is not what draws me to running.  What helps me stay close to running is the comradery with other runners at races, community runs, or receiving a text from a running buddy who wants to meet up for a run.  Running with others, whether casually or for a fast-paced workout, creates an indescribable bond, and if you’re lucky, a friendship. 

The final rule for moving may take a while to figure out, but once you’ve got it, you’re in!  Finding your Why for running is an essential ingredient for sustaining a healthy, long-term relationship with running.  Finding your Why may take you a while, but the hunt will begin with a single step.  I would argue that the first step is the most difficult, maybe not physically, but surely mentally.  Props to those who bravely take that first step.  Bigger props to those who find their Why, hold onto it, and continue running because of it.  As for me, the mere seeking of my Why (I run) is what continues to drive me to run.  The pursuit of the Why. 

What's your why?

3k at the University of Oregon

In my two years competing for the Community Colleges of Spokane (WA) back in the early '90's, we never had an opportunity to compete at one of the most historic venues in the USA, Hayward Field.  The closest I ever got to competing at the University of Oregon was when I ran the Eugene Half Marathon in May of 2015, where we finish the final 200m on the track.  Never in my wildest dreams did I even think to run on that prestigious track, until Dave Ross posted on Facebook that he had registered for the 3k, noting it was an open race so anyone can register.  Anyone!  Clearly, I couldn't pass this up, and having a fair amount of conditioning under my belt, I spent March and April doing periodic speed workouts about twice per week.  I picked up some creative workouts from Jesse McChesney, who has a group of speedsters training on Thursday evenings at Union High School.  It's always fun to see what other people are doing for training and I was thrilled to be able to train with, or as I saw it, behind Jesse & Co.  For the 3k, I had been training to run 78-80 second splits (400m's), and I felt really confident going into the race that I could do it.  The first lap was a little quick, so the small pack of five that I was with made the adjustment before the end of the next corner.  Around and around we went, and finally some racers fell off the pace around lap four, and again during lap five.  I was able to sustain my pace and eventually caught up with a Red Lizard, Joe Dudman, who graciously battled the head-wind down the backstretch on lap six.  It wasn't much of a head-wind, more of a breeze, but it was enough for me to make the decision to be patient and wait until 500m remaining in the race to pass him.  It was at that moment I wanted to encourage him to hang and run together. After all, I had been running half and full marathons the last six years and the etiquette in the longer races is pretty supportive altogether.  I feel a bit sad that I didn't say anything, but I was encouraged during this mornings run with my new friend Monte, who shared with me that in track races, it really is a fend for yourself atmosphere.  Before the 3k, I kept to myself mostly, but after the race, I felt a good amount of support in the finishers tent among the other competitors.  It was a good vibe, one which I wish I spent more time in, however, I was in a bit of a rush to get back to my wife, Kaci, who had taken the day off of work to come watch, and my kids, who we yanked from school to join us as well.  During the race, I could hear their yells of support, which made the experience that much greater.  Support feels good, and it was joyful to hear them during the race, which made me eager to get to them afterward.  All in all, this experience was pretty grand, and breaking 10-minutes definitely helps with this feeling. 

Below is a picture of hard work and continued improvement. I've been training Ethan, who is now in the 8th grade, since November 2014. Then he ran 16 seconds in the 100m, 38 seconds in the 200m, and 76 second 400m. Today he threw down two 58 second 400's and 2:15 in the 800m.  The 800m was most impressive, as he ran a negative split of 71 to 64. Both his 400m and 800m times are in the top-10 in the state of Oregon. Though he has come so far physically, where he has improved the most is emotionally. He can tolerate ridiculous workouts and his race discipline today earned him two first place finishes and a second. The second was most impressive though, as he chased a competitor down, who had a 90 meter advantage, in the 4x800m. He was nearly shoulder to shoulder with 100m to go, and that's where he remained. Tough kid!

Welcome Whisper Readers!

Welcome Whisper Readers, to the Whisper Running Blog!  I am excited to be able to share my passion for both running and sport psychology with you in such a manner.  In the weeks, months, and perhaps years to come, I hope to post the progress of athletes who I am working with both individually and on a group basis.  I will also post sport psych information, most notably seminars that I will be conducting, and individual sport psych skills that you can use on your own to improve your practice and performance results. If you have any general questions about sport psych, breaking barriers, or topics for the forum, please email me at whisperrunning@comcast.net. 

Best wishes to your running endeavors! 

Dave