LOLZletter Edition 19| Getting Over a "Bad" Race
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I was at a loss for what to write about this week. Then a friend mentioned something that connected with me – “how to mentally recover” after a bad race. It’s a timely topic because just over a week ago, during a race, I collided with another racer.
Truthfully, I had put that race out of my mind until now. The thing about racing so frequently is you can’t let a lousy race ruin your mindset. The Red Bank Classic 5k was not a goal race; I was simply using it as a speed workout.
Here are a Few Things I do After a “Bad Race”:
First Reflect on Your Race:
Often, you learn more about how to improve from a “bad race” than you do from a good race. Identify the areas where you could have had better results, and be honest with yourself about what led to the poor outcome.
Typically, a lousy race happens for many reasons. Lack of sleep? Race day issue? Training? Is there something you can change?
Is it really that bad? Are you healthy? Injury free? With the rise of social media, it can become easy to to be “ashamed” and tell people the outcome. Your friends (in person and online) still like you. Remember, no one is more invested in your running than you.
Focus on What You Can Do:
It’s no secret that my running has been lackluster over the past 16 months. But that is the thing – I can still race. Instead of looking at the negative of running personal worsts all year, I focus on the facts that “I’m able to race and run healthy.” I’m able to see friends. I’m running to the best of my abilities right now.
The longer you run the more likely you’ll experience disappointing races. On the other hand, it also means you have more opportunities for awesome races, too! Don't forget that everyone has bad races; it's just the nature of the sport.
Focus on Why You Are Here:
Ask yourself this: Why do you run?
The answer is usually that you enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, then why are you doing it? Are you trying to run a specific time? A BQ? An OTQ? Is it a social activity for you? Remember, not every day will be the "best ever," but it’s important to enjoy the majority of your training.
The race and the result are just the other bookend to your training. A bad race shouldn’t define your entire experience. If you don’t feel as though you’re enjoying the training, step back. Running will always be here when you want to return.
Sometimes You Need a Break:
There is no shame in needing a break from the sport. As mentioned, the beauty of running is that it will always be here. Oftentimes, we do need a break. When I finished the April Fools Half Marathon a few years ago, my mind and legs just weren’t in it. That race helped me realize it was time for a breather. I was burned out from training and running in general. So I took nearly four months off. I ran sometimes, but I didn't run when I didn't want to.
Find a New Goal:
Whether it’s a different race or new event altogether, find a new goal to train for and look forward to. Having something new can create excitement.
What Kept Me Interested this Week:
The Way Men’s Media Cover Dieting Is … Weird
As someone with a degree in public health, I’ve always found the way men’s dieting is covered to be inadequate.
There have been articles I’ve read where men state: “I only ate oatmeal for six weeks straight,” and people are applauding them. That is disordered eating. While eating disorders in males are not as rampant as females, they are still there.
I wrote this over a week ago, but it didn’t gain much attention. Then this week it did and someone said I should include it in the newsletter. If you are looking for a new podcast, here you go. If you have any recommendations, let me know!
Giveaway Winner:
Finally, maybe my favorite part of the newsletter because I like giving back to the readers and those who are enough to share.
Last weeks giveaway had 21 entries. Thank you to everyone who has shared and helped the newsletter grow. The winner of the Tailwind Endurance Fuel is Katie L. who shared via facebook.
Finally, I appreciate every single email back and try to respond to each email. Any feedback good or bad is always helpful. Is there a specific topic you want to see more about? Don’t be a stranger and let me know!
You can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful, good or bad.
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