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Thoughts from the Road: A Mental Warm-Up

Making a plan and doing the mental prep for your running.

Run with purpose? What’s the purpose? Do you know what you’re running for?

Not all runs are just physical workouts, many times a run workout is actually more for training your mind. You mind controls your body, so to have a stronger, faster, better body you have to control your mind.

We know when running to do a warm up. perhaps that’s a walk first, maybe some stretching or just starting out running slow. This is the physical part. It’s quite brainless. It ofter results in good runs but it can leave you untrained for when the going gets tough. Practicing a mental warm up, getting your mind right, anticipating obstacles, understanding the purpose of the run, this can enhance our running by building a stronger mind to fight when the going gets tough.

What’s the purpose of the run/workout?

Social?

Build Endurance?

Learning to Run on Fatigued Legs?

Interval Training?

Speed Work?

Threshold/High Heart Training?

Each one of these types of run demand a specific mindset. A social run allows us freedom, while a Threshold workout is designed to make us uncomfortable. Interval training and speed work test our capacity to perform under stress, Endurance Running and training to run on fatigued legs test our mental endurance and our discipline to just keep going.

We have to prepare our minds if we want to get the maximum results from these types of runs. For example: when doing speed work, I tell myself: ”it’s time to go to work” I prepare my mind that the task ahead is WORK. It will be difficult, challenging and it must be completed. When training for endurance, I prepare my mind knowing that I will be testing a limit, there will come a time I will want to stop, that’s the point…to build endurance past the point of comfort! The way to better achieve that is to enter the run with the mind prepared.

I practice a deep breathing meditation to focus and ”warm up” my mind. Training smarter to maximize every workout, even the easy and social runs:)

So remember: along with warming up the body, when you’re walking or stretching, be sure to set your mind up for the purpose of the run ahead. Plan for what the workout is designed to achieve. Then Execute the Run! Run With Purpose.

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Thoughts from The Road: The Road to Italy.

Oh the places we will go! While covering miles on the roads and trails, running has recently taken me across the sea! From small town Ohio, across the U.S.A. over to Germany and now Italy, running has gifted me many great travel adventures.

So how did I get to Italy? While sitting in a spa 2,500 feet up in the Tuscan mountains at 11p.m. I was reminded by a good friend and client of how this trip came to be. Rewind life 9 years and enter a little 5 mile race in South Florida. The Marco Island 5 Mile Hill Run.

You see, it was this race that introduced me to a client and friend who has changed my life and brought me to Italy. The story goes like this: during the race this guy was trying to pass a female runner who was a current client of mine. He chased her up the hills and passed her however she kept catching him and passing him back on the flats! They began to chat and the competition heated up! Finally she said to him “I can’t let you beat me because my coach would kill me!” She beat him. After the race he asked her who coached her and that was how the connection was made.

Over the years since I’ve coached him through many races: marathons, ultra marathons, triathlons, long bike events…we’ve accomplished a lot over the course of years. As in any coach/client relationship a friendship was formed.

Fast forward to last week. He has experienced a lot of success in his life, not only in athletics, but in business and personal. He was going to renew his marriage vows, 30 years with his lovely wife, in Italy! He asked if I could join with my family.

Who knew that from that one race, that little competition, that referral from a female client, would lead to not only a strong and valuable friendship, but also to a trip to Italy?

Fun facts from that trip: of the guests invited, almost 1/2 of them are also running clients of mine who have all met through various trainings and athletic events. The gentleman renewing his vows is still achieving running goals (you know…the get in shape before your wedding goals:) And while in Tuscany I was able to get some serious uphill running in. Funny as I think about it, a ”Hill Run” in South Florida…to running up the Tuscan mountains! Oh the places we can go! It all starts with that first step…

Cheers!

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Thoughts from The Road: Running Un-Inspired.

When the mind struggles, the body follows.

A sluggish start.

Those first steps…UGH. Ever have the running slump when your legs feel like concrete? Your mind knows what to do yet struggles to lead your body into action? I’m currently in that phase and it’s not fun.

The importance of habit.

Being a running coach I’m blessed that I am surrounded by motivated people. In addition to working with clients 1 on 1, I host 3 group workouts each week. It’s these workouts that I can rely on to keep me going physically when the mind has no drive. I have to practice what I coach! We all cultivate a life of habits, though our families, our jobs, and our friends. These habits will have consequences! The habit of my job keeps me moving forward even in my slumps.

The reward of just showing up.

I’ve said it often and it’s still not overstated: Consistency is Key! Despite feeling in a running slump, I still show up. I show up for the practices I coach, for the runners who rely on my knowledge, guidance and motivation. I show up to my family walks, to my scheduled gym times. I don’t sleep in. Inevitably, once I get moving things get better! Crazy thing is, although I know this to be true, I still have to battle the urge to give in…I still have to overcome the mental obstacle telling me it’s to hard and I should just skip it, just rest. Being disciplined in the habit is by the hardest thing!

The takeaway.

Being fit isn’t easy. Being happy isn’t always easy. Being motivated isn’t always easy…We must be deliberate in building our fitness, our happiness and keeping ourselves motivated. Who we surround ourselves with matters, as does what we read, watch and listen to. Living an inspired life has to be purposeful, deliberate actions must be taken, even when we don’t want to. So yes, at this moment my running my feel un-inspired, but I do it anyhow. I give thanks to those around me who support and motivate me, even unknowingly! Be a leader, display your fitness, your happiness, your motivation…you never know who may need to see it:)

Cheers!

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Thoughts from the Road. Vol 17

Running & The Wind…

What’s the weather? As #Runners we like to know what the weather is. How shall we dress? What should plan for our route, will we need a water stop? To sunscreen or not? To wear a hat? All these wardrobe options that really depend on the outside conditions. It’s another layer to running and it can be another excuse NOT to #Run…

“You can tell the size of a man by the size of the obstacle it takes to stop him.”

I like running in the rain! I love the focus I achieve by pushing through wet conditions. The extra effort needed to lift my wet and heavy run shoes, the feeling of the raindrops pelting my skin! I love how all the external conditions force me to focus on my internal mechanics! My stride becomes more powerful as I lift my shoes, my breath becomes sharper as my face feeling the rain washing and massaging my cheeks. The external rain brings me completely internal into my body. It forces more focus.

“May the wind always be at your back?”

Ah yes! The love for a tailwind? I’m not so sure! Yes, a headwind makes running harder, but when your challenged, it forces focus! Truth be told, I love a headwind! Once again, it’s the battle, it’s the external force forcing me to go internal that I love! Finding new discoveries about my own strength in difficult times, this is one of the joys of running! (Plus, I live in Florida…a headwind helps keep me cool, a tailwind can make a run feel particulary hot!)

Anyhow, the takeaway: Run in all types of weather! Be stronger than your obstacle, gain strength of mind and body by not letting the weather be the obstacle that stops you! #RunStrong in all conditions, not just the ideal conditions. Actually, try to train in the worst possible conditions! This way when #RaceDay comes along you’ll have the advantage of not losing any focus because of adverse weather conditions!

As for Running in the Wind, train to LOVE a Headwind! Change your mindset and strengthen your Running!

Love the Wind, Rain, Heat, Cold, Humidity…Love the Uphills! Embrace the Challenges and Always Be Stronger Than Your Obstacle!

Cheers! Run Strong!

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Leapfrog News: 11/29 Thru 12/5/2020

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This Week @Leapfrog 

 
 
ON THE TRACK AT COMMUNITY SCHOOL!!
 
  1.  Track Workout Monday 6-7a.m.  Back 2 Breathing.  Belly Breathing Workout
  2.  Track Workout Wedneday 6-7a.m. Floating 400’s.  Active Recovery & Pace Work.
  3. “On The Course” Training.  6-7a.m.  Meet Behind Tommy Bahama.  Miles 5-8 of the course.  Declining Ladder:  1 Mile, 2 by 1/2 Mile, 4 by 1/4 Mile.
SPECIAL NOTE:  
***THE GATE WILL NOT BE OPEN
CHECK YOUR TEXT MESSAGE FOR THE GATE CODE




 
          ***Track Practices are held at The Community School of Naples.  Check your text messages for the Gate Code or contact me directly at 239-272-7811  
***Friday Workout Meets in the parking lot behind Tommy Bahamas 

off third street in Olde Naples.

         


PREPARE YOURSELF.

 
This Weeks HUGE SHOUT OUT:
All Who Ran on Thanksgiving Morning!
It’s a Lifestyle Thing:)
“Run all the miles, Eat all the food.


CHEERS!!!

Looking forward to everyone continuing their Dedication and Progress!!
Faster and Stronger!!




CURRENT TRAINING SESSION:
Naples News 1/2 Marathon Training
 



Don’t Miss Out:  JOIN LEAPFROG TODAY!  & THEN: SIGN UP FOR THE TRAINING.

LEAPFROG
GOOGLE CALENDAR TRAINING OUTLINE: 

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=YjJva2hqcTcxZHJmZDcwMHJrZ2pudGV2Z29AZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

Free to Use and Share!! This is Public Link so you may share the workouts with friends.
I strongly encourage your friends to JOIN LEAPFROG so that they gain 
all the benefits of Group Training PLUS Coaching
and Workouts ON THE TRACK:)

 
LEAPFROG:

RUN WITH PURPOSE


Each week Leapfrog hosts a Monday Track Practice that focuses ENTIRELY on RUN FORM. 

Wednesday We Work on SPEED.

Friday’s this month are all about THE NAPLES NEWS 1/2 MARATHON.  

At Leapfrog we believe in increased efficiency and RUNNING STRONG.  Our goal is to coach runners not just to faster times and further distances, but also to build strong overall athletes with an emphasis on Form & Fundamentals. 

We look to keep you moving Further, Faster and Injury Free for a long and enjoyable running/fitness lifestyle.


LIVE WITH PURPOSE

PREPARE YOURSELF.


PLAN AHEAD.  BE DISCIPLINED.  SHOW UP.  Leapfrog offers 3 practices each week…Your Results Will Be In Proportion to Your Practice.

I look forward to seeing everyone at a Leapfrog Event this week!  In addition to the paid training listed above we also offer a weekly free Bike Ride:  Tuesday 6:30a.m. Bike Skills Ride followed by coffee.   Details can be found on the website under the events tab:)


 
 
LEAPFROG SOCIALS
ARE BACK!!!

THANK YOU
To all who came out for our
Traditional Thanksgiving

“Gobble Gobble” Run w/Mimosas!!



It’s was a GOOD TIME!!!


Happy…Healthy & Fit

COMING SOON:



BEER RUN 
Scheduled for Wednesday, January 6th, 2021


Have Friends who would enjoy Leapfrog?  
Running, Biking, Social Events!!

Invite them to JOIN:)
PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE
We always welcome New Members and it’s more fun being active w/friends:)


 
 
Have Great Things to Say about Leapfrog??  We always appreciate your feedback!
TEXT OR EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS 
239-272-7811
COACH@LFATHLETICS.COM


 
Testimonials and referrals are what attract New Runners and help build the group!!  Leapfrog wouldn’t exist without you!! 
 

Thank You for making Leapfrog Fun, Kind, Supportive, Friendly and Inspiring.


HAVE A QUESTION or A THOUGHT?  Please share it!  I’m happy to share my thoughts on any training, racing, or life issue:) 
Leapfrog Athletics
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