NewsBreak Original

Often when I am at races I hear someone ask about the course, and the most frequent question is, “Are there many hills?” This question is usually laced with fear because the runner asking it sees those hills as a challenge to racing success. I would like to suggest that we change our attitude about hills and see the opportunities that they can offer us.

For some people the idea of starting to run is daunting. They have heard of the many benefits, but they are not sure it is something they can be successful at doing. The fear of starting something outside of the comfort zone produces the excuses of why running is impossible for someone. I could guarantee you that if you knew how running can improve your life in multiple ways, you would find time, motivation, and the courage to become part of the running community. Running can help you mentally, socially, and physically. You only have to show up to see that what you thought was impossible is possible.

Going double the distance is even more mental than it is physical. There are several things that you can do mentally to make the difference between the two races easier. Divide the race into several parts and instead of thinking that you are doing a 10k click off each new mile as one more step to the finish. If your 10k is a looping course, don’t think at the 5k mark that you have to do that all over again; instead, think that you are halfway through. Have a mantra that you can repeat when you are feeling tired. Simple statements like “I am strong, I can do this.” work wonders. If you want to stop and walk, set physical goals to meet such as I am going to run to the garbage can. If you have to walk, walk for about thirty seconds and then run again. Believe that you can do it.

The author running the trailsPhoto byDashing Images. Have you ever wondered if the terrain you run on affects your training? I know many runners who only run on the road and others who will only do trails. I have always thought that adding variety to your training will make you a better runner. I have a love-hate relationship with trail running because although I love to be out in the woods, my feet seem to find every root and rock out there and I have fallen many times. While most runners are hoping for faster times, I just want to remain standing. I make myself do them though because I know they make me a better runner because trail running requires me to run differently, and I can get an amazing cardio workout with all the hills.

After forty years of racing, I have seen some crazy things happen on the road and trail that occurred because of a lapse of common sense in the safety department. Here are a few reminders to help you with safety on race day.

The Mogollon Monster is a 100 mile, point-to-point race near Pine, AZ, put on by Aravaipa Running. I first heard about the race years ago when a buddy of mine mentioned it, but I hadn’t thought about it since. After I dropped out of Kodiak and straightened out some lingering injuries, I knew I needed to try another hundred. Mogollon was a six and a half hour drive and a $400 registration fee away. I signed up first, then did a deep dive into the course, which was absolutely as advertised: rugged, technical, remote, demanding. This recap won’t be altogether comprehensive or detailed because I don’t remember much and the course details are already available here.

It may actually build cartilage and strengthen your knees. If you’ve spent much time running, you have surely heard the advice that you are destroying your knees. It’s not uncommon to hear this not only from well-meaning friends and family members but also from medical professionals. I once had a physical therapist that was treating me for a back injury tell me I should give up running for some other low-impact sport.