March 21st, 2008
Just a quickie. Speedwork today in gusting wind by the river, 6x880s. Fastest intervals so far, I didn’t walk once during recoveries, and the whole time I ran, I made a point to talk nicely to myself. I told myself I was fluid, relaxed, like water flowing through the wind and you know what? It made a huge difference in my attitude and physicality.
I’m sold.
Posted in 
Tags: 
The mental thing makes a huge difference, and you will be amazed at how much better you run. Before every race I tell myself I am a strong, FAST runner. It works. I feel better, I get faster and because of that, the cycle repeats itself, like an upward spiral.
You are an awesome running woman!
No, you are!!
Love that you do a pre-race pep talk – I’m going to follow suit at my next race, for sure. Positive thoughts rock! Up with people!! Well, maybe not that positive… 
Gotta love a quickie! Sounds like you got this talking to yourself thing down, I think I gotta give it a try. Rather then mindless babbling.
Flo,
I tried the talking thing today. I kept telling myself, “Flo is smooth, Flo is fast, Flo is unbeatable”. I couldn’t tell a difference, I think I might have been slower.
OMG! Tobey, that’s SO funny!!
HAHAHAHAHA, Tobey! Hilarious!! I really don’t pay you enough.
I forgot to come post yesterday, after my 10 miles at the track. As I turned into wind, I would say out loud, “Flo is fast” and laugh. Then I started a “Butter, butter, butter” chant. It was great!
But mostly I wanted to post saying “THANKS Flo!!” I still get side cramps some days, after all this time, and after all the breathing control I have tried, which would usually make me hyperventilate. I never got cramps on my right side yesterday, but after eating half a pack of sports beans and a little water, I started getting them on the left. I attempted your belly breathing, or at lease what I think you would mean, and I got through yesterday without having to walk because of them. I stated to think I’d just have to tolerate them forever, but…I guess I don’t.
I felt like yelling, “Eureka!!” Thanks Flo!!
Amy, that is stellar news! I love that it worked for you. I had something related happen on today’s run, which I’ll post later. Must relax now, eat candy and be the vegetable I need to be.
Butter, butter, butter…Parkay!