This post was sponsored by BOSU but all opinions expressed are my own. I truly appreciate all of the brands that support the Fit Approach (Sweat Pink) community. Connecting with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday and Jill for Fitness Friday!

And we arrive at that time again. Marathon Mindset time! Check out my pre-Phoenix Marathon Mindset and my pre-Twin Cities Marathon Mindset. For all those first (or second, or third…) timers out there, take some time to read my Letter to First Time Marathoners and Half Marathoners from earlier this week and remember that you are capable!

Marathon Mindset: Chicago Marathon 2015

This marathon coincides with the end of the BosuStrong Challenge, and I thought it was actually the perfect way to think about my marathon training and the marathon itself. In my mind, the very characteristics that make me (in my mind) a good coach and have characterized this summer and training are the very things that make. me #bosustrong. These four qualities are what I hope will also describe my marathon itself:

• Balance
• Stability
• Resiliency
• Adaptability

Balance

I discussed the parallels between balance in life and balance on the Bosu (and way to progress in both), but I haven’t specifically talked about my progression as a runner. 

As most of you know, this past spring, I had a random stress reaction from not training for a marathon (silly body), but it was a great chance for me to take some steps back and get perspective. I cross trained while injured, I came back carefully and was able to run Ragnar, and with coaching, I brought myself back to full strength by run/walking and being patient. I found a new balance between the number of miles and the pace that I ran, and as a result, I am a bit slower, but I feel strong, I’m running more miles a week than ever, and I am loving every minute. 

I wish that I could say that on Sunday, I’m going to Whip and nae nae my way around Chicago. For a little while, I felt obligated to do so, no matter how many times I told myself and others that this was a run for fun. Had I put more focus on speed, I might be able to hit that time that I would like to (not aiming for another PR, but a good and fast time), but this time, I am balanced in what I want: to be comfortable and soak in the atmosphere at first, and then work progressively harder. Progression, at work. Qualitative before quantitative.

via GIPHY

Well. Let’s be honest. You know I will do that.

Strength

I’m not going to lie, I’ve let certain aspects of my strength training lapse–not so much my body splits, but my physical therapy exercises. But I feel strong and healthy and (this might be a weird thing to say) vibrant. I do not for a second question that I have the endurance for this race. Not for a second. I have developed a great deal of core strength, both physically developed on the Bosu (hello planks with knee to shoulders and abs) and mentally.

CES was an incredible gift to me–I learned to get over myself, to get out and run in the rain, and every time I was rewarded with a smile on my face even when the thought of going out there was too much. We gave each other that strength. And part of that mental strength is evidenced by the fact that I don’t feel the need to “prove” anything on Sunday. I am going to run MY race.

Resiliency

This summer was a bit of a roller coast. Emotions, professional opportunities, personal time with Alex, alone time, commitments. I’ve gone up, down, and all around. All of my talk of balance and perspective and anxiety has been 100% real. But at the base of these lessons is resiliency. This summer I learned that it was time to go out and try to capture my piece of the pie.

But I also learned some valuable lessons with regards to standing up for myself. And in resiliency, bouncing back with a vengeance.

I could have scrapped my plans for the marathon after my stress reaction, but instead, I adapted. I will attack my conditions on Sunday with the same regard. When you run into a wall, don’t try to run through it: adapt and find a new way, either by progressing or finding a new way.

Adaptation

One of the greatest attributes of the marathon runner, hell, in life in general, is the ability to adapt to situations. What good is resiliency if you just keep pinging backwards? I am proud of myself for taking an ultimately unfavorable situation and not wallowing in its demise but instead figuring out a new path. With balance work on the Bosu as well as speedwork in marathon training, you have to find a way to progress by learning new adaptations. Smart progressions engender adaptations. 

I can’t change the fact that I have a desk job. So I’ve found a way to work with my situation.

I’ve adapted to my new running schedule, my new running speeds, my new running goals. As some of you may have noticed, I am working on adaptations for my site, for my career(s), and for my relationships. 

My Chicago Marathon Goals

As I write this, I am happy to report that I have reached the Chicago Marathon weekend uninjured and not burnt out (knock wood). I have gained even greater respect for my body and further lessened my fears of the changes that I am going to have to make for my long term family plans.

For the Chicago Marathon itself, my goal is to run a smart race that allows me to cross the finish line with a smile on my face. Time-wise, I would like to run consistent, if not negative, splits. I am aiming to run for a 3:50, give or take. Essentially, I am going to start around 8:45-9 and try to whittle away at that. 

I just want to have fun. Well, my version of fun. I want to show that I truly have learned and developed these #Bosustrong traits of balance, strength, resiliency, and adaptation. 

If you would like to follow me on Sunday, you can sign up for updates on my progress here. I am bib number 682.

Have you ever learned such lessons from an inanimate object?

What has made you #BosuStrong in your life?

Are you running a big race this season? Don’t miss tomorrow’s post!!