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Reflections on being fearless in 2018

12/27/2018

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2018 was a very messy year, and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that. As I reflect and think back to January of this year, I had an opportunity to attend a leadership workshop where our instructor had us set a one-word theme for the year. Running my first marathon was just a few short weeks away so naturally, the word fearless came to mind.

So as I made my way to the start line, with a head full of fears about so many things ranging from would I be able to finish? And also anticipating what kind of hell is this year going to put me through, knowing this could be a life-changing year. For more on that check out the blog post on my first marathon. But something so small as writing down that one word, kept it forefront when I needed it the most. In my mind, I switched gears, was so grateful to be in Surf City, put trust in all the hours I spent training for this very moment and fearlessly went for a 26.2-mile run.

When I did cross that finish line, I definitely felt like I could take on anything after that, but it still didn’t mean I wanted to. Life seemed unfair to be dealt this stack of cards. Why me? What will happen when we get back? Maybe this is the rock bottom anticipated before things turning entirely around for the better? Deep down, although deep down I knew better. When we returned I had to be fearless after I heard the news that my SO had maybe 4 to 6 months to live. I had already heard this once in 2011, so I was stuck between feeling like the last 7 years was a time debt that had reached its limit, or maybe he could pull out of it again, and there would be many years of greatness ahead. I always knew we were on borrowed time since 2011, and while his closest friends, family and myself wished he would have made changes to live healthier, it wasn't up to us. It would've had to be his decision alone.​ Think about it, how much success do you have with goals, when you pursue them for other people and put yourself on the back of the list?
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Change happens from within on your terms


Sadly this was it, time to say goodbye forever and how could I ever find anything positive in having to do that? But I forced myself to and what I saw was very slim but mighty. In flipping my perspective of this situation, I did see some things to be grateful for such as actually being able to say goodbye. How many people lose loved ones suddenly, without that option? I was also glad I had a journey through marathon training first. All those miles help set your mind up to face life’s pain causing obstacles. Don’t get me wrong, it still sucks, hurts and is totally unfair if you ask me. But I’m learning to live with that, and am slowly evolving into a stronger person from it. Just like there are sore and tired muscles in training that you have to teach your mind how to deal with it to get faster or run longer.
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The outcome of ​pain is
​ultimately breakthroughs and growth.

​

So now it was my turn to take on this world by myself. Where even some routine situations became utterly new and different because it was just me, kind of, because I do feel my late SO looking down from up above at times. It’s been a year of fearless discovery, and I was to get out and explore some new and familiar places on my own. Although I do enjoy kickin' it with ME and have adapted well, I am also very blessed to have so many good friends. 

It kinda feared going to a concert alone, but it was also still a good experience. There were only a couple of times I was a bit scared this year. After I realized I forgot to look both ways crossing a street in Miami. I’m sure I’m not the first one who had too much sun that day and forgot to look both ways before crossing, or I’m just lucky sometimes.

My mind brushed with fear a couple of times in Detroit and Chicago, and maybe a few other times and the last half marathon I ran. 
The event was in Vegas, I had not trained the best, and my shoes were so new I had sore feet and ankles before the run started. Top that off with the what happened last year, the high level of security which made this event feel like an awkward party and potential war zone. In the many crowded events I’ve attended, it was a first to see guards decked out with firearms half as tall as I am. I realize that probably should’ve made me feel safer, but it didn’t, in my mind, it was just the potential for more bullets to fly and nowhere to really run to because we were all caged in the starting corrals. But that was only one perspective, again flip it around to all of this heightened security is here so nothing will happen was a better train of thought.

There have been some other experiences I’ve had this year, which I went into with that fearless mindset. I ended up having an incredibly intense experience that felt like it was too much and I would never come back to my ordinary self. And I don’t think I ever did but gained a huge positive shift from experience. Then there was this time I considered getting a beach wave perm would be a good idea. I’m glad I let fear win on that one and canceled the appointment! Absolutely no regrets in doing that!

If it's too good to be true, it usually is


​This fearless mindset served me well most of the year until the seasons changed and Fall rolled around. I wish I would’ve trusted my intuition or initial gut feelings. In fact, I almost did the opposite, was naive, and ignored certain things that I questioned. It was one of those situations where it felt like it was too good to be true, but I justified it irrationally and unrealistically thinking with everything I’ve been through maybe it’s time for something wonderful to happen. Then life bitch slapped me into reality. If it is too good to be true, it usually is. When I do feel negative emotions, I embrace that the experience has knocked me down to give me some clarity on what I really need to be focusing on now. So it wasn’t the end of the world that I brushed my initial feelings aside, but I think I could’ve saved myself some pain in doing so.
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Life is always teaching you something, sometimes it stings, but that’s how we grow as individuals.


​In years gone by, I’ve never run more than one half marathon in a year, but in 2018 I not only ran my first full marathon, and went on to complete two more half marathons. Even nailing a PR in June!  Running has always been there for me, and it helped definitely helped me get through one of the toughest years I’ve ever faced in my life. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of times I didn’t feel like running, so I didn’t, but I noticed the difference in how I felt after I made myself get out there and that’s always been a motivator for me. Running has always helped me put things into perspective and deal with life’s blows. But most importantly it just feels good. Something I think everyone chases after in one way or another.
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As I look ahead to 2019, I definitely plan on running but in a much different style as I work towards achieving a 25 minute 5K as opposed to running multiple long distance events. I’m also ready to do more work in the weight room. This type of training will require a different mindset as I push towards those goals, and I’m pretty sure the time is now.

The fearless mindset has pushed
me to become stronger than ever,
​making RESILIENCE a theme for 2019.

​While I enjoy running mindlessly neverending long miles where I can just float along the pavement, I know it’s time to change things up. But I’m sure I can make room in my training plan for a few nice LSD (Long Slow Distance) runs when the weather in the midwest is nice enough for them. Those aren’t much fun on a dreadmill, although there were a couple of times in training for the full marathon where I found myself doing Netflix and 'mill, if that's a thing.

​We all have to run around with some fearless in us, or otherwise, I think we will miss out on some of life’s most beautiful things. And if we get hurt in the process remember that growth comes from pain, and don’t let fear hold you back. Push yourself and take things to the limit. Unless it’s a serious pain from running like an injury or a perm, then back off!  Nothing is cool about running your joints into the ground or frying your hair. There is a fine line between fearless and reckless, check yourself. This sounds like the most contradictory paragraph ever! The point is balance in life is key.


So as we embark on revolving around the sun one more time, don’t forget that the things that scare us the most have the potential to change us the most. If you are looking to make some positive changes in 2019, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you have to. Also watch out for any too good to be true gimmicks because fast fixes tend to give subpar or temporary results that won’t be as rewarding as enduring the slow and steady process of building yourself up to be the best you can at whatever you are trying to achieve. Apply that to you whatever fitness or life goals you have, stay patient and get after ‘em this year!

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Six Running Sins you need to avoid

12/2/2018

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Running is one of those things that has always been there for me, it’s helped me solve problems and never let me down as long as I planned well. I spend a lot of time thinking and running allows me to do that while feeling this euphoric state of freedom, maybe that’s what I’m hooked on. Whatever it is, it’s definitely an activity I want to continue on some level for the rest of my life.



Reflecting on my running accomplishments, this year I successfully completed my first full marathon, then went on to PR (2:06) a half marathon in the middle of the year, was a no-show to a half marathon I had planned to run in October and committed one of the running sins for a half I ran in November. But how else would you run a race in Vegas, right!? I'm such a rebel, sometimes!

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Through my thirteen years running, I’ve committed all these sins on in some way, shape or form, and sharing the lessons I’ve taken with you. Some good life lessons can be found in some of these also, don’t learn the hard way like I did!

Obsessing with running, or anything for that matter. Don’t get so obsessed with running that that is all you are doing to achieve fitness. Sure to become a great runner you must obviously run a lot, but it’s essential to balance running with other dimensions of fitness such as strength and flexibility. Oh, and you need rest, DO NOT skip rest days. While it may sound counterintuitive, resting is where you build up from all the breaking down running does to you.

Adding too many miles, too soon (another life lesson in disguise). Let’s face it running, is a tough sport and gravity is working against you and all of the precious joints in your body especially in places like your ankles and knees. The human body is amazing and can adapt to running many miles, but you have to have patience and give it time to adjust.

Avoiding the weight room like the plague, because you might put on muscle weight. Strong muscles help you sustain all of that running and keep you healthy or injury free. Sure you might gain some lean mass, but that’s just going to make you a more powerful force as your feet glide more effortlessly against the pavement.


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Trying to outrun a poor diet. Sure running burns a ton of calories, but it’s not magic. On average running burns around 80 calories give or take based on your individual body weight, pace, and incline. Running longer and harder also increases your appetite which makes it easy to take in more calories than your burn, especially if you load up on junk food. Aim for a balanced diet, with indulgences in moderation. I approach this with the 80/20 rule of eating balanced most of the time and treating myself from once in a while to avoid deprivation. A balanced diet will also give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy as a runner and enjoy the sport more.

Running should not hurt. Yes, running is hard, and sometimes your muscles will be sore during and after running. However, it’s critical that you make sure you are not ever running through anything that just plain hurts. Even if the pain stops after mile one or two, you need to get to the root of what is causing that pain. When we run our bodies release a lot of neurotransmitters that act as pain relievers so in a sense you are under the influence of these and may think things are ok but could be putting yourself at risk for an overuse injury. Stop, rest, do some cross training, or get it checked out before you keep chasing running goals.




Never wear brand new sneaks to any major race of any distance if you are putting your body to the test, so if you’re traveling don’t forget your shoes! The event itself will be enough to leave you sore, and wearing a pair of kicks that hasn’t been broken in doesn’t do your feet any favors. I’m speaking from experience in my last race at the Rock N Roll Vegas half marathon. Last minute decided to wear the tye dye series shoes I picked up at the expo. I guess it was my idea of gambling and YOLO!




It was a painful run in sin city, but it wasn’t the first time my feet have suffered for a pair of shoes during a night out in the city. At least I came home with some bling!
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    author
    Nancy Flock
     
     
    Exercise physiologist aka: fitness Geek, loves running and being adventures. marathon & sprint tri finisher. music and veggie fanatic  

    Nancy Flock is a wellness enthusiast that's crazy about running, veggies, animals and living life to the fullest.

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