PUSHING IT TO THE BRINK
- By loramarie03
- 2 May, 2012
- 14 Comments
I was so happy this morning when our alarm went off just after 6 a.m. because I was just about to get attacked by an alligator in my dream. According to Dream Moods, seeing an alligator means:
Alligator
To see an alligator in your dream symbolizes treachery, deceit, and hidden instincts. It may be a signal for you to take on a new perspective on a situation. It may also represent your ability to move between the physical, material world of waking life and the emotional, repressed world of the subconscious. Alternatively, the alligator represents healing powers and qualities. An alligator also suggests that you are thick-skinned or insensitive.
Hmm, all very interesting and really have no idea what it means. “A new perspective on a situation” … not really sure what situation this is.
So anyways, I took my insensitive self out for a run. I just did five miles and it felt good. I tried to push myself a little bit so that a harder pace can be my new sense of normal. Does it work like that? I hope so.
I always get nervous that I’m not pushing myself enough. Do I need to run harder? How will this impact my next race? What can I do to improve on time? I feel like I’m a steady runner, where I usually run the same pace throughout (maybe a little slower towards the end of the middle of my runs) but then fear that this means I’m not pushing myself enough.
I also fear that I don’t push myself hard enough in races. How do I know if I’ve reached that breaking point, that point before you just can’t give anymore? I’m not sure I’ve been there. I feel drained after races, but then the voice of doubt comes out and teases me by saying, “Are you sure that’s all you had to give?”
I really want to make sure I’m pushing myself in the Brooklyn Half in a few weeks. I’ve never run a half marathon seriously… I’ve always done it at the beginning of a marathon training plan to see how it feels. But I want to push myself in this race and PR. But I don’t want to push myself so hard that I can’t make it to the finish. The paradox of runners, I suppose.
Did you have any weird dreams last night? Any tips for pushing yourself, either in races or everyday runs?
Copyright © 2013
No weird dreams for me!
While I can't really consider myself a runner, I do find that being around people motivates me to go faster/longer. Even if there is no one actually watching me, I never want to quit or try less hard in public.
It is hard for me to up my normal pace and I don't really know how to get faster-other than just running faster lol.
That's a good point!! I do think running faster does make you faster… and just running a lot in general. I need it to be my full-time job I think, haha.
I can't remember my last bizarre dream, but it didn't involve an alligator. Eeek!
since I'm new to the running thing, pushing myself isn't really one of my fortes….hopefully I'll get there soon haha. I'm sure you'll do great in your half!!
Thank you for the vote of confidence!!
Doing sprint training (like 800s on the track or something) allows for your body to have a faster tempo, but also to let that race pace feel easier. I bet that's the same equivalent as training at a faster pace in general. Eventually it becomes natural.
800s are so fun.
Omg. I totally had a weird dream last night. And promptly forgot it. Lol. I remembered during breakfast though. Weird. I'm going to the track today!! it's definitely good training for races!
Hahha I always have that happen with dreams, especially the super bizarre ones!
I had a very weird dream last night, kind of along the lines of 'Tomorrow when the War began'… So weird and out of no where! As for the running… I found that 40ish min sprint and speed sessions really helped me take time off my marathon, however it is something I am still trying to figure out and experiment with.I find it hard to push myself really hard though. It's so different in a half and full marathon too as you have to judge your speed and effort a lot more the further you run. Look forward to hearing how you go.
So bizarre — I always wonder how our subconscious comes up with those weird dreams out of nowhere?! I think that's part of what I'm nervous about… I'm so used to going for the full that the 1/2, I'm not sure how to gauge!
Have a look at the Furman Institure of sport and running and they have some great tips and advice about speed sessions
Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out!
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