Exciting topic today! I hope this email finds you in high spirits on your journey to become a stronger, healthier and happier runner.
Quick question before we dive in, what podcast guests would you like to see more on future Extramilest Show episodes?
Please reply with A, B or C:
A. Health and running experts, such as Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Peter Attia, Matt Fitzgerald, etc
B. Elite runners, such as Eliud Kipchoge, Sarah Hall, Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe, etc.
C. Non elite runners, who share their training and racing journey, lessons and advice.
Today, I want to share a quote I’ve come across several times in recent years. It truly captures what it means to prepare for a race, whether you’re running against yourself or others:
“The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali
Though this quote comes from the world of boxing, its message applies to us as runners in a powerful way. Like Ali, we too must put in the consistent work and dedication far from the public eye if we want to achieve success on race day.
In the lead-up to a race, it’s easy to focus on the excitement and anticipation of the event itself. But it’s the countless hours spent training in solitude, and dealing with mental and physical challenges, that truly determine our performance when it counts.
Those early morning runs in the dark, the speed work sessions, and the long weekend miles can be the difference between a good race and a great one.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just about the miles logged, but the quality of those miles. We must train intelligently, listening to our bodies and making adjustments as needed.
This is also where other important elements come into play, such as enough rest, quality sleep, stress management, nutrition, strength training and mobility.
Focusing on all of these things consistently is easier said than done, when real life is happen, with unexpected work commitments, family emergencies and social events.
It’s in these moments, when we confront our limits and learn to adapt, that we lay the foundation for a positive outcome on race day.
So, as you lace up your shoes and head out for your next run, remember the wisdom of Muhammad Ali. Embrace the solitude and the slow gradual progress, knowing that it’s in these moments that you’re truly winning the race.
And when you toe the line on race day, you can take pride in the fact that you’ve prepared to the best of your ability, and you’re ready for anything than may happen on race day.
True victory lies in the work we do when no one is watching
Have fun out there on your runs!
Cheers,
Floris Gierman
PBprogram.com / PATHprojects.com
YouTube / Podcast / Strava / Instagram
