Running Brain and Chocolate Milk
8 Time Complete-er!
Last weekend, I ran my eighth marathon. And I use the term “ran” loosely. I often have to do some walking in those last few miles. I’m what you would call a “complete-er,” not a “compete-er.” I enjoy the accomplishment, but really my goal is long term health. Signing up for these events is a personal commitment that helps encourage consistency with my fitness habits. The goal is fitness, but the event is pretty fun and entertaining. The people, the music, and the energy are hard to explain, but thinking about what goes on in my mind is also pretty entertaining. If you’re curious, here’s a glimpse into what my brain looks like for those 4+ hours of slow progress...
Mile 0: This is awesome! Why doesn’t everyone do this?
Miles 1-14: This is fun. Everyone is talking and having a good time. The volunteers are great! The spectators are great! The music is great! I feel great! I could run all day! Why don’t I do more of these?
Miles 14-20: This is starting to get a little tougher. I still have a long way to go. Those half-marathoners are already eating cookies and drinking chocolate milk. The winner of the marathon is probably already back at his hotel room by now. Why didn’t I run a half-marathon today?
Miles 20-25: Running is stupid. I hate running. I’m never running again. Alright, I think I can do this. Can I do this? I have to do this. I am sooo far away from the finish. If I crawl to a finish, that’s still a finish, right? What was I thinking when I signed up for this?
Mile 25-26.2: I am so sore and tired! I hope I don’t die in the next 10 minutes. Hey look, there’s Jill and the Knights. Hi guys. Sorry you had to wait so long. I’ll see you all in a few minutes if I don’t die. Oh my gosh, there’s the finish line. Why did they put it so far away?
Mile 26.2: This is awesome! Why doesn’t everyone do this? I need a cookie and a chocolate milk.
WOOP De Do It
So why do people do these things? There are a lot of reasons, but mine is long term health. And it’s a great way to practice using Dr. Gabriele Oettingen’s WOOP strategy to achieve goals. WOOP stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, and Plan. It’s an evidence based proven strategy that helps people follow through on their goals. . WISH - complete a marathon
OUTCOME - long term consistent habit of health and fitness
OBSTACLES - time, lack of consistency, healthy eating PLAN - follow a schedule and training plan, use mental contrasting and implementation intentions.
Process and Outcome
I’m definitely more of a process guy than an outcome guy. Outcomes are exciting, fun, and satisfying, but a compelling life is one that focuses on making daily progress and enjoying the process. Remember the running brain. This is awesome! And when it’s not, keep going. Because when you focus on the process, it’s going be awesome again!
Keep moving forward.
There’s a chocolate milk waiting for you.
Enjoy the day!
