book review: run | the mind-body method of running by feel

One of the things I struggled with in 2010 was confidence in my running. While I was putting in solid mileage most of the time, I didn't feel like those miles were all that good. In my ramp-up to Rock n Roll Seattle, I managed to get really sick once again, and I missed my key long runs. By the time I reached the start line, I didn't believe I really had a good marathon in me. The night before I said "forget it" (or something to that effect) and ate too much pizza and drank too much beer - I had given up before I even started.

That bad marathon unleashed a spiral for me, and I have spent the last six months doubting my ability to run fast or well. My infrequent races have backed up my lack of confidence.

I haven't wanted to race well.  I've been afraid of pushing in my training. The fire seemed to be out.

Seemed to be.

I've had a lot of time to reflect on what happened last year. Intuitively, I know that it's more complicated than just a decline in my running. I could "fix" my training like crazy, but I don't think that would touch the issue. The issue is my confidence.  To run well, to endure, to be able to take the pain that comes with running fast.

But can you train your confidence?

Coach and author Matt Fitzgerald says yes.  His most recent book, "Run | The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel" lays out his theory that we instinctively know the best way to train for our own bodies. The problem with most training plans, he posits, is that they don't reflect what is going on in our bodies and minds at any given time. Blind adherence to the plan can result in injury or burnout. We have to work with our plan, not as a slave to it.

But for me, the single most important insight was this:

"Make it your primary objective in training to develop confidence in your ability to achieve your specific race goals."

He tells us to think about what training experiences we believe will give us the most confidence to achieve our goals, and then to go and do those things. For the 50k, I believe that if I can do a back to back training block of 30 miles as well as our one day, slow 31 mile training run, I will be more than ready to tackle the race. I like to go in feeling confident about the distance - to have come at least close to covering it all in regular training. This runs contrary to many training plans that say to not go that far for risk of injury - but when I run that way, I fall apart in races.  You've just got to learn what works best for you.

Another key to good running, Fitzgerald says, is to run happy. Seems that Brooks Running is on to something, because the best runners find their workouts to be fun and joyful. Another great piece of advice from the book:

"Do more of what you enjoy most and less of what you enjoy least in training. The feeling of enjoyment is your body's way of telling you that your training is working."

I'm still absorbing the insights from this fascinating book, and I plan to share more of them with you. I do think that the book is more meaningful when you've got a couple of years of training under your belt, especially if you've been struggling with your confidence or not meeting your potential.

Until next time, run happy!