Pressure is a weird one. Some people find it empowering. I experience pressure as very unhelpful in all aspects of my life. In fact, I think it's best to neutralise it.. like the way you did by focusing on what you were doing before and during the race.
I think it's important to protect yourself by not accepting/ internalising outside pressure.
It's a projection of people/brands wanting certain outcomes from you, but you can only do what you can do ...
This all sounds very obvious I'm sure, but just thought I would share my thoughts this morning In regards to your question.
Maybe we can learn how to handle pressure head on if we think of what is meant for us will find us. So if you train for a race well and are able to problem solve on the day there’s no reason you can’t achieve incredible results. You’ve proved yourself as a top athlete in the sport.
And it’s all about controlling what we can control and let the rest be what it is.
You are a fabulous writer and expressing everything we want to hear about, the nitty gritty and day to day, not just the X amount of carbs an hour. I say that s a Dietitian:) Wonderful race report as well, I really enjoyed it and congratulations on something extremely special!
As someone who is not an elite runner but puts a lot of self-imposed pressure on myself, I’ll say that having a mantra is a huge help. “Just do your best” works for me. Also, cute cat!
...A study published in Nature Metabolism found that marathon running can lead to temporary, reversible reductions in brain myelin, suggesting the brain might use it as an energy source during extreme physical exertion. Specifically, researchers observed a decrease in myelin water fraction (MWF) in regions associated with motor coordination, sensory and emotional processing, after a marathon. However, this reduction is not permanent, with myelin levels recovering within two months post-race. ...
I suggest allowing yourself to be in the limbo state for a while, realizing that you won't feel like yourself for some time (given the above reason and numerous others) and won't respond to stress in the same ways you might have expected or would prefer. Down the road, when you're feeling fully recovered, back to normal and fully like yourself again then you can reflect back with more clarity and decide what it all means and what you want to make of the stress/subject. Until then, do what you need to do but don't take any of it or how you feel about it, how you react to it or what you think of it, all that seriously. Under strain everything can feel a little extra heavy or even surprisingly dark. But everyone deserves to reserve judgment until their stress can be re-evaluated after full faculties have been restored.
This thread caught my eye, not only because I looked into that same study and see it as a partial explanation for post-event blues, but also because it’s coming from a Judson … and I’m one too! And that’s pretty rare.
Seeing that pic of Marshall makes me remember when my boy was that age (he’s 14mo now). You’ll be surprised how quickly the months fly by. Enjoy that quality time with him!
You are a natural storyteller, which is a great gift. As someone who has worked with many pro athletes, I would suggest that a good natural next step is to get your experience into a tight 10-15 minute live speech/presentation that you can share in person, complete with ups/downs/humor. Running stores, sponsors (for employees), nonprofits that you support...it is an authentic way to build a foundation.
It seems you did well by focusing on your own run at user. I guess it's the same for the next ones. I think there was power in not knowing the outcome and being open about having to solve those puzzles under way. Your sport is one of many vector and a lot of chance. So, staying humble and still thinking you are an underdog - not against the competition maybe, but against the complexity of the sport - might be a good PoV. But what do I know honestly ;)
Pressure is a weird one. Some people find it empowering. I experience pressure as very unhelpful in all aspects of my life. In fact, I think it's best to neutralise it.. like the way you did by focusing on what you were doing before and during the race.
I think it's important to protect yourself by not accepting/ internalising outside pressure.
It's a projection of people/brands wanting certain outcomes from you, but you can only do what you can do ...
This all sounds very obvious I'm sure, but just thought I would share my thoughts this morning In regards to your question.
I'd love to brainstorm the underdog transition on our next run
sorry, Finn here, but I'm sure Jules would love to as well
lol, I'd love that. hurry back
Maybe we can learn how to handle pressure head on if we think of what is meant for us will find us. So if you train for a race well and are able to problem solve on the day there’s no reason you can’t achieve incredible results. You’ve proved yourself as a top athlete in the sport.
And it’s all about controlling what we can control and let the rest be what it is.
You are a fabulous writer and expressing everything we want to hear about, the nitty gritty and day to day, not just the X amount of carbs an hour. I say that s a Dietitian:) Wonderful race report as well, I really enjoyed it and congratulations on something extremely special!
As someone who is not an elite runner but puts a lot of self-imposed pressure on myself, I’ll say that having a mantra is a huge help. “Just do your best” works for me. Also, cute cat!
Have you seen articles on a recent study:
https://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/your-brain-starts-eating-itself-during-a-marathon-study-finds
...A study published in Nature Metabolism found that marathon running can lead to temporary, reversible reductions in brain myelin, suggesting the brain might use it as an energy source during extreme physical exertion. Specifically, researchers observed a decrease in myelin water fraction (MWF) in regions associated with motor coordination, sensory and emotional processing, after a marathon. However, this reduction is not permanent, with myelin levels recovering within two months post-race. ...
I suggest allowing yourself to be in the limbo state for a while, realizing that you won't feel like yourself for some time (given the above reason and numerous others) and won't respond to stress in the same ways you might have expected or would prefer. Down the road, when you're feeling fully recovered, back to normal and fully like yourself again then you can reflect back with more clarity and decide what it all means and what you want to make of the stress/subject. Until then, do what you need to do but don't take any of it or how you feel about it, how you react to it or what you think of it, all that seriously. Under strain everything can feel a little extra heavy or even surprisingly dark. But everyone deserves to reserve judgment until their stress can be re-evaluated after full faculties have been restored.
That's really interesting, thanks for sharing! Maybe that explains some of it :) Definitely starting to feel better now
Glad that you're bouncing back!
A little joke I make with myself,, a nudge I smile about and try to live up to:
Survive the training,, Survive the event,, and then as an endurance athlete I get to endure the aftermath ;)
Enjoy the lull !
This thread caught my eye, not only because I looked into that same study and see it as a partial explanation for post-event blues, but also because it’s coming from a Judson … and I’m one too! And that’s pretty rare.
Seeing that pic of Marshall makes me remember when my boy was that age (he’s 14mo now). You’ll be surprised how quickly the months fly by. Enjoy that quality time with him!
You are a natural storyteller, which is a great gift. As someone who has worked with many pro athletes, I would suggest that a good natural next step is to get your experience into a tight 10-15 minute live speech/presentation that you can share in person, complete with ups/downs/humor. Running stores, sponsors (for employees), nonprofits that you support...it is an authentic way to build a foundation.
Absolutely enjoyed your reflection. Love the pictures of Marshall and your cat snuggling the cougar
Congratulations on an epic race Caleb! 🎉🥳👏🙌🏻🎊🍾🥂
"Anyone have any ideas on that?"
It seems you did well by focusing on your own run at user. I guess it's the same for the next ones. I think there was power in not knowing the outcome and being open about having to solve those puzzles under way. Your sport is one of many vector and a lot of chance. So, staying humble and still thinking you are an underdog - not against the competition maybe, but against the complexity of the sport - might be a good PoV. But what do I know honestly ;)
re. "...coping... ideas..." - from a former, waaaay less talented ultrarunner, telling you with authority, that, dude, you can write as well as you run: life's ultimate cope is summed-up in John 14:11. https://nasb.literalword.com/?q=john+14%3A11 (If you'd run faster or slower, the same would still apply! God bless!) https://www.5solaspublishing.com/post/stay-steadfast-as-things-thin-out