We all have that voice in our head that is constantly commenting, judging and stabbing opinions and ideas on a seemingly endless loop. It’s there as soon as we wake up and holds our last thoughts before closing our eyes at night. How much attention to you pay to the ceaseless voice? Do you know it’s all just stories we tell ourselves? I decided to pay more attention to mine since she seems to be a nasty little thing.

After listening to Dan Harris’ 10% Happier and then Susan David talk about “emotional agility” I started paying a lot more attention to the things I tell myself and if they are actually true, or just stories. And, if they’re simply stories, then the story can change.

WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2018

RUNNING

I chose to tell myself that just because I was staying on a ski mountain, with a total elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, there was no reason I couldn’t run. So I did.

My glutes, calves and ankles have been sore ever since. I had to laugh at one point because I was on my toes and barely jogging, but I refused to walk. The skiers on the chairlift had a good story to tell later that night about the crazy runner.

Tuesday – 5 minute hill intervals with longer run before cycling | 8.57 miles | 8:37 avg pace

Wednesday – 20 minute easy run after cycling | 2.3 miles | 8:47 avg pace

Saturday – 10 miles with building speed before strength | 9.21 miles | 8:27 average pace

Total = 20.8  miles

CYCLING

I have one glorious word — OUTSIDE!

I finally made it outside on my bike and it was absolutely amazing. Instead of being intimidated by the long ride (35 miles) with my coach (judgement) who is doing her third Ironman in Germany in July (stronger, faster and a better athlete) I pushed it all aside and just enjoyed the ride! It was fantastic.

I’m smiling because the ride is over and I love having my bike rack on Claire.

Monday – 1 hour Zwift ride before swim | 15 miles

Tuesday – aerobic drills after run | 24 miles

Wednesday – 1 hour recovery before run | 16.1 miles

Thursday – OUTDOOR ride | 34.87 miles

Total = 65.97 miles

SWIMMING

The story that has changed the most for me since my early days of triathlon has absolutely centered around my time in the water.

Last year my husband and I went ocean kayaking in Hawaii. When we started paddling out into semi-rough waters my husband noticed I was starting to panic. He immediately said “besides our guide, you’re probably the best swimmer out here so you have nothing to worry about.” His words immediately calmed me but then I thought “why don’t I already think that?” Since then, I have used that example to empower me in the water.

Monday – endurance/form after ride | 2,600 yards

Friday – 100s and 25s | 2,300 yards

Total = 4,900 yards

READING

These are stories I will gladly tell myself. Well, at least one of them is. I finally finished The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah who also wrote The Nightingale which is one of my all time favorites. The Great Alone is a story whose main character is really Alaska and not any particular one of the broken people Hannah writes about so eloquently. I never thought I would want to go to Alaska and now, I’m positive. But really, the story is compelling, tragic, inspiring and unforgettable. I highly recommend it.

I so badly wanted to love An American Marriage by Tayari Jones as much as Oprah but it just fell flat for me. I kept waiting for something to happen…and waiting…and, oh wait, oh this this is….ugh, not happening. The best and worst part of the book was the ending. I was so glad it was over but it was hardly an ending. I can’t wait to hear what my book club women think next week. In my opinion, you can skip right over this one.

PODCASTS

I’ve been on a Rich Roll for most all my runs and I’m loving it. His guest this past week was Susan David, PhD Harvard professor and award winning psychologist on why “discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” Does that hit the nail on the head or what? If podcasts are not your thing, I highly recommend at least listening to her TED Talk…I mean, about 2 million others have so why not?

RANDOM EXCHANGE OF THE WEEK

My boys gave me this birthday card and then…

Miles: Which one would you choose?

Me: Um, both. I need both.

Vaughn: But if you HAD to, which would you choose?

Me: If I could only have one for the rest of my life? (it’s now clear to me that one of them chose wine and the other coffee) Wine. Definitely wine.

Miles: YES!!!!! I’m the wine Mom!!!! I win!!!

Not sure if this is good or bad but I believe in being honest with your kids. After all, they are the ones who drove me to drink.

Here’s to feeling all the emotions and creating beautiful, true stories in your head this week!

[Tweet “What stories are you telling yourself and can you change the voice in your head? Q&A on The Rundown! #train4life “]

What stories do you tell yourself?

Are you aware of the voice in your head?

Have you read either book? Thoughts?

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