In article <kqs0d.69521$3l3.26823@attbi_s03>, <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:Hi,
I ran a marathon 3 yrs ago, and I remember for several miles I was right
behind this guy with a pace similar to mine. Every time we passed crowds,
people would yell "Go, Mike!", etc.,...Well, as it turned out, "Mike" had
put his name, in big letters, right on the front of his shirt, which
explained why so many people were able to cheer him by name.I thought this was a pretty neat idea, and told myself that if I ever run
another marathon, I'd do the same thing. Well, in a little over a week,
I'll be running a half marathon...I'd never do this for a short race, but I
figured that a half is long enough...I was just wondering what other runners think of this, and how many
marathoners and half-marathoners actually do this....Since I'm traveling several thousand miles to this race, I figured I'd also
put my home town on my shirt. I'm just going to buy a light-colored running
shirt, and then use permanent Black marker...Lisa B.
Lisa,
Having been part of the Super Four Support Team and Psyching Team here
in San Diego for the San Diego Marathon (since 1988) (in Carlsbad-long
story) and the Rock and Roll Marathon (since 1998) I know that my 15
miles most people are in a trance state.
While bands and cheerleading squads serve to distract one from the task
at hand by dissociating from the act one is doing- the Marathon. The
Super Four Support Team (for people super/over four hours) and Psyching
Team realizes that whispering or quietly saying: Relax shoulder. Or
Relax your Jaw. or Relax your eyes. Or Eyes on the horizon, do more
for the individual who is zoned out and waging an internal battle with
negative thoughts, doubts, and other mental distraactions.
With the Team in Training and other charitable groups that have the
person's name and their city, we've found that we can be much more
helpful in saying: Lisa, Relax shoulders. Bill, eyes on the horizon.
The personal touch with using their name has a positive effect on
keeping focused. When we use the names of the people showing their
names on their shirts, it is personal for that person; however for all
the other people running in the proximate area, they grab onto the
suggestion as quickly as the person whose name we used.
During your marathon you can help yourself and several hundred other
runners by simply talking aloud to yourself.
The most powerful feedback to yourself is: Lisa, relax shoulders.
Other things to say outloud to yourself during your marathon especially
after mile 15 are:
Lisa, breathe
Lisa, relax shoulders
Lisa, relax your jaw
Lisa, eyes on the horizon
Lisa, Run Tall
Lisa, head up, eyes on the horizon
You will be amazed at how many people thank you for reminding
them...and here all you were doing it talking to yourself aloud to stay
focused on running well.
So regarding your name, make sure it is visible above bib number.
I just finished writing to some sport pyschologists who are part of the
Psyching Team at Toronto Marathon.
Have a great run. Oh and attached to a hook on the top of your head is
a fine silk thread and attached to the thread is a helium balloon that
helps you keep your head up and your eyes on the horizon.
Check out the FAQ, part 7 on Super Four Success Tips.
In health and on the run,
Ozzie Gontang
Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic, est. 1975
Maintainer - rec.running FAQ
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/running-faq/
Mindful Running:
http://www.mindfulness.com/mr.asp