Not just an Athlete

Today I decided to attack the altitude and match my sea level running times at all cost. No excuses.

Long run : 5miles on the bike path at 7:30 pace (which is the pace id like to continue for 13 miles)

On the run I had a few thoughts that id like to share, other then just being able to check out the town by foot.

So as the title suggests I was thinking that competitive athletes are more then just athletes, especially if they are really in love with the sport. You become a student of the sport. Due to this you take on other titles which are explained:

Student..covered

Athlete..duh

Time manager/organizer..there are only 24 hours in a day and a window of probably not more then 4 hours to train daily, so you have to make the most of it.

Strength coach..many endurance runners forget this step.. you must get in the weight room and lift. Its injury preventative, provides balance, and adds speed and strength.

personal trainer.. you make your own workouts and make sure that you are hitting correct positions doing them.

Nutritionist...you have to know the calories you intake, how much fat, protein, and carb, plus your vitamins.

Cook..youll have to do some low fat, healthy cooking, some dishes are harder to make then others, but if it was easy everyone would do it right?

Bargain shopper..all the food you intake cost money so youll have to wheel and deal to be able to fund it.

Professional eater..you have to take in a lot of lost calories the harder you train, to the point where you feel like you are constantly eating (every 2-3 hours).

Surveyor..you have to map out your path for the workout and know the distances, terrain changes, and you have to keep it stimulating to the brain.

Philanthropist..You are always running/competing for a cause to raise funds for research or raise awareness.

DJ..if you run with music you have to make a play list that will pump you up for your workout.

There is a lot of great information out on the internet, at your local gym, talking to competitors at races, clubs, and trial and error. Good luck on your goals.