The hardest plateau to break is the one between that of a husband and his wife. After couple of years of living together the willingness to stay begins to dissipate and you are forced to hold on for the sake of society or merely to honour your own commitment. But after the seven-year itch has been handled skilfully you actually begin to experience the pure joys of togetherness.
The story is similar be it love or weight-loss, be it work or a running. You were bound to hit a plateau, now what. It is time to re-kindle that love.
- Revisit why you decided to wed running in the first place?
Was yours an arranged or a love marriage? You might hit the plateau faster if yours has been a tough commitment to keep on top of the fact you didn’t take this decision. Were you pushed by a friend or an ever-concerned wife? But you know what you came so far, tell me how did it make you feel. You had a story to tell and you are an inspiration to a few around you. Remember that feeling before you sign out. If you fell in love then why fall out so easy. Stick to it, let discuss the problem instead of building frustration.
- Remind yourself of the time and effort you have put to get where you are?
You have put in a lot of sweat equity into this, literally haven’t you? It’s time to encash it and move ahead. But your question is how?
- Take a break
The most common mistake runners make is they assume if I ran, I can run. Sure, you can, but that is the limit of it. We all have latent energy waiting to be tapped. When you step out for the first time your enthusiasm, fears and ego to some extent take you well to the finish line. Then you know you can run. You take up running and keep repeating your success. Some of you decide to turn into mentors for fellow runners. But soon the charm is lost why?
- You forgot to prepare your body. Running is an act in which every muscle of your body is involved. Developing muscle strength is the key to running. So, runners mustn’t only run they must weight train and yoga too. It is the holistic development of your body that results in performance.
- If you knew that I hope you followed an expert.
- Then tell me how are we managing our stress. Running long distances asks for erratic routines. Mental and physical stress on the body coupled with erratic routine leads to body fatigue. Your spirit will take you ahead but at some point, your performance will display the fatigue. For how many runs did we have a flat finish?
- Nutrition is actually the key to this all. While eating right maybe great generally but runner’s diet needs to be more specific. Why? Your stomach needs to be lighter as well as your muscles need more nourishment, In fact a classic catch 22 situation. Having an expert at your disposable is important until you develop the know how to manage this.
- What can you do differently?
Choose between many options in workout styles in between running seasons. Shock your muscles and stimulate your mind. Along with not giving up a healthy routine just because the running season is on hold.
- Where do we want to go?
Set a clear vision for yourself, what did you want? Sometimes our busy mind messes with a perfectly good feeling but if you wanted a better finish time or a longer distance target, must be clearly defined. Only then can you work toward it and your expert will be able to design your schedule with that much ease. And guess what then whose to stop you?
- Do we love each other? Then why let go
You made it this far and there is a lot to be done. Anyone can give up but you know what runners never quit.
Author – Ruchira Darda, Founder Maha Marathon
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