Two years ago I did a marathon after not running or competing for a number of years. I hit the wall, but I kept hearing the voice of Dory in "Finding Nemo," "just keep swimming, swimming..." over and over.
This article could not have been timed better. I ran my longest run today ever, 14 miles, and there were numerous times that I waned to hist stop on the treadmill and just throw in the towel. Thank you for reminding me that I am stronger than I believe and giving strategies to help me get over the wall,
Frankly I think overriding your body when you are driving it too hard and its begging for rest, is terrible for your adrenals as well as your entire body.
Guess that's why I don't run marathons! : ) Mzzchief
Finish Line Pose.... Getting stronger sound track playing in my head.
Thanks
LAURENGUNDRUM
10/6/2011 9:37:00 AM
I definitely know what you're talking about - everyone who has run a long race can pinpoint exactly when they hit the wall. For me it was at mile 18 during the Philly marathon. I kept going because I was running with a friend and didn't want to hold her back, so that's another good way to motivate yourself - be accountable to someone else.
This is my first comment on any article. I've been working on diet/exercise since Jan. and losing ground lately. It was the perfect info at the right time. THANK YOU!
This was really appropriate because when I hit the wall, I feel bad enough already - lightheartedness is like a second wind. Especially loved the bribery suggestion, LOL.
Great blog Julie! Congrats on finishing the Boston Marathon!!!
ANGELIA44
10/8/2010 2:46:56 AM
this is a great article, almost more applicable to everyday life than running or weight loss. everyday can be a struggle sometimes, but we have to remember to keep moving.
I don't understand how people here can say this article doesn't apply to weight-loss when so many comments here clearly show very discouraged people ("I'm slipping," "this darkness I'm in," etc.) who have hit "The Wall" in their weight-loss journey. Yeah, there's not a true finish line in a healthy lifestyle as there is in a road race, but there are certainly goals, and these suggestions can help people moving onwards and upwards to where they want to be as people and physical specimens.
That said, they definitely do apply to running as well. I read this article last year, but I'm running the Chicago Marathon this weekend, my first-ever and something I couldn't have done if I hadn't turned my lifestyle around and become a "Sparkperson" almost two years ago, so thanks Julie, and thanks for reposting this, Sparkpeople: I will definitely use these when the going gets tough this Sunday and reach that goal I've set for myself, using Sparkpeople once again.
I wish I could say that I had an epiphany after reading this, or that I some major life change was brought about, but I'm still discouraged. The author was thinking this while running a marathon and I feel like I'm never gonna be running a marathon, let alone come out of the darkness I'm in. Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm not fully convinced I can related to this.
