The Fear of Missing Out

FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a term regularly thrown around in society and I think it has definitely driven further by social media.

You see all the cool things and places your friends are sharing online. It makes you think i would love to visit that place or go and do that activity and definitely evident in the trail running community too.  You’ve probably felt it before. You might have not known it… We’ve all done a run or race you were on the fence about because it you knew the race was going to sell out fast or the run was in a place you had not seen before.

I encountered this recently when I was looking at choosing a lead up race in preparation for the Ultra Trail Australia run in May this year.

I texted a mate who is also preparing the 100km ultra-marathon and mentioned I was thinking of doing a lead up race and found a 30km event I was interested in running. My mate also noticed they offered a 50km and said why don’t you do the 50km instead of the 30km?

It got me thinking, that would be good to do another ultra prior to the 100km. However, it generated quite a number of questions. Would it the longer run ideal for my run preparation? However, the 50km is only 3 weeks prior to the Ultra Trail Australia race, is this a good idea? Is there enough recovery time? Which is better to test my nutrition plan? Would a shorter race be better to run and then follow up with another run the next day to test running with leg fatigue in preparation for a longer 100km coming up?

There is definitely peer pressure to do everything but FOMO can lead to strain whether it is physical, emotional or financial on an athlete if they let their fear of missing out get out of control.

Have you experienced the Fear of Missing Out?

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Getting Uncomfortable

10 Must Watch Trail Running Films

Getting Uncomfortable

Sometimes you go out for a run and it feels great and you could run forever. I love days like that.

And then there are those runs where you go out and you feel flat with each step you take.

I felt like the latter over the past weekend (and the soreness in the couple of days afterwards) as i did my longest run for a few months, as i continued to build up my run distance after spraining my ankle in early January. It has been frustrating but it got me thinking about my training prior to Christmas and the progress i was making with my training in preparation for my first 100km ultramarathon vs the minor setback i was currently experiencing.

I came to the realisation (and acceptance) that your feet are going to be sore, your arms are going to be tired, your hips are going to tighten, your calves are going to hurt, your stomach could becomequeasy/upset, you can relax into all of those feelings of discomfort and focus on what you’re doing.

The longer my run training goes, the more the challenge shifts to be more mental than anything else. You have to let yourself accept you are going to experience highs and lows during training (and races too) but then let it go in order to have a solid run. If you focus on the discomfort, this concentration will eat away at you and no good comes from that - that’s for sure.

When you’re working it out in a hill or speed session, you expect to start to feel uncomfortable. Working hard, pushing the pace will get your heart and lungs pumping, this is what will help you achieve new levels of endurance. These types of workouts are what prepares your body for those long runs and conditions your mind for the discomfort you will have to, on some level, disregard in order to get to the end goal.

I believe that to be a good distance runner, or endurance athlete for that matter, you have to be prepared to get uncomfortable.

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The North Face 50km (TNF 50) 2014

 

10 Must Watch Trail Running Films

There is nothing better than going out and enjoying a run or hike on the trails but if I am unable to be doing that, I enjoying watching some films and documentaries showcasing the beauty of the great outdoors and some amazing stories of trail runners and their adventures.

Here are some of my favourites clips and films on trail running which I would recommend you to check out.

1. Western Time

The film documents Nike athlete Sally McRae’s journey in one of the most prominent 100 mile races in the world, the Western States 100. This is Sally’s first time running the race and also highlights how Sally qualified to get into Western States. It is definitely a bucket list race for many and this definitely shares the passion for the race and ultrarunning in general. A film by Billy Yang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHoXgYPvj6o

2. Unbreakable

I couldn’t resist including a 2nd film about Western States 100.  

This film, "Unbreakable: The Western States 100" follows the four lead men on an amazing journey as they prepare for the 2010 edition of the Western States 100 mile endurance run, each runner undefeated in the lead up. Hal Koerner, two time defending Western States champion. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in each ultramarathon he has ever ran plus Spanish up and coming star, Killian Jornet, a two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion.  A film by JB Benna and Journey Film.

Check out the trailer for ‘Unbreakable:’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a26xp28jm0

The team at Journey Film have done some great films, I would also recommend their film on Dean Karnazes’s ‘Ultramarathon Man’, his challenge of completing 50 marathons, 50 states, 50 days across America.

3. 52 Peaks

A year long running adventure by Matthew Dickinson running 52 Peaks across New Zealand. Spectacular scenery! I have never been to New Zealand but this definitely inspires planning a trip there in the future. A film by Matthew Dickinson.

https://vimeo.com/110621927

4. The Ultimate Trail

Philippe and Anna Gatta share their amazing ‪trail running‬‬‬ journey along Great Himalaya Trail. They undertake the equivalent of running 40 marathons in 40 days with 15 passes over 5,000 metres and two over 6,000metres. The story and scenery are mesmerising. A film by Philippe and Anna Gatta.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prr4Wbulw0I

5. The Road to 135

This short film follows ultrarunner Josh Spector as he prepares for what is known as the toughest footrace in the world, the iconic Badwater 135. It is a gruelling 135 miles through Death Valley in the hottest times of the year. The film is presented by Tailwind Nutrition.

https://youtu.be/XNix0WUjZr4

6. More Than A Race

More Than A Race follows the 100-kilometre journey of some of the world’s best ultra runners in the 2014 Vibram Hong Kong 100.  As someone who has never been to Hong Kong this film definitely enticing me to visit the city and explore the trails beyond the city amazing skyline.  A film by Lloyd Belcher.

https://vimeo.com/93351560

7. Barkley 100

This short film showcase one of the world’s most challenging running races, The Barkley Marathons. This 100-mile race with 60-hour cut off time push athletes to their limits as they climb an elevation gain comparable to two treks up Mt. Everest. In almost thirty years, only fourteen runners, out of over one thousand runner, have completed The Barkley. A film by Brendan Young

https://vimeo.com/97270099

8. Why We Run

Salomon have created great trail running TV series and I would highly recommend checking out any episodes but the one I have chosen showcases the simplicity of enjoying the outdoors and running featuring Bernd Heinrich whom is a retired Professor living in a log cabin in the forests of Western Maine. Bernd has been an extremely accomplished runner throughout his life and this episode highlights lessons learned about life and from running. A film by Salomon Running.

http://youtu.be/zn6k3gXCszE

9. Desert Runners

This film follows a group of ordinary people as try to complete 4 multi stage races in one calendar year in the 4 most extreme landscapes in the world. The races are undertaken in the four deserts known to be the driest, windiest, hottest and coldest places on Earth.
The film is an emotionally charged journey as each competitor faces the physical and mental challenges of racing and shares their remarkable stories as they try to achieve the extraordinary.  A film by Jennifer Steinman.

www.desertrunnersmovie.com

10. Finding Traction

This film follows Ultra runner, Nikki Kimball, a 3 time Western States 100 winner and 2014 Marathon Des Sables winner, undertaking her definitive test of attempting to set new record for the fastest time across the US state of Vermont’s famous 273 mile Long Trail. The film offers a great insight into Nikki and her crew’s preparation for the journey and highlights the physical and mental challenges faced whilst wishing to inspire people to be more active and enjoy the outdoors and encouraging women and girls to follow their sporting pursuits. A film by Jaime Jacobsen

http://findingtractionfilm.com/

What is your favourite trail running film?

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Race Report: The Great Rail Run

I was excited but a bit anxious about my first race of the year on Sunday. I had not raced since The North Face 50km in May last year due to ongoing foot problems. Therefore I took the approach to the race like I would first and foremost focus on enjoying the experience.

When choosing races, I like to pick different distances and locations for the majority of races I do and The Great Rail Run was no exception, I had not run down along the Bellarine Peninsula previously.

The Great Rail Run is a picturesque run along the Bellarine Rail Trail a 17km traverse between Queenscliff Railway Station to Drysdale Railway Station. The challenge for runners is to beat the steam train to Drysdale.

The conditions on the day were cool and overcast, perfect running conditions I say! The race route navigates through farmland and local native vegetation along the rail trail across the Bellarine Peninsula.

In the run I focused on consistent form and speed throughout the run with the course being a slight gradual incline all the way to Drysdale Railway Station.

I was happy with how my race went and learnt I need to focus and build some more speed sessions in my training to have some added kick during and in the later stages of the race.

I will definitely heading back to do some training or racing along the Bellarine Peninsula, a beautiful spot to race.

I didn’t beat the steam train but was a fun experience nonetheless.

Tips for staying motivated when injured or unable to run

Unfortunately we have all been in this situation. You’re training is going well and preparing for some upcoming races and we get thrown a curve ball and we get injured or sick.

The past 9 months have been a frustrating period for me, I have been struggling with a unknown left foot injury and despite many doctor appointments, scans, cortisone injections it is still unknown the cause of the pain in my foot. I have tried multiple different approaches including rest with no running (stopped running for over 2 months), rehab exercises, massage and physio. It has been a really challenging time especially for someone who likes to be on the go all the time!

I guess what doesn’t kill you can make you stronger and it is a reminder these things are a way of testing you and to not take the ability or the joy of running for granted.

This has given me a great opportunity to re-evaluate things and I hope I can offer you some suggestions and encouragement should you be faced with a similar situation.

Here are some tips to stay motivated when injured or unable to run.

New opportunities arise

With less time specifically dedicated to running, it has provided more time to spend with family and friends and all the important things I cherise. It has also provide me the opportunity to explore new activities, I have started both pilates and yoga this year and have already started to see some improvements including increased strength, presence of mind and improved sleep.

Learn from it

Find out what was the cause of the injury and learn from the experience to help strengthen and balance your body to become a better runner. Being proactive will keep you motivated and positive. You might also like to seek out others who have encountered the same injury and see if there is an new approaches you can take to assist and improve your injury.

Don’t focus on the negative  

It’s a good idea to remember you are not running due a specific reason, by being sick or injured. So despite it being frustrating, take the time to allow your body to recover. Subject to your doctor’s recommendations you might be able to try some new or alternative activities like swimming or cycling to keep active.

Set some new goals

It may be challenging to start with especially when you lose your level of fitness but when getting back into training to keep you motivated it’s good to set some goals and maybe pick a race or two to build up for in the coming months once back training.