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Season 2 : Episode 19 – Gomer Regrets

Humble pie, anyone?  The Gomers have a big slice they’d be willing to share.  The good news is, most of the Gomernation has forgiven the guys for their insensitivity last week, and after an initial apology from their future selves, they’re ready to move on.  Both of them ran a staggering 16 miles in a row this week, and they have tales to tell – some good, some not so good.  And that makes them first scared, then motivated, and vice versa.

And don’t forget all the regular features:  Week in Review, Eat and Run, Gomers Tips, Listener Feedback, two new Songs to Run To, and two new Rookie Mistakes in the Runners Corner.   Happy Running!

This Week’s Monday Survey:  What motivates you to keep going during those difficult runs?  With the marathon fast approaching, we need all the help we can get!

10 Comments

  1. lenerd
    lenerd February 10, 2010

    For the most part I try to get lost in the rhythm of my pace or my music, but when it gets really difficult I remember that each run will have its own unique challenges and that they come and go. Once my lungs stop hurting it will feel great, once I get past thinking I can’t do it it will be awesome, etc. There is always an end to the difficult part, you just have to get there.

  2. Brandy
    Brandy February 11, 2010

    For the long hard runs (are there really any other kind when they’re 15+ miles) the first thing to always remember when it gets tough is that it’s only temporary. The pain will stop. I find that going up hills always triggers feelings of ‘i’ll never get there’ so i look the top of the hill and focus on just getting to the top, knowing when i get there, it’ll be all downhill from there (bad pun, i know).

    The hard parts of the training runs are (somehow) the best part – you don’t have to run it well, you just have to run it. We’re Gomers, not Olympians, so huffing, puffing and groaning through is part of the package. BUT for all that effort and hanging in there on race day when it starts to hurt a bit, you can remember all the ice, snow, heat, and hurt you’ve gone through and how you made it through that and you’ll make it through this. The hard bits are the heat that temper the steel. Each step is an investment in race day.

    As a little extra though (because who doesn’t always need an extra bit of motivation) I always like to book a table at a nice restaurant for post race-day dinner… my mantra in Paris was ‘steak, chocolate, bottle of wine’. MMMmmmmmm.

  3. Andy
    Andy February 11, 2010

    I have a few things that work for me:

    1. Make sure my route is a loop or out-and-back so that I won’t be tempted to cut the run short if I find myself close to home.

    2. Cut the run into chunks – e.g., if you’re running 16, then focus on running 4 mile portions of it.

    3. Don’t feel bad about taking walk breaks.

    4. Reserve a few songs to play only during the last few tough miles – can be your “power songs” or worship songs, whatever. I like to save the songs that get me in a zone, and then just repeat them!

    5. Make sure you are fueling properly – you should be using the same sportsdrink or gel that will be at your marathon, and drinking/eating every 45 minutes.

  4. Karen
    Karen February 12, 2010

    Well said everyone!

    One thing I’ve heard people do during the marathon (and I’m sure it works during the long training runs as well) is dedicating each of the last six miles to someone. It could be family, friends, someone you know who is going through rough times, etc. When the going gets tough for me, I run a mile for my 3-year-old nephew who was recently diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, another mile for my daughter, one for my son, one for my husband, one for my incredible running friends, etc.

    Kick some you-know-what on your 18-miler this weekend! You’re almost there! Just two more long runs and then you get to help each other through the grand finale!

  5. John
    John February 12, 2010

    Two things from me:

    1. Train like you are going to run. Don’t try anything new for the race that you haven’t tried in training. ex. food, sleep, equipment (like the fuel belt)
    2. Kinda like Brandy is saying above – for me, my body says “Screw you I can’t go another step” for the first 8 km no matter how much I run. After 8 km my body gives up on the rebelling.

  6. John
    John February 12, 2010

    By the way… Your eat and run on this episode. For long runs you might want to try and “Eat while you run”. Some easily digestable food is great on the run and stops the Bonk. Just do yourself a favour. Start small. A couple of bites at first or every 20 mins take a bite. It gets your body used to digesting while you are running. Makes the run a little less boring as a side effect.

  7. Frank
    Frank February 13, 2010

    Hi guys. I also don’t particularly like breakfast. In fact, I rarely eat prior to a morning run! What I do eat prior to and during a long run is use Goo, or something similar. It’s got the type of fuel you need (calories, electrolytes, and optionally caffeine). I eat one about 20-30 minutes before beginning a long run, and then another about every 6-7 miles. You’ll be amazed at the “kick” it gives you without having to chew anything that gets caught between your teeth. Eat Goo with water. As with running shoes, Goo is best bought online in quantity.

  8. Maria Bickford
    Maria Bickford February 21, 2010

    Hello! I was just doing my usual ugh stuff-you know folding clothes, being the ref between my boys (ages 8 & 9) and catching up on the Gomers’ podcast when you said my name!! I was so excited! I won a shirt! Yay! That’s so awesome. When you were saying ‘I wonder if they are jumping around and screaming..’ I kinda was. I was saying, “Shut up!” & “The Gomers said my name!” I have total Gomerness. I talk about running to all of my non-running friends. I actually conned some of my friends from work into meeting me at the track yesterday and I had them trotting around it in the freezing wind. I’m considering a half in the Fall but I can’t even fathom a full. Not yet. So I just wanted to tell you how fun it was to hear you guys say my name during the podcast! I’m a wicked fan.

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