"As you begin developing your training base, one of the most important features of your mental preparation will be an ability to maintain a positive attitude. One of the things that has become clear to us through working with people training for the marathon is that in order to maintain a positive attitude about training and running, it is necessary to develop a positive attitude about life in general. It is almost impossible to be positive about training while being negative about most other aspects of your life." Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
To develop this kind of attitude, the book recommends adopting the phrase ". . . but it doesn't matter" whenever you catch yourself saying or thinking something negative, especially in relation to training.
"I am really tired today."
"My legs are sore today."
"The weather is really rotten today."
All things that could be easily used to generate an excuse not to run.
"I am really tired today. . . but it doesn't matter."
"My legs are sore today . . . but it doesn't matter."
"The weather is really rotten today. . . but it doesn't matter."
Because it really DOESN'T matter unless I believe it does! I can, and will, run anyway. And I'll be glad I did when I am finished.
This morning was the perfect time to try out my new positive attitude. Just after we left the subdivision, I was attacked by a crazy number of annoying mosquitoes. I swatted one off my leg and left a trail of blood on my hand and calf. Nice. They continued to attack (my legs mostly) the entire time we were out this morning, and by the time we were home, the total count of bites I received was 12. They are currently gigantic welts as my body seems to be hyperreactive to them.
Anyhow, back to the positive attitude. So my mantra for the walk this morning was, "These mosquitoes are realling annoying . . . but it doesn't matter." That was a rough one to start with, but I got through the walk, and now I just have to get through a weekend of itching.
I cannot believe how humid and muggy it is in Arizona right now. I don't ever remember this crazy humidity before, and I must say I am NOT enjoying it (I know, I know . . . but it doesn't matter). I don't think the mosquitoes bugged Bella this morning. If they did, she kept such a positive attitude that I coudn't even tell.
Happy weekend!
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