Runners: Control the Controllable!
“Control the controllable.”
How many times have you heard this before a big race? Runners often waste energy stressing about a bunch of things we have zero control over - the weather, crowding, what other people are doing, if the lines at the bathrooms are going to be super long, etc etc. “Control the controllable” means turning our focus and mental energy toward the things we actually do something about.
Right now there are no races to get nervous about and no one is reminding us what we should be focusing on. I’ve got the feeling that many of us have forgotten to simply “control the controllable” but this powerful instruction is just as applicable now than it is before a big race.
Things we can’t control:
If (and when!) our races are cancelled
When races come back
When gyms will open again
How our leaders decide to handle this pandemic
When a vaccine will be available
How races will be organized when we can race again
Disappointment over lost or delayed opportunities
Things we can control:
Whether or not to keep running during the unknown
How hard we want to train right now
Whether of not to sign up for virtual races or challenges
Whether or not to make the best of the current situation
How we want to remember these seasons without races
It’s time to stop stressing and despairing one race cancellation after another and PIVOT!
Low motivation with no races? It’s a real problem! But the good news is that we do not actually have to continue training during this time. We are allowed to stop training. Alternatively, there are a lot of virtual race options and fun challenges. Many challenges are tied to fundraisers to help support others who are struggling during the pandemic, or other good causes. There are plenty to reasons to keep our motivation high if we look for them. Why not learn how to train more effectively in my Virtual Training Group?
Running because I decided to run.
Are you discouraged due to lack of structure, support or camaraderie? Why not join an online running community or even a a small in-person running group? (Socially distanced of course, and masks as required).
Feel like training is pointless? It’s ok to stop grinding! I myself wondered what point there was in remaining fit and doing hard workouts after I retired from professional track running. But over time I realized that I truly enjoy running and how I feel physically day-to-day from consistent running and working out.
Instead of completely halting the grind, consider at least regularly running a little bit. I call this “Maintenance Mode.”
The most productive way to approach running during the pandemic (and all the time, in my opinion!) is to focus on the available options. We need to dial in on what we have and what we’re free to do rather than what is unavailable right now. That’s what it means to control the controllable.
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.