The Hungry Runner Girl: Cheerleading and Speed.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cheerleading and Speed.

Back in the good ol' days of ninth grade I made the cheerleading squad. I was friends with the director's daughter in case you were wondering how I made the team with my lack of flexibility, rhythm and extra weirdness.

Although I am not able to work on the physical aspect of running right now, I have been thinking a lot about the mental aspect of running because that is something that I CAN work on.

Janae Cheerleader

Pretty sure I have had the same hairstyle since the sixth grade:)

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to cheer your friends and family on and tell them how freakin' amazing they are? However, if we are not meeting our goal pace, we don't run as far as we wanted to or we are just having a bad running day we automatically start thinking we suck, we are slow or that there is no way that we will every be able to meet our running goals.

There are some days that I MENTALLY ruin a run or race no matter how physically prepared I am for it.

During my last half-marathon I was having a tough time with being positive and kept telling myself that I wasn't good enough, I was slow and that I would never reach my future goals in terms of running. Guess what happened......I ran a lot slower than I know I could have and I did not meet the time I was hoping for.

On the other hand, I reached my marathon PR by being my own biggest CHEERLEADER. It wasn't that I had trained any harder (I found out about the race 3 days before I did it) or because I was wearing new shoes that secretly had wheels engineered into them..........it was because I was my own best friend during the race. It was almost creepy how awesome I thought I was. If you can't tell I have a huge smile on my face.

Throughout this race my thoughts involved things like, 'You are AWESOMESAUCE, holy cow you are doing so great, you are the bomb.com." I may have even made up a few cheers for myself......I am too embarrassed to post them on the blog though:)

My answer on how to get speedy involves incorporating speed work, hill training, tempo runs and running more miles in general but a HUGE aspect on how to get speedier is to be your own biggest CHEERLEADER. If you are mentally telling yourself that YOU CAN and that you are doing amazing, I guarantee you will run faster than if you are having negative thoughts and telling yourself that you can't do it. Try it on your next run and let me know how it goes:)

Fake it to make it........if you don't believe you are the greatest thing in the world, just start telling yourself that you are and before you know it, you will believe it. Because guess what- I think you are INCREDIBLE!!

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Did you have braces?

-As you can see in my 9th grade picture I did, for a little over FOUR YEARS!!!

Tell me an experience you have had when you have been your own biggest cheerleader and how it effected your run or race or vis versa.

What is your key to increasing your speediness?

87 Comments:

At March 30, 2011 at 3:41 PM , Anonymous said...: I totally had braces but only for one year. I got them in 8th grade and off before my freshman year of high school ended.

I totally agree with being your own cheerleader. Positivity is key!!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:44 PM , Shannon said...: No braces for me, but I was a cheerleader in teh 9th grade.
I totally agree though, you have to be your own cheerleader. My dad always tells me, "the only person that will ALWAYS be there for you is YOU, be your own inspiration!"
Have a great day :)
At March 30, 2011 at 3:45 PM , Jen said...: I love this thought and am going to try it out! I sometimes have a problem with negative thoughts when things don't go just right, but I know from experiences in life that faking it till you make it really works. I don't know why I didn't translate that to running before now!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:48 PM , Anonymous said...: Girl you have such a gorgeous smile! I wondered if you wore braces.

I have braces now. I am 24 years old but DO NOT CARE. I even got married with them on.

When they come off, (August2012) I am getting married again and redoing all my photos.

You have sucha positive attitude, I don't think you know how much it affects other people. I find it hard to get down about things thinking about how positive you are able to stay!

You are awesome!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:52 PM , Anonymous said...: And thsi awesome post is just in time for my first half in 48ish hours!!!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:52 PM , Emily said...: this might be my fave post you've ever done and that's saying a lot because your posts are always awesomesauce and thebomb.com

when i raced my half last weekend I kept telling myself that I was capable of setting a PR. I watched without limits the night before (about prefontaine. watch it if you haven't) and he always went out racing with his heart and made that persevere over any self-doubt or fatigue. I know I've done the training and that I can be awesome and believing in that during a race is as important to me as any race strategy!

it's SO easy to tell other people that one bad run, or a brief injury doesn't matter at all. but when you're stuck with the bad stuff it's just as easy to get down on yourself.

you're such a positive person, stick with your cheerleader roots and get yourself to Boston and get yourself to all of your next goals because you're SUCH a rock star runner!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Dorry said...: I love this, and agree 100%! It's like my post yesterday about being yourself AND believing in yourself. So important!

I had braces in 6th & 7th grade - my most awkward years ever. 8th grade was pretty bad, too. I was my biggest cheerleader when I went in for the interview with lululemon. I was confident and comfortable in my own skin. And it paid off. Hope you continue to heal, Janae! I'm praying you'll be back in running action asap, but in the meantime, I'm proud of you for working on the mental side of running!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Julia said...: I had braces...I don't even remember when now...I think I blocked it out. Maybe fourth grade? sometime around there. ha!

the dogtown half was by far my best positive mindset experience. from the race start I was determined to get 1:55 and I was not going to let anything get in my way...that attitude helped a lot and really helped me get through the small things that were out of my control (weather, course change, etc). But then there are other times that I am literally kicking myself because I know the run would not be "that" big of a deal if I was not so negative or not putting so much pressure on myself. I ran a 10k prior to that half where I was totally psyched out and put so much pressure on getting this one time...the whole race I felt sick and awful. DUH. be positive. Crazy how easy I forget sometimes.

pre-darco injury...I was seeing crazy improvements in my speed by doing interval training 1x per week and incorporating hills in my outdoor runs. Its disappointing now to see that work "gone to waste" in that I need to stay on flat ground and can barely keep a 10 min pace post injury...but trying to stay positive and hoping that things work out. Thanks for this post...it was a good reminder of how much positivity can make a difference :)

have a good evening!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Jess said...: Oh braces. I thought they were the bane of my existence. I still hate that stage of my life. You at least looked cute. I was just ugly.

So true about being your own cheerleader! I feel like I do this with so many areas of my life.
At March 30, 2011 at 3:56 PM , Anonymous said...: SUCH A GOOD POINT!!! i usually put myself down.. next time when i CAN run i will think those posiitve thoughts!! YES i had braces in 4th grade until 6th grade- EHH!
At March 30, 2011 at 3:58 PM , Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn said...: Look at you gorgeous girl!! You are a kick BUTT runner, and we are all so proud of you and pulling for you!! I had braces in middle school and it was so painful/gross but it worked because now my teeth are super straight:)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:02 PM , Stephanie F said...: oh man. my braces lasted through all four years of high school.
At March 30, 2011 at 4:04 PM , jenny winstead said...: I LOVED THIS POST! i love them all, but it seems like this one came from DEEP in the heart of janae. :) it honestly made me want to go outside and run! i can't wait to hear how you are back at it and all healed up!

i NEVER wore braces but always wanted to. weird i know. i used to put rubber bands in between my teeth and pretend.

i am just now trying to work on the speedy thing, but i TOTALLY agree with you on the mental part of running. sometimes i get myself so worked up over having to run an 8 minute mile that i have to go to the bathroom! STUPID!!!! i always laugh to myself and realize that 8 min miles are warmups for you! :)

keep truckin janae! and don't come visit my blog today. it hasn't changed since last time you commented. i've been too BUSY working! SIGH
At March 30, 2011 at 4:06 PM , Dr. said...: Oh my gosh-"fake it 'til you make it" is seriously my life motto. I drive the man friend crazy saying it like 10x/day!
But it is seriously so true and I swear it's the reason I have been successful in my life. Although I don't have mega self confidence EVERY day, most days I just have to remind myself (and everyone around me! ha) how awesome I am and it does the trick!
Your positivity is super great!!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:14 PM , Joanna said...: Your cheerleading picture is too cute! I had braces from the 7th-9th grade but I was totally akward and oddball looking! Unfortunately I did not wear my retainer and would love to get braces again! ::slaps hand:: bad teenager!

I really need to work on my inner cheerleader! When I'm running I tend to think about how sucky I'm doing but I'm going to try making up some cheers. I really think you should share yours to give us newbs some ideas! ;)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:15 PM , Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife said...: Love this post! I was my own cheerleader during my very first 1/2 marathon and totally PRed at it too. I had braces for 3 years!! It was awful, but I am glad I have straight teeth now. Thanks for the speed talk :)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:19 PM , Anonymous said...: I'm really glad you used the bomb.com. Seriously my favorite phrase in the whole wide world. I agree though and I look myself in the mirror every morning and tell myself that I am the bomb.com.
At March 30, 2011 at 4:23 PM , Gen said...: Awesome post!!!!!
I definitely have to work on being my own cheerleader....its so much easier to cheer on my friends and family. I bet that once I can cheer for myself, though, I'll get better faster!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:27 PM , Kate (What Kate is Cooking) said...: I had braces from 13-15. So glad that's behind me! One of my friends has Invisalign (spelling?!) and her teeth look SO good. I wish that was around when I had braces!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:28 PM , Lindsey @ Textbooks and Cookbooks said...: I had braces from 5th-7th grade. That was also during my get glasses and growth spurt phase. Can we say awkward? But they were totally worth it for straight teeth :)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:31 PM , ash & diz said...: Ummm... i love your cheerleading picture! DARLING! I was a cheerleader all through high school. :)

I've tried the positive self talk a few times and it really does help. I need to do it ALL the time!!

I wanna see more pics of the cheerleader Janae!!!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:33 PM , SRYG2R1 said...: YOU are incredible!
Runners World Quote Of The Day: "Winners say what they want to happen. Losers say what they feel will happen"
That quote got me thinking and it's funny how you posted about this the same day :)

I am guilty of being my worst cheerleader. I need to work on that!
I mean, I'm a single Mom of 3, work 40 hours a week, go to school full-time, drive 2 boys around and attend baseball practice/games 5 out of 7 days a week, teach spin classes yet disappointed that I "only" run 20-25 miles a week. What is wrong with me!? Thanks for this post girlfriend! xoxo
At March 30, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Laura @ Meet Virginia said...: I love the cheerleading picture - so great! I was a cheerleader in high school, too! All of my college friends have a hard time believing it, but it's true! Like you, I probably only made the team because my best friend's mom was the coach!!!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Glenna @ Girl Addicted to Running said...: Great post! I've tried to explain to people why I run so much, and my answer is always for the mental challenge. It takes a lot of mind over matter strength to succeed at most things, especially in running :)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:37 PM , Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...: When I was in 4th/5th grade ALL of the cool girls had braces. I wanted them so badly, I forced myself to have an awkward overbite at the dentist hoping I could get them. Never worked!

If I'm having a good day or good run, I'm a huge cheerleader for myself. And then, one bad thing....and I'm convinced I'm too slow, I won't make my goal...whatever it is. So true to think of what you would tell a friend :)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:37 PM , Crystal said...: in the San Antonio RockNRoll marathon this last November I was looking to BQ. I had proven it through all my training. However, a few miles into the race there was... i kid you not... a train that stopped the whole thing. Imagine hundreds of runners standing there watching this never ending train go by. At that point I mentally sabotaged myself.

Because there were now so many people there we were stuck in this huge pack of people, couldn't pass anyone, elbow to elbow... and i started weaving and being NOT smart. At mile 18 I was still on track to BQ. Then I started 2nd guessing myself. By mile 20 I had slowed down and after that... it was over.

We really can be our own worst enemy or our bestest friend during our runs or races. If i had calmed myself down and not panicked about the stupid train and just gone with the flow- I could've done it. Esp. because I later found out that they changed everyone's time due to the "unscheduled train incident". The races that I start off without a care or time goal and just a good attitude are the ones I get PRs. Crazy how that works sometimes. :) We all just need to be a little nicer to ourselves!
At March 30, 2011 at 4:41 PM , Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run said...: I have terrible stomach issues during long runs. During my last half, my stomach started killing me at the 9 mile mark.
I kept thinking about my dad and how he was helping me through the race (he passed 2.5 years ago). I kept thinking of him everytime my stomach "acted up" - and although I got sick after the race - I PRed by 3 minutes. :-)

Oh, and I had braces for almost 3 years! But at least I got cool colored rubber bands for them.
At March 30, 2011 at 4:48 PM , Anonymous said...: I love this post! I am running a half marathon this Saturday and hadn't really thought about being my own biggest cheerleader...but now I am going to go start writing cheers I can say to myself! :)
At March 30, 2011 at 4:56 PM , Unknown said...: oh you are too cute! I have the same picture, with braces!! love it.
You are right, we have to be our cheerleader as well. Our confidence needs to be in our faith and in our hearts, and that will give us strength. You have that!
:)
At March 30, 2011 at 5:05 PM , ShortSkirts said...: love this post! I think it makes a huge difference. I've been beating myself up lately about whether or not I can do my training plan if i should pick an easier one. I finally just decided one day, I can do this! I'm going to be totally prepared for my half, and I'm going to kill it. I feel so much better about it.
At March 30, 2011 at 5:08 PM , Jamie said...: Thanks! I'm sure at least some of this post was meant for me. It's just super hard to stay motivated and positive when I've been bed (or bathroom) ridden with three bouts of the flu in the last two weeks. Seriously. I have lost over 10 lbs and most of that muscle. I know I need to rest. I mean, I can't physically go out and run, but then I start worrying about not being prepared for 26.2 when 12 still seems painful because of my blips in training. Okay, enough negative. My body IS going to recover! It will be okay!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:08 PM , Sara said...: I was cheerleader from 7th grade to 12th. It has always been so much easier to cheer other people on. I've recently started saying positive affirmations and my next 1/2 marathon is on may 15th and I'm going to be my biggest cheerleader!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:12 PM , Tara Upshaw said...: I had braces TWICE! I got them off my senior year of high school! I also had to have spikes in my mouth... it was terrible!!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:14 PM , Amanda@runninghood said...: Hello wise one! You are so cute with braces and without. :) Getting better with speed involves doing some speedy speed work. I don't really have a great comment for this post because I am on the fly but just wanted to say hi.
At March 30, 2011 at 5:21 PM , Anonymous said...: The key to my speed is a full bladder. I usually hydrate before a race and I refuse to destroy my time by using a porter potty..so I run my fastest for the bathroom.
Also I love when races have "pace bunnies" I pick one which is just a little ahead of what I think I can do and then I chase it and refuse to leave its side.
At March 30, 2011 at 5:21 PM , Michelle said...: Loved this post! It is so true that we are so much harder on ourselves. I loved the two pictures that you posted because you could really see the difference in both pictures of your attitude.
I had a really great run today, and now that I read this I know it is because I was so super happy with the warm weather and I felt I was really running at a great pace. I was cheering myself on!
You are awesome by the way!!!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:21 PM , my little celebration said...: Great post! I've had the exact same experiences with my workouts. A positive attitude always yields better results.

I'd have never guessed you were a cheerleader! There's no way I would've made the squad, even if I did know someone on the team!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:25 PM , Jamie Pickle said...: You were the cutest brace face eva!
At March 30, 2011 at 5:30 PM , XLMIC said...: No braces…but an awesome retainer!

We do need to remember to cheer ourselves on…you are SO right :)
My favorite "own best cheerleader" story is really old (20 years). At the PanAm trials we were so totally the underdogs, and we knew it. We also KNEW we were incredibly fast, untested against competition, perfectly trained and prepared for this set of races. In the final, we were up on 2nd place by a good bit w/ about 1/4 of the race to go. I remember looking at them (they were friends of mine and super nice women) and thinking, "oh,well…if we're going to lose I'm glad it'll be to them" and I felt us 'sag' and instantly did a mind-slap! "NO! You deserve this! You're fast and nice and have busted your a** for THIS…this win, this race! Now GO!" And we went and we won :)

Good rest, solid base prep then add hills or stairs once a week or every other week or intervals/repeats, and a tempo run once a week or every other as well. The frequency depends on your level of training intensity and life balance :)
At March 30, 2011 at 5:53 PM , Anonymous said...: Love those pictures, you look so happy while running!
I love your inspiring posts like these - thinking positive definitely leads to positive & good performance.
I did my first real tempo run today on the treadmill, and I gave myself a mini pep talk before & during when it was hard. I was scared I couldn't increase & hold the faster pace for a while, but I told myself I could and I did. It felt SO good!
At March 30, 2011 at 6:00 PM , Bess@Bess Be Fit said...: you are amazing! always remember that! :) and you are inspiration to so many!!
I never had braces or anything on my teeth but I tried to fake needing a retainer bc my cousin had one and I wanted to do everything she did. However I found out you can't "fake" needing a retainer. haha.
At March 30, 2011 at 6:05 PM , Cynthia said...: I was a cheerleader 10-12 grade :)

Love the pic of you smiling during your run

When I'm running I tell myself I can do this. If I want to go faster I tell myself I'm light on my feet. I give myself pep talks before and after my run. I guess you can say I have conversations with myself, in my head of course so others can't hear :) but it works for me.
At March 30, 2011 at 6:10 PM , Mickelle said...: great advice! power of positive thinking!! ps. i totally agree with the adele album, downloaded it last week and i love it.
At March 30, 2011 at 6:14 PM , Colleen Marble said...: No braces for me but I have always needed them because of my overbite. I guess my parents were too cheap ;)

I do long runs on Saturdays with a friend. A friend who is taller, faster, and a boy. Although I know he is much faster than me I am by far the best cheerleader. The entire run I always shout mantras like, "no rest for the weary", "that's all she wrote" (after getting to the top of a hill), or any other inspiring/silly thing that I can think of. I think it annoys my buddy. But, he still shows up every Saturday :)

The key to speediness (for me) is tempo runs! They hurt soooo bad but are so good and I always see the benefits.
At March 30, 2011 at 6:21 PM , Unknown said...: I have to say... I thought you had bunny ears on in your cheerleading picture because of how your shoes were in the background. I'm a little SLOW!

Did you get the email I sent you awhile back of the picture of the Boston marathon poster I took? I thought of you when I saw it and sent it to some hotmail address you had posted in a blog.

You're going to KICK A** in Boston!
At March 30, 2011 at 6:37 PM , Sarah said...: I definitely struggle with mental toughness at times. This week though I found myself being my own cheerleader during my tough sports/total body conditioning class at the gym. I know I'm getting stronger and wasn't afraid to own it and had an even better class than usual and left wanting more. It was an amazing feeling!
At March 30, 2011 at 6:37 PM , RunningOnCoffee said...: no braces here.

Only ran a handful of races, so not sure if I have enough experiences to look back on. However, my first half marathon (of two) was the one with the best time.

I'm not sure that I'm speedy yet, but I've gotten speedier throughout my current training by incorporating more core work (boot camp class and stability ball at home) and by doing consistent speed work & some hills. I feel that my posture while running has improved greatly since starting weekly boot camp back in December.

I think the reason I didn't do as well as I had hoped for my second half marathon last fall is that my speed work suffered greatly over the summer when temperatures were consistently in the 90s. I did all the miles required in my training plan, but probably half the speedwork. I should have sucked it up and done more speed work inside on the treadmill.
At March 30, 2011 at 6:43 PM , Corey @ the runners cookie said...: 100% agree on the importance of being your own biggest cheerleader. I believe that we NEED to believe in ourselves and have confidence in order to truly reach our potential. Fitness and training is not all that matters - races can go so differently simply based on mindset. So glad you are committed to working on your mindset.
18 days to go!!
At March 30, 2011 at 6:51 PM , Nicole said...: yes... i had braces ALL through high school.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
At March 30, 2011 at 6:55 PM , Keri said...: Oh yes, I had braces too. For two years, I think. I get faster with speed work. 400s, 800s, etc. but I try to mix it up with speed, tempo, and hills.
I am so sorry you are injured again!
At March 30, 2011 at 6:59 PM , Meg said...: Oh I definitely had braces. I also had a herbst appliance to fix my bad overbite. it's terrifying looking. and yes, it was painful. I dare you to google it.

also, I build my confidence by getting on the bike. anytime I'm having a lame-o run on the treadmill, I get on the bike and it loosens up whatever the problem was. then, when I get back on the treadmill, I have a great run. it always works. other than that, I sing to myself. other runners may find it weird - especially since I don't use an ipod anymore - but it works!

I'd love for you to comment on my latest blog entry if you have time :)
At March 30, 2011 at 7:01 PM , Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...: Four years?! Man! Oh well, it paid off because you have a beautiful smile. :) I never had them. The only thing I wasn't happy with was my two front teeth, so I just had some cosmetic work done to them. Two days. Boom. Done.
At March 30, 2011 at 7:02 PM , Erin @ UntilYouTri said...: Great post!! It's funny, because I just read this article from Runner's World about positive thinking and how mantras actually work the other day, and was thinking about posting about positive thinking! (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--13819-2-1-2,00.html)

I try REALLY hard to catch myself during races (and runs, too, but especially during races) when I start to think negatively. I try instead to tell myself I'm strong and awesome, etc. I also like running music that gets me pumped up (at the end of my 10 miler last weekend I had "Sexy Chick," "Stronger," and "Don't Hold Back." It was perfect:)!! Also, when I was passing people on the steep hills I was telling them (in my head) that I was so much more hard core than them, haha! (I didn't really mean it, but you gotta get yourself pumped up one way or another:).

I think this positive thinking stuff also applies to life! I find myself getting so frustrated and being hard on myself when I get behind on school work. I need to start learning to be my own cheerleader in the rest of my life, too!!
At March 30, 2011 at 7:13 PM , Rene said...: I had braces as an adult. Yep, for almost two years from the ages of 33 to almost 35. My best friend and I got them on the same day so I felt like a teenager. My 15 yr old is on her second set for a total of 4 years and counting. My oldest had braces and my husband currently has braces. Somewhere our orthodontist is taking his family out on a boat that I paid for.
I'm my best cheerleader during my group x classes. I'll catch a glimpse of my arms or calves and think, dang, I look good. I still think I'm a slow runner so I need to work on that aspect.
At March 30, 2011 at 7:17 PM , Running Ricig said...: This post is at the perfect time! I'm going to need some self motivation on Sunday for my FIRST HALF MARATHON EVER! WOO! I WILL be awesome! :) Thank you!

I totally had braces, the worst part is that before and after you couldn't see a difference. Oh yea, and since I had the bar taken out of my mouth, my teeth have shifted and my dentist keeps trying to get me to get a retainer. Nope. I'm going crooked.
At March 30, 2011 at 7:25 PM , Anonymous said...: SOOO true girl! And it can be so hard to be nice to ourselves...crazy!! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Katie :)
At March 30, 2011 at 7:25 PM , Christine said...: Not only be your own cheerleader, but also be that tough coach that yells to work harder or do an extra mile. When I feel myself getting lazy I have to toughen the cheerleader up!
At March 30, 2011 at 7:28 PM , Caroline said...: no braces: the one thing I have going for me, straight teeth and I have all 32 of them stil and I am a dinosaur.

Cheerleading:during my first half I hit the WALL at mile 11, I did not want to stop. I kept telling myself "you gave birth twice, you got this!"

speedwork: every Thursday I do 400s on the treadmill. I hope it will help for my 2nd half.

I have a post about some Boston Marathon history today!
At March 30, 2011 at 7:32 PM , Lindsey said...: Um, homegirl, I had braces for SEVEN YEARS!
At March 30, 2011 at 7:32 PM , Adrianna said...: yay for cheerleaders! i was one from 7th-12th grade. not so stereotypical, but in some aspects i was...good times :) loved it, and miss it sometimes!

i only do speedwork on the treadmill to keep from getting too bored. i'll do sprints or pyramids or both, but usually only once a week or so.

no braces...we were too poor, haha. holla for crooked teeth!
At March 30, 2011 at 7:54 PM , CLB said...: Hi Janae,
Firstly, I wanted to tell you that you're my favorite blog to read!! I love your positive attitude about running and life in general.

I had a moment back in high school when I realized that I could help myself to run better just by being positive. We were doing a tempo workout and in the beginning, I felt really bad about myself and was not doing well. After a few minutes, I realized that I was holding myself back just by thinking negatively and once I shifted my mindset, I started to feel like I was flying and blazed past everyone on my team. It was the best feeling ever!!!

Positive thinking is everything when it comes to running.

Keep up the good work!!

-Catriona
At March 30, 2011 at 8:25 PM , Missy said...: What a beautiful post. You should be your own cheerleader while you are nursing your leg!
"You rock my socks! Look at how awesome you are stopping after 45 on the elliptical. You take that physical therapy like a champ! Go you!"
At March 30, 2011 at 8:27 PM , Nicole said...: thanks for the post
the attitude you bring to a race makes all the difference
especially when your putting a lot of pressure on yourself to reach your goal at a certain race. Over coming the fear of failure and self doubt is the hardest part of a race
At March 30, 2011 at 8:30 PM , Beth said...: That is so true! On race day the biggest factor isn't the weather or the crowds, its your attitude and how well you can motivate yourself!
At March 30, 2011 at 8:51 PM , RoseRunner said...: What an interesting theory!

I had a great race last week, and I wonder what to attribute it to. I wasn't particularly cheerleadering myself -- I had doubts until the 12th mile -- but I also wasn't fully down on myself.

I think the biggest speed motivator for me, is the blogging community. Knowing I want to report back a good time, or hearing positive words from others, is the boost that I need. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean!!
At March 30, 2011 at 8:53 PM , Siobhan McCarthy.ca said...: I love your highschool cheer pic!! And yeo-- I definitley was a braces kid.

This post is amazing. And I am my biggest cheerleader. The hard part is being a cheerleader for 13.1 miles. But with the perfect music, I can pump myself up enough to continuosly tell myself how awesome I'm doing. Especially if I just went up a killer hill.

Attitude is everything! :)
At March 30, 2011 at 8:54 PM , Tara said...: I had braces for 2.5 years. I'm so glad that that time of my life is over.
I loved this post. It's just in time for my race this saturday, my first official race of the season! Sometimes I feel defeated when I am passed, but if I can motivate myself to stick to that person or just remind myself to push as hard as I can, I usually am happy with the outcome. Not every race will be the perfect race, but you have to make the best of it!
At March 30, 2011 at 9:11 PM , Tara Leigh said...: I had braces and they looked terrible, luckily I only had to have them on for about 8 months and I am glad I got it done at a young age!

I'm new to running but don't really have an experience to share as yet BUT I will share one of my fav quotes:
"If the mind is willing and determined, the body will follow" :)
At March 30, 2011 at 9:12 PM , Pam said...: I've never had braces but, I had a retainer at one time. You have very nice teeth so, your braces were worth every penny!! :) BTW I think that you have very beautiful hair!

"ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE!!" I believe that we are at times our worst enemies. Sometimes we can be so mean to ourselves! When we water our seeds with positivity we can grow a beautiful garden!!

I use the treadmill to increase my speed. I like numbers and the treadmill helps me to get out of my comfort zone. I think that it has really helped me!

HAVE A GREAT EVENING!
At March 30, 2011 at 9:16 PM , amy@healthyhungryhappy.com said...: love the runnin pics!
At March 30, 2011 at 10:05 PM , Katie T said...: Oh my god, I needed this post today! I had a tough track workout this morning - mile repeats at 5:45am in the dark, windy rain. I was a few seconds slower than I wanted to be for each repeat, and I was totally beating myself up about it and getting really upset. I was saying things in my head that I would NEVER say to a friend - funny how we're always so much harder on ourselves!! Thanks for reminding me that I am AWESOME and I am going to rock this upcoming marathon!!
At March 30, 2011 at 10:19 PM , Raina said...: Positive thinking definitely helps.

In a situation of extreme fatigue, sometimes I try to focus on some distant mountain. I ask myself, "If something/someone really great were on that mountain, culd I get there?" The answer is always "yes".

I also think things like "You are tougher than you think you are." Or "You can do more than you think you can." Just little things like that help me.

And when it gets tough in other ways, I try to remember, every trial has a purpose and will make me stronger for another day.
God Bless
At March 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM , Anonymous said...: HEY BEAUTIFUL! I HAVE MISSED YOU SOOO MUCH!! I Am back for good tho- and am dying to catch up on you and your amazing self! LOVE YOU BEAUTIFUL
At March 30, 2011 at 10:52 PM , Kerrie said...: GREAT post! Just believing I can be faster has helped me become faster. Whoodah thunk it?
At March 31, 2011 at 6:07 AM , Rachel said...: This is totally true. Once you start beating yourself up during a run- then you are done-zo. No coming back from that. It just leaves a sour taste in your mouth. I also had braces- in the 9th grade. It's horror to have braces in high school.
At March 31, 2011 at 6:33 AM , Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) said...: I totally LOVE this!! I am SO worried about my big race coming up, especially since I can't train at the mo thanks to my shin splints!! But I will DEFINITELY be cheering myself on, no matter what. Thank you so much friend:)
At March 31, 2011 at 6:36 AM , Matty O said...: Yup I had braces.

If I have the right tunes on my Ipod... its all over. I will drop the hammer and not even think about the pain haha.
At March 31, 2011 at 6:50 AM , Anonymous said...: thats funny that u were a cheerleader.! hahahha do u still remember any of your cheers? lol

love this post. u inspire me everyday. u have a very motivating aura around u. i totally believe in self fulfilling prophecies. if u think you look good, you will feel good. If you hate your outfit, make up, hair, you will feel not as attractive. if u keep telling urself you are awesome, u will run faster.

100% true!
At March 31, 2011 at 6:51 AM , Anonymous said...: I had braces in college to treat jaw problems and it was awful! No one that old should have braces.

I need to work a lot more on being my own cheerleader. I haven't really run enough races to have developed that skill, but I could at least start trying during my long runs. I could use a bit more self confidence.

My key to being speedy is that I am not. And I'm mostly ok with that since I'm pretty new at this. I'm going to start focusing on speed after finishing a half for the first time.
At March 31, 2011 at 7:17 AM , Pam said...: I had braces TWICE! The first time I was only in 2nd grade, then again for a totally different problem in middle school.

I think we all have a tendency to be our own worst critic. My friends and family are much nicer to me than I am to myself. I'm working on it :)
At March 31, 2011 at 8:43 AM , Ashley said...: I never wanted braces so I neglected to get them, even though I NEEDED them! Finally when I was 22 I got invisalign, after a push from my now ex-bf. I can't thank him enough, I love my teeth now and am always smiling like this :D instead of this :) haha.

I race cars, and a couple times last year I kept telling myself I was doing great - I can pass the next guy, I can finish in the top 5, top 3, maybe win ;) And it definitely helped! I posted some of my best races thus far.
At March 31, 2011 at 8:51 AM , Shawn said...: I also had braces for about 3 years - not so much fun at the time but it's worth it.

Loved the fun positive post!! Awesomesauce is great! I can't wait to use that!! I used to imagine the trainer guy from the movie I love you man, the squeeky voice saying "give it all you got!" Awesomesauce is much better!! I am awesomesauce!!
At March 31, 2011 at 9:20 AM , Abbie said...: I'm so cool, I had braces twice. Once just wasn't enough.
At March 31, 2011 at 11:38 AM , adam and jess said...: i've never commented on your blog but i feel i have to cause we have sooo much in common. let me just go ahead and list this for you like you care....i live in provo, i graduated in health, we're about the same age, i too ran the dogtown half(you beat me of course), i went to byu hawaii for a semester to run on their cross country team, i was a cheerleader breifly in high school haha, turned out it wasn't my thing so i picked up running. i looove treats, especially ice cream. i'm tellin ya, the list goes on and on. i heard about your blog and started reading it and realized we might as well be bff's we're so much alike so just wanted to say hi!
At March 31, 2011 at 12:07 PM , Alexa said...: I loved having you on cheer and whether you believe it or not you were AWESOME at it! I love your words of encouragement and how we all need to be our own cheerleader. Oh yeah, and I had braces too--and HATED them. HA!
At March 31, 2011 at 8:32 PM , Krista said...: I love this. I totally agree with you about it being so easy easy to cheer on your friends and family and encourage them when they're not doing as well as they would like, but it's so hard to do it for yourself! It shouldn't be like that. period.
At April 2, 2011 at 2:37 PM , Laura said...: I had braces from 8th-10th grade. Was SO excited when they came off! I am jealous of the kids now that get those invisible ones... those would have been great.

I think better than being your own biggest cheerleader is being other people's cheerleaders. That is a big part of why I love pacing marathons. I get a second wind from cheering other people on! Sometimes when I am not pacing, other people think I must have so much energy because I am cheering them on, but it's more of a fake-it-till-you-make-it kind of thing - if I am exhausted, I start cheering for other people, and that makes me feel like I DO have the energy, so then I run better! Win-win.

Cheerleading and Speed.

Cheerleading and Speed.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cheerleading and Speed.

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