Do you want to make a change that could not only improve your life but also your running?
If you do then I have one word for you…Meditation.
It requires little to no training to begin while producing dramatic results in a short period of time. – Yogi Triathlete
In their blog post, Five Reasons Why Every Athlete Should Meditate, my coaches Bj and Jess simply talk about the “why” behind this making a big impact on your daily life and your athletic goals. I highly recommend you read.
I know, since working with them and finally sitting my butt down to breathe and be still, meditation has made the biggest impact on my life this past year. I know this word can be intimidating and for some scary. I’m telling you, from experience, this one thing will impact your day to day life.
It’s subtle at first. I realized how much it was helping me when my daughter noticed how much calmer I was when driving. You see, I would often get frustrated with other drivers. Then my older daughter noticed I didn’t freak out as much when I would spill something in the kitchen. I’ve become more present in my day which has spilled over into my running. I talked about this being one of the reasons my last marathon (read about it here) went so well for me. Meditation is part of my training. Because it has been so powerful to me I am starting the conversation with my athletes.
How can you start? By beginning where you are. For me I started with 5 minutes. In the morning. Before everything starts in my day. Kids getting up, dogs needing to go out, even before coffee and looking at my phone. The not looking at my phone was the hardest thing for me.
I start with focus on my breathing. Breathe in deep for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, slow exhale for 8 counts (this is also a great exercise to do before race start, holiday shopping, before responding to an argument between kids, it’s good for anxiety). I often do at least 5 rounds. Then I focus on being where I am. Sounds around me. Then I bring in a mantra. These last few days my mantra is, “I have enough time and space to do everything I want and need to.” Last week while going for my 5K PR it was, “I can run 7:15 pace, I will run 7:15 pace, I PR my 5K.”
The key while you are meditating is to let thoughts come. Pay attention to what comes up for you. Don’t fight the thought, just notice it. Let it come and go. Meditation isn’t about having no thoughts. Our minds are meant to think. Meditating doesn’t turn them off. It’s about sitting still and being the observer of those thoughts. Thanks Bj and Jess for teaching me this!
I have a challenge for you. Just try it. For one day, then maybe another day. 5 minutes. Sit down and breathe. See what you notice about yourself. See how your day goes after. Message me here and let me know what happens or if you have questions. I would love to hear from you.