Saturday, July 21, 2012

Race Prep Part 3

And continuing on with race reps for ultra comes the last part (for me) which is the pure mental and spiritual preparation. Step one - relax. The work has been done, I'm rested, nourished and it's time to ease mental tension and stress. That's step two - meditate. There are many effective ways to meditate and I've covered a few here on this blog. Do a little research, find one that appeals to your heart and mind. Most importantly - practice. Daily. We need to build a routine that lays a foundation that's there when we need it. Meditation works instantly but in order for it to have a lasting effect we need to have that foundation at ready and easy access. Meditation heals, relaxes and allows a unity of body, mind and spirit to develop. Meditate leading up to the race, relax, meditate and step three - pray. There is no wrong way or time to pray. Simply ask God, the Universe, Higher Self, or the Buddha Mind for peace, guidance the ability to run with grace, kindness and spirit. In running as in life that is really all we can ask for - if we get this we get success in racing as well as life. The final step is visualization. See the finish line in your mind, feel the swiftness of your steps carry you there, past it and the moments realization of success. Make it real. Imagine it in detail and it surely will be. Of course there will be issue we can't know of, there will be set backs - but the peace given by the following steps will help turn these setbacks around quickly for a sweet inner and outer victory on race day. Anyway - that's my prep and how it works well for those who try!

Peace,
Eric

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