Olympic Controversy, Fight or Flight, and a Guided Run

Happy Friday, everyone!  I’ve been listening to some interesting podcasts while pool running (sigh) and here are some of the highlights!  If you like podcasts, some of these may interest you.  If you don’t like them, no worries!  I’m giving the interesting takeaways so you can get the facts without having to listen. Burn It All Down- Episode 206: 2020/2021 Olympics: So Many Questions, So Few Answers In this episode, the hosts discuss the controversy surrounding the Tokyo Olympics.  Although the IOC and the Japanese government have stated the Olympics will go forward as planned, the majority of the Japanese population is opposed to hosting the games. Japan is in the middle of a huge Covid surge and- get ready for this- only about 2% of the population is currently vaccinated. How is that even possible?  Which part of this was a surprise- that there’s a pandemic, or that they’re hosting the Olympics in two months?  How could they be so far behind the U.S., for example, where 50% of adults are currently vaccinated? The answer, of course, is complicated.  As the title of the podcast suggests, there are no great answers here, but it was an interesting discussion. Training for Ultra Podcast- Episode 166: Former CIA Spy Talks About Pain and Endurance In this episode, Andrew Bustamante talks about his CIA training and how it relates to ultrarunning.  I found one of his ideas in particular to be fascinating:: Andrew contends that running triggers a primal response in our brains, and the reason some people hate running is that it makes them feel as if they’re fleeing.  In other words, It triggers the “flight” part of “fight of flight” for them. I always thought people who hate running are crazy.  JUST KIDDING.  Honestly, I thought people who say they hate running just haven’t given it enough of a chance.  Interesting to think that there could be a real, biological reason for someone to dislike it. Together Run 6 With Tina In this episode of the Running for Real podcast, Tina muir leads a guided run with a workout.  You have the option to do a 30 or 45 minute run, with 5x I minute for the 30 minutes, and an additional 2x 1 minute for the 45.  There’s one minute of slow jogging (or walking) between each fast minute, and she also leads you through a warm up and cool down. I did the 45 minute run for my pool run this morning, and I loved it! It really made the time pass quicker.  It was a simple way to get in a workout, because she guides you through it time-wise, you so never have to look at your watch.  It would also be a great option if you normally like to run with other people but find yourself running alone.  Since this was #6 in the series, I may check out some of her other ones. The only downside for me was that it made me wish I were actually running, and not running in the pool.  But I would have wished that anyway!  Overall it was a great way to get that pool run done. That’s it!  I hope everyone has an amazing day! Do you think the Olympics should happen or not? Ever do a guided run like this?