Well, I’m in heaven. I could sit for hours and watch people run, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing every night. I love every single Olympic track race- all the distances, hurdles, preliminary rounds through the finals.
My husband gets bored watching unless the race is a final, but for me, watching all the rounds makes it clear how hard it is to advance. Just to be at the Olympics at all is a huge achievement, and then to advance through to a final is incredible. With only three runners winning medals, it’s nice to be able to appreciate what the others have accomplished. Plus, some of the shorter races are so quick- it’s fun to see the athletes more than once.
And what about form? I love to see the sprinters powering through their races, but when the races get to 800 meters and longer their bodies change, and they’re doing the same kind of running as I am (only twice as fast, of course.) I love how high their knees come up behind them- I’m trying to imitate that in my own running.
And how about this Rich Roll podcast with Courtney Dauwalter. Courtney is one of the best ultrarunners in the world. Probably her most impressive accomplishment is winning the Moab 240 (that’s a 240 mile race) outright- beating all the men and finishing TEN HOURS ahead of the second place finisher. So many words of wisdom about the mental aspect of running, but my favorite is “Stay right where your feet are.” If that works for Courtney during her 240 mile races, it should work for us! And then…
I’m so grateful to be out there again!!! My knees are feeling better and better each time I run. It’s super hot and muggy, and by the end of a three mile run I’m tired. But I just keep thinking “this is what I wanted!” Nothing like being injured to make you appreciate every single step.
Happy running to everyone!
Are you watching the track races?
Do you follow ultrarunning, or does it just sound nuts to you?
13 Responses
So happy that you are running without pain.
Yes I looks the elites and try I imitate their form… why are my knees never that high??
I am fascinated by ultras but they are usually on trails and I do not run on trails. Also I cannot imagine running more than 26 mile.. ever.
Thanks Darlene! I’m hoping if I watch enough of the Olympic runners I’ll subconsciously imitate their form!
Yay for running again, Jenny! 😄 Fantastic news!
I love watching the summary of the Olympics. The marathons this weekend start exactly at midnight European time… So annoying!
I’m obsessed with ultra runners. Thanks for that Courtney quote – I’ve never heard it before. Such a good one!
Yes, it’s been hard to watch anything live. Next time is in Paris which will be good for you, and 2028 in Los Angeles which will be good for us- we should be able to see a lot of events live.
You said that with the utmost clarity and perfection…coking back from injury makes one appreciate every run & every step, no matter the heat of the weather or distance run. I, too, am just in awe of all the Olympians. Watching them advance is exciting, though I feel so bad for the runners who are “one & done” on the track. But, like you said, just getting there, even if it’s just for one prelim, is an amazing accomplishment.
Ugh…coming (autocorrect fail) LOL
I especially feel so bad for the runners who fall during their race! In one split second their Olympic hopes are ruined. It breaks my heart.
It is amazing that they literally run twice as fast as we do! So glad you are feeling good this week. Happy running
Thanks Deborah! I’m watching the sprinters tonight and their legs are literally a blur- these women are probably running 3x my speed!
Being injured really does make you appreciate running even more! So glad you’re back out there!
Thanks Lisa! Maybe the universe thought I was getting a little too complacent and decided to give me a gratitude reminder.
Love that you’re able to get back out there and run – yay!!
Thanks Kim! It feels amazing.