Marathon: My personal journey

We are getting close!

OK. How about this? #OORAH

This means we are getting about 25 days away from the Marine Corps Marathon. I have one long run of 22 miles left, and I can't wait. It's the ultimate measuring stick. After this week, it's taper time. I will be logging in 50 miles or so this week. This means sleep, fuel and running! WOO HOO or should I say OORAH!

Image source:
https://www.facebook.com/MarineCorpsMarathon

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

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Trait #6 Be open

James Connely at 8:23 PM No comments:

As a marathon runner, runner or business professional it makes sense to be open. I will take a different approach here. Yes you should listen and be open to feedback. I believe that most people do this very well. What is different is listening to yourself and your own body. I love the fact that the author of this article mentions dialogue about creating your own success.

It's a charming view about being positive. When you listen, devote yourself to the mission and believe, you will create your own success-every time!

Image source:
http://www.globalbusinesscafe.com/tag/listening/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

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8 Mile!

James Connely at 6:50 PM No comments:

OK. I haven't finished the 7 traits, but felt like a quick diversion. Today, I ran an 8 mile training run. I was so excited to run it and the experience was purely awesome!

You may be asking yourself, did he really say that? Yes. I sure did. Let me give you some background as to why. First, I have grown to really love the 8 mile distance. It is long enough to really test you physically and it a really neat experience mentally.

Yesterday, I was telling a friend about my excitement for running the 8 miles and she said "you are really crazy". I tried explaining the "why" behind the excitement and failed to do so accurately. Today, I ran to U2's new album called "Songs of Innocence". A couple of my favorite tracks on the album include "The Miracle", "Every Breaking Wave", "Iris" and "California". The album is free on iTunes for iCloud customers. I applaud Apple and U2 for taking such a daring move. The boys from Ireland really sound great!

I really enjoyed the album and it really helped me through the 8 miler. You should download the album, if you haven't already.

You can download it here:
http://www.apple.com/U2/

Here is why I love the album: Songs of Innocence has its roots in the band’s early and lifelong influences, including the Ramones, Bob Dylan, and The Clash, as well as their formative years in Dublin and their transformative pilgrimage to California. It’s a collection of songwriting and music made possible only by shared time and life experiences.

Image source:
http://www.acclaimmag.com/uncategorized/vibe-uncovers-8-things-about-8-mile-we-didnt-know/

Sunday, September 21, 2014

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Trait #5 Vision

James Connely at 6:55 PM No comments:

This trait is awesome. It relates to having a strong "vision" for the finish. This is extremely helpful, when the chips are down or you are at a low point. It's critically important that you have something you can visualize to keep you in the race.

As an example, I visualize the finish line for the marine corps marathon. I visualize this on nearly every run. This one is easier because it is written about extensively. I can see the marines and it motivates me beyond words.

Here is an interesting point. I have visualized the finish in my past three full marathon finishes. Each time, the finish was so different. It's just a great surprise every time!

Image Source:
http://www.prodality.com/get-employees-buy-vision/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Friday, September 19, 2014

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Trait #4 Preparation

James Connely at 7:13 PM No comments:

Trait #4 is preparation! This one is a favorite of mine. When you run a marathon, things happen. Successful marathon finishers can anticipate the combinations of things that can happen and they adjust.

Some of the most common issues that can come up are as follows:

Running too fast out of the gate
Falling behind
Missing fuel
Cramps
Mild injuries (i.e. blisters)

During my second marathon, I had severe cramping issues. I fell behind the pace I wanted to achieve. In the end, I was able to finish. It was my worst time, but best finish. Like the article states, I had to adjust my plan and execution.

Image source:
http://studentaffairscollective.org/preparation-before-promotion/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

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Trait #3 Strength

James Connely at 6:41 PM 1 comment:

This is a great trait, strength. The article describes the elements as being tough and flexible. In the marathon, there will always be some sort of a curve ball or significant challenge. For me, I have run three different full marathons and I have encountered the following:

Mild muscle cramps (my first marathon)
Severe muscle cramps (my second marathon)
Forgetting to take the right amount of fuel (my second marathon)

Notice the trend, I didn't write about the third marathon. I changed my plan on the third and it worked. Strength is inherent in the marathon. In my first two marathons, I had to revise my plans, remain flexible and I had to BELIEVE.

Being strong will help you in anything you do, but especially the full marathon.

Image source:
http://funny-pictures.picphotos.net/philippians-4-13-bible-http-bibleencyclopedia-com-slides-philippians/bibleencyclopedia.com*kjvsmall*KJV_Philippians_4-13.jpg/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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#2 Focus

James Connely at 7:31 PM No comments:

Today, I will briefly discuss the element of focus and distance running. A number of things can happen to you while running or preparing for a big race. During training, the miles rack up. You have a schedule and you just go. This is good, but you may have to start approaching your runs with more "focus". To be specific, what is your goal of the run. How will you execute to meet your goal.

This is important. This year, I have been really trying harder to focus during training. About 1/4 of the way through my program, I notice myself just "running". I reminded myself to focus on a specific goal.

Why do this? Well, during a big race you will have distractions or unexpected things that happen. Your focus will guide you to your goal. At the end of a full marathon, it's a super challenge. The last six miles are the most difficult stretches of land. I say, it's the piece of land that everyone wants...but to earn them is different. You have to earn the line and focus will get you there!

Tomorrow, I will talk about strength.