SoCalRunning.com » Marathon Training

The Body is Just a Vehicle

Gary — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:13:18 +0000

My Tibetan Buddhism class in Dharamsala, India.

Always as a marathon date comes closer and closer, I feel not a relaxed calm and confidence in my abilities but instead a never ending anxiety about training.

My sleep becomes more restless in the evenings as I battle through my subconscious asking me questions such as: “Am I training enough?”, “Am I doing enough speed work?”, “Am I on pace?”, “Will I make my time goal?”, and “Will this damn Plantar Fasciitis ever go away or will it derail my marathon?”.

Talking to all my fellow runners seems to make the anxieties worse. They all want to know things like about my pace, my goals for race day, even what I plan to do after race day.

Often my job seems to get its busiest right before the race. Just adding to this ongoing stress level.

Well I was thinking about all these things this morning.

A brief update. I am in Dharamsala, India (Home of the Dalai Lama). My dream for many years was to run a marathon. I kept on believing in that dream. Kept learning, kept making daily little progress. It came true seventeen fold. Even helped a few others complete a marathon.

My next major dream was to travel around Asia, especially to see the Himalayas.

That is what has taken me to India. Dharamsala is the spiritual gateway to the Himalayas. I look out of my guesthouse window to the beginning of the mountain range. They are huge and majestic.

Interestingly enough, I have been attending Buddhist philosopy classes the last few days.

They are held in a classroom next to the Tibetan Library. Most of the great Buddhist texts and scholars were destroyed by a tumultuous Indian History. The Tibetans, however, translated all of these into Tibetan. Then through their devotion to the monastic life and scholarship, kept the teachings alive through the centuries.

In other words, when you study Tibetan Buddhism you study some real authentic, old teachings. Some say the “real stuff”.

So this old scholar comes in in the morning, we all bow, say a bunch of prayers which I can’t even seem to read the English translations of. Then he begins talking. A lovely funny older English woman gives the translations. They have been working together for like 30 years. Translating like 10 of his books or so, to give an idea of his scholarship.

So he is giving a talk this morning which is part of bigger talk on some sacred text, which is a commentary on some other sacred philosophies.

And in the midst of it, I thought of people training for the Marathon.

The main theme of the talk is about how to be a Bodhissatva. This is a very holy Buddhist term to describe someone who doesn’t go off to nirvana in order to devote their life to care and compassion of all living beings. Like a Saint.

One of the essential characteristics of such saintly work is PATIENCE.

Here’s where it gets interesting. He says we all suffer. And some like the Tibetan people have suffered a great, great deal. And the more you persue a spiritual, or in my opinion, an athletic path, the more suffering, and enemies you will encounter.

It shouldn’t be that way. It should get easier right? Your training should get easier as you get closer to the goal.

Well, hogwash according to the spiritual master.

It gets harder so you can develop some patience. And this he defined as a calmness in the face of suffering. A faith in the direction of your work. A willingness to face your hardships. A certainty in the teachings of your coaches or spiritual masters.

Because this patience will allow you to learn. This patience will shatter your overblown pride as athlete so you can begin listening again. Listening to you body, your coaches, the old teachings.

And ultimately this patience will be your greatest teacher. To teach that you WILL get through this anxious time in your training. And you WILL survive those long training runs with that bunk ankle. And someway, somehow you find the patience in others to juggle all those people in your life so that you can just show up on Saturday morning.

Well when you get through all these little hardships, you will get some real patience.

This spirital master taught us to imagine that you are experiencing all of this in order to help all the other marathoners out there. To imagine that you are experiencing all of this to demonstrate to you family that you can stay strong in the face of adversity. And to imagine that you are experiencing these pains to show your friends and colleagues that great things are possible.

The Bodhissatva way is to experience all of this so we can develop the greatest of all human qualities…COMPASSION.

Because on race day, you will need some compassion. You’ll need to be compassionate and loving to your body and mind in that great battle of 26.2 or 13.1 miles.

Or even more important, and this is the part I love…

You’ll need that compassion to lift your head high to look around you and motivate the runners around you. You’ll need that compassion to share a joke when they look sad. To share an inspirational story when their spirit seems down. You cheer on every honorable runner you pass to let them know how awesome they are doing. Because YOU KNOW what they suffered through to just get there on race day.

And even better, when you develop more and more patience and compassion your performance, your race day time, your goals will just dissolve away into the practice of something deeper….seeing just how many people you can help on race day.

And in that, you will find happiness beyond your dreams. That by making others happy in training, before the race, and on race day you will find….happiness.

So hang in there, be patient, this time like all others, will pass.

That is why you suffer. So you can help others. So simple and beautiful.

This was the teaching I heard today, that has been taught for over 2,000 years and just might help you in your journey today.

Namaste,

Gary

LA Marathon 2010 – Start to Finish

Steve — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:15:21 +0000

Why watch it in parts. You gotta love YouTube but they limit the time length of your videos. Viddler doesn’t but they don’t have the deal with Facebook and other sites. I know 16 minutes seems long but heck the marathon is 26.2 miles and takes hours. In fact, over 7 hours for me this day. I did take a couple hours at Mile 18 to help man the Sole Runners Holistic Aid Station.

If you want to run a marathon join the Sole Runners – The only marathon training program that uses ChiRunning® and yoga for your best experience.

Race Focused, Steve Mackel – Sole Runner’s Head Coach

LA Marathon 2010 Part 2

Steve — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:14:34 +0000

Part 2 is my experience after working 2.75 hours at the Sole Runners Holistic Aid Station at mile 18. Coach Gary tells why he had such a great time helping other marathoners and I run in with the back of the pack. I have never finished at the 7+ hour mark before. i meet a lot a great people and learned a lot. There are interesting stories. Watch and see why this race and the the new course attracted so many runners that gave it their all to cross the finish line.

Race Focused, Steve Mackel – RRCA Marathon Coach

LA Marathon 2010

Steve — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:14:10 +0000

I Love LA – The LA Marathon organizers stepped it up this year with an all new course that truly reflected what LA is all about: Dodger Stadium, Downtown, Sliverlake, Echo Park, Hollywood Blvd., The Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, Beverly Hill and Century City… At least that how far I get in PART 1. LA has a lot of ground to cover in less than 10 minutes for YouTube and I couldn’t do it so, when you finish this video look for PART 2 up soon.

Train Focused, Coach Steve – Head Coach Sole Runners Marathon Training

Coach Steve and Coach Gary Speak at the Long Beach Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Today and Saturday

Steve — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:10:50 +0000

Race Visualization Workshop Participants from
the Disneyland Half Marathon Expo

The Long Beach Marathon Health and Fitness Expo is a FREE event today and tomorrow open to the general public. Check out all sorts of stuff for runners, cyclists and people interested in fitness. It is at Long Beach Convention Center., Hall C October 10-11, 2008 Friday: 12 Noon to 7pm and Saturday: 9am – 6pm. Steve and Gary’s workshops and times are listed below:

“Unleashing Your Mental Running Strength Through Visualization and Hypnosis” by Steve Mackel, CHt, Head Coach Beach Runners Marathon Training Program – Friday at 4

Using visualization, and other mental training techniques, Steve Mackel, Certified Hypnotherapist and Head Coach of Beach Runners Marathon Training Program, gives race day tips then takes participants through a guided visualization of their upcoming race, increasing self-confidence and overall race day strength.

“ChiRunning® Run effortlessly and injury-free” by Certified ChiRunning Instructor Certified ChiRunning Instructor Gary Smith – Friday at 5 PM and Saturday at 1 PM

Gary will teach the basic principles and benefits of ChiRunning®

“Yoga and Running Combining Their Strength”by Steve Mackel, Head Coach Beach Runners Marathon Training Program – Saturday at 5 PM

Creating a yoga practice can produce profound effects in your running, Coach Gary Smith discusses how to develop a yoga practice can increase speed, strength and running efficiency.

Race Focused, Steve Mackel – Certified Hypnotherapist

Marathon Training with Coach Gary: Mental Training with Jedi Mind Tricks

Gary — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:46:25 +0000

Yes back by popular demand…

The feedback from last weeks show was so overwhelming…I had to do it again…

In this show I focus on teaching you how to use your mind to finish your marathon or half marathon.
This is a really good talk for beginning marathoners to listen to as so much of your performance is mental.

So of the topics that I cover are…
- How prepare mentally for your long run
- How to think positive while running
- Ways to improve your breathing even when tired
- Tricks that you can use to keep your body going even when you are tired

Oh, yeah, there’s a little dancing also…

Coach Gary
ChiDancing Specialist

Marathon Training: Recovery Strategies and Tips

Gary — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:18:11 +0000

Are you training for a marathon? Do you find marathon training difficult?

After your long runs on the weekends do you feel your body breaking down? Are you getting injured?

Or do you feel lethargic and tired the next week?

In this video I show you four basic marathon training recovery strategies I’ve used for years to train for marathons.

It is simple to run a marathon using this marathon plan. At least in my opinion. Watch the video to learn how to avoid running injuries and get better marathon training nutrition.

Visit www.marathontraining.tv for more marathon coaching advice.

Gary

2008 Catalina Marathon Runumentry Part 2

Steve — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:27:42 +0000

Friends,

Part 2 is about the last 6 miles, the finish line, the awards, runner reviews, the after party and a special guest.

I hope to run with you too. Say hello, tell me you saw this I’ll try to get you in my next movie.

Watch Focused, Steve Mackel – Catalina Marathon Videographer

2008 Catalina Marathon Runumentry Part 1

Steve — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:01:26 +0000

Friends,

I still have no clue if it will be a two or three part Runumentry. I just wanted to get something up ASAP. The sub-plot is about a first time marathoner and Beach Runners, Christy, running this fantastic marathon. She is also running to win the American Trail Championship, in her Age Group, which is the lowest combined time of the Catalina Buffalo Run half marathon and the Catalina marathon.

I met some great people and some footage I had hoped would make the movie wound up MIA. If that was you, I am very sorry. This movie provides a great look at the course, the wonderfully kind participants, volunteers and staff.

Watch Focused, Steve Mackel – Catalina Marathon Videographer

LA Marathon Daily Tip #3 of 5

Steve — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:00:32 +0000

I firmly believe in bodywork. I am seeing my bodywork mentor Lenny Parracino every week now before the LA Marathon and Catalina Marathons. As Lenny says, “Soft tissue work is like dental flossing for your muscles and all other connective tissue. You wouldn’t skip dental flossing, so as an endurance athlete, and the amount of time you put in training, your soft tissues to get worked. Why wouldn’t you get bodywork.”

Well, I know some of your answers; it is expensive or I don’t have the time. Well, Lance Armstrong got bodywork after almost every workout when he was in serious training mode or racing. I just wrote a check for $500 and said, “Let’s keep booking weekly appointments and let me know when it is running out.” I know I have to invest in my body because hey, I’m getting older and I train quite a bit.

Pre-Race – A nice relaxing Swedish, without too much deep tissue work is great. Thursday, Friday or Saturday are prime days for this. If you have one scheduled Saturday make it very relaxing, a painful massage may do more harm than good. I also get a pedicure early in my race week. I gotta show my tootsies some love.

Race-Day – A quick stimulating massage is perfect. These are only a few minutes long to stimulate the blood flow to the muscles and other soft tissues you’ll be using during the race. It also loosens you up. I’ll be out there and if you ask me, depending on how much time is available, I’ll work on you for free! Call it Karma.

Post-Race – I have read different opinions on when after your race you should get a massage. Well I won’t have my table with me, so if you can manage the lines they offer massages at the finish line. An easy 20-minute session is great. If they’ll work on your feet too (they can get kinda gross after 26.2 miles), better for you.

Sometime over the next week, while you are recovering, a thorough full body massage is a great idea. I’ve been training in very specialized sports massage techniques over the last year and I’ll offer a special post race 1-hour “Runner’s Massage” for the one-time price of $60, normally $75 Email Steve for an appointment if you come to me, in South Pasadena. This special “Runner’s Massage” that I have developed, spends most of the hour on your lower body, and at least 15 minutes just on your feet. Your feet probably need it the most because they will have just run close to 40,000 steps.

Race Focused, Steve Mackel, Certified Massage Therapist