The Runner and the Thinker.

Hey everyone,

As of this writing I am coming up on 13 weeks post-op this Friday from my Achilles tendon repair.

You didn't miss much in terms of updates, but there is one big update to share.

I'm walking without the boot.

This is an amazing feeling to be up on my two feet in my normal shoes.

Strength for stronger push-offs isn't there yet but that's okay.

So with that said I want to talk about what I'm calling the Runner and the Thinker inside of us.

The Runner inside me already wants to get out running. He even wants to at least try jogging in place in the pool. Or try fast walking.

Foolish thoughts. (Well the pool idea makes sense, but way too much trouble now.)

So yeah I'm calling the emotional brain the Runner. Getting technical, the Runner is the limbic system, responsible for emotions, impulses, instincts, and intuition.

The Runner inside me is excited, impatient, and foolish.

The Thinker inside me knows how much more work needs to be done.

The Thinker knows that the repaired tendon still needs to accomplish several skills before getting back to running. Considering a conservative timeline, I could get back to jogging in about 3-4 months.

So I need to grow the size and strength of my calf muscles. The repaired tendon will then become more mature to withstand the high forces from jumping and running.

So earlier I presented my Runner brain as wanting to push me to do more.

But it is entirely possible for the Runner to do the opposite too. The Runner could go towards the exact opposite direction, influencing you to hold back and avoid moving altogether.

For example, consider the feeling of not wanting to go for that hard track workout or getting up early morning to run out in the cold.

Yet the Thinker brain responds. The Thinker knows that the run is good for you. That dreaded workout is necessary to get you one step closer to your race goal.

Assuming you're safe and healthy, you can see that the Runner can be equally overly protective or excessively risky.

Recognizing the presence of your Runner and Thinker can help make sense of your thoughts and emotions through training.

If ever you're in a training rut, revisit your race goals to remind you why you're training in the first place.

If ever you're feeling impatient, slow down to really think things through to make the right training decision.

So how have you experienced your Runner and Thinker?

What irrational and emotional thoughts have attempted to drive your decisions and actions?

What rational and logical thoughts have tried to influence your next steps?

Just don't ever ask me if I'm interested in playing basketball anytime soon. I am definitely in no rush to get back to the court.

Thanks for reading! See you next week.