"I always knew I had a high tolerance for pain. I knew I could suffer longer, and dig deeper than anyone else. I knew I would train harder than anyone else to prove it. If it was a sufferfest, I was going to come out on top".
From, "Its Not About the Bike" , by Lance Armstrong
So, I know I'm the first one to say, if its a fun run, then treat it as such. And that was completely my intention as we embarked from the Halsted Lululemon to celebrate the "Traveling Pants" Tour, which culminated with a 5K fun run. And spirits were high on Saturday morning (2/13) as employees, ambassadors and friends headed towards our destination of the Rush street store. And there I was, with my friend and training partner, Rick Lapinski, promising each other we'd have fun. But something happened within the first mile - I felt good, strong, and the competitive side came to the front. All my memories of running on the Southside, ducking through traffic, sprinting down lights, bouncing from sidewalk to street, smiling the whole time, laughing to myself, as I felt my legs responding like they did years ago.
So, yes, it was my fault the pace got pushed. And pushed. And suddenly, it was myself, Rick and a very good female runner who was hanging in. Although we weren't going race pace, I found myself varying the tempo, up on my toes, loving the sun, the wind, the feeling of going hard, that shift of gears that every athlete seeks during winter training; a reassurance that training is going as planned. So there we were, sprinting down Michigan Avenue, ducking the early morning shoppers, the bell hops hailing cabs, all with that all-to-familiar look from people of "what the hell is going on?"
As we reached our destination, I felt even better, and looked over at my two compatriots, as they smiled too, knowing that sometimes, you just need a good, hard run. As we jogged to cool down, the girl who ran with us asked an honest question. "how do I get faster? How can I run like you do and not hurt?" Rick answered first, stating simple truths - embrace pain. And suddenly I found myself responding and elaborating, "You have to be prepared to go to that 'dark place' where the pain leaves you with seeing white spots, black spots, dizziness, the feeling of having to vomit, nearly passing out, and a sensation of hot, white pain, always knowing you will come out the other side a stronger athlete, mentally and physically".
She stood for a moment, then thanked us for the advice and took off. As Rick and I ran back to Halsted, I thought about what I said. It reminded me of everything that I use in my own training. I'm not the most talented or gifted athlete, I have to work harder. And that means suffering more. But, I take tremendous comfort in knowing that I don't fear it. The following quote is so true - "When you make friends with pain, you will never be alone". Rick reminded me of that as we ran back, at a rather healthily fast pace, and I smiled reminded of Lance's quote, of what it takes to reach new levels. And bottom line, you have to be ready to hurt.
The difference for me now, I do so with a support system of coworkers and friends that understand and provide the balance. Its just another reason why I love working for Lululemon. Because I know once I'm done hurting, I walk in the store and feel refreshed and welcomed. I no longer have just pain as my sidekick.
And its with that sense of balance that I am excited to launch our "Lifestyle Change Challenge" out of our store in Oakbrook, IL. We are utilizing tri training to get people to change thier lifestyle and get ready for a race. Come check us out on February 28, 2010 at 6 pm. Come check out the store and stick around for the Challenge.
Stay Strong,
Guy
