Gritty Goat Endurance Coaching

Look at that smile! Marathon training is hard. It’s especially hard when you’re a working mom of three. Kelly committed to this training cycle, despite knowing it would require balancing and sacrificing. Was it always easy? Doubtful. Did she get it done? Absolutely! So, so proud of for a phenomenal run today. Don’t let life’s challenges hold you back. Be like Kelly…make it happen!!

This is what it’s all for! So proud of athlete for working hard through a hot summer training cycle to get to the finish line! Be like Jill…work hard and it will pay off.

A Gritty Goat in her natural habitat! Way to go Such a great run today!

Do you have a track accessible? It’s not a necessity for training, but it’s a helpful tool. I used to shy away from the track until a coach told me that it’s not just about the physical training but the mental training as well. It can be intimidating and daunting...just like a race at times. It’s important to get mentally strong while improving fitness. You don’t need a track to run fast, but if you have one nearby, get out there and make it happen!

When it comes to marathon training, one of the most challenging aspects is determining the schedule of long runs. They are the most critical component of marathon training, but they are also the most life-altering in that they take a lot of time and preparation. Every Gritty Goat Endurance athlete receives a training overview with a tentative long run schedule for the cycle. This can certainly change based on circumstances, but it’s really helpful to know what to expect. We work with our athletes to develop a schedule that makes sense based on family obligations, vacations and work schedules. Fall marathon training is starting now!! Come join us!!!

Congrats to Coach Kristen on her 4th female finish at Galena Sky 8-hr trail race!

Have you been thinking about pushing into the ultra distances? Now is the perfect time to let Gritty Goat endurance coaches get you prepared for fall races.

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So, so proud of athlete, Jill, for finishing her first Full Marathon today. Jill’s training was fantastic and her mental game is Strong! Never underestimate the power of your mind when it comes to marathon training and racing. Jill powered through today, despite less than ideal conditions! Bring on Chicago! Fall marathon training starts soon...join the Gritty Goat Endurance team and earn your fall bling!!

Racing vs. Running Races. Do you have to race every race? The short answer is No! Some people only sign up for races when they know they can give 100% and truly race. Others sign up for every race they can with their only goal being to finish. Most runners, including me, fall somewhere in the middle. Today I ran a half-marathon, one week post marathon PR, just because I wanted to. I had no intention of racing, but I just wanted to run the race. Great Western half marathon is a local race on my favorite trail and the weather today was beautiful! Like I mentioned last week, I try to run every race without overthinking. This strategy typically ensures I run a strong, comfortable race which is precisely what I did today. No major goals except to enjoy the atmosphere. It feels good to be run races again, regardless of whether it’s for a goal time or just to get the t-shirt and medal 😉 Do what feels right for you!

Medal Mondays are scarce these days, but I’m grateful for this one. As promised, I went in to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon as relaxed as possible. The socially distanced rolling start made it hard to build that start line excitement - something to be aware of if you have a race coming up- instead we were able to start as we approached the line. So, off I went, alone. I tried to run relaxed most of the race. The lovely course and perfect weather made for a great run. While there were moments of doubt and times of pain, I was able to run controlled and finished feeling strong. Consistency in training - both physical and mental - pays off on race day. Check out grittygoatendurance.com if you’re looking to get to the start line - and finish line - feeling strong!

The day before the race...my run always looks the same. 20 minutes very easy with 4 strides at the end. It always feels like I’m running through mud, and I think “how am I going to do this for 24+ more miles?” But the fact is, what will be, will be. The work is done, and now it’s time to get out there and run. I try not to overthink race day. Some people have their splits marked for every mile, some people have a detailed pre-race schedule. That’s never been me. I get up, get dressed and run. It could be monumental, it could be a disaster. In my eyes, I can do very little right now to change the outcome of my race. So, while I tend to overthink every other aspect of my life, I don’t overthink races. I guess my point is, you do you. Do what feels right for you. But, no mater what the 12 hours before your race look like, be confident that the work is done. You can do this! Get out there and run.

“Don’t sit on my legs, I have a marathon in 2 days!”
“Ok, can we rub them for you?”
“Um, yes. Yes you can.”
These boys are learning all the important things in life.

Gritty Goat Endurance athlete Elin didn’t let a cancelled marathon stop her from running 26.2 to celebrate a milestone birthday!! Your goals might change, but don’t that prevent you from doing great things! Be like Elin. Get out there and make it happen!