I listened to Bravey by Alexi Pappas (Amazon Affiliate link here) while driving back and forth to my mom. I didn’t follow Alexi closely, but I’d heard of her, so let’s just say a lot of her memoir was news to me. The rule of thirds stuck with me.
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. Except today I’m only sharing three things.
1: One third should be good runs
If all your runs are great, you may not be pushing yourself hard enough. Of course not everyone wants to challenge themselves with running, for some it’s a way to destress and for others it’s a social activity. If you’d like to improve, though, not all your runs are going to feel okay. And that’s okay.
2: One third should be meh runs
Sometimes your runs aren’t going to feel good. If all your runs don’t feel good, though, then you’re probably pushing yourself too hard. It’s time to re-evaluate your goals and your training plan. It might even be time to take a little break before coming back with a modified plan.
3: One third should be in between good and meh
Not every run will feel amazing (or even just good), and not every run will feel horrible (or just not so good). Some will just feel . . . okay. Again that’s okay!: Sunscreen & Bug Spray
As much as I try to be organized the night before, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten the bug spray because I’m in the a rush before my run. Yes, I do keep a small bottle in my trunk at all times.
Final Thoughts
Alexi is looking at running through the perspective of an Olympic athlete. She did not win any Olympic medals, but she did break the Greek record for the 10,000 meters; she ran representing Greece.
I definitely liked this bit of advice, even for recreational runners. It reminds me of a scene from Spirit of the Marathon, when one of the pacers is prepping her runners for their long run, telling them that if they can’t talk, they might want to slow down — and if they can sing, they might want to speed up.
I think the biggest takeaway is that if everything always feels tough, you need to re-evaluate what you’re doing.
Have you heard of Alexi Pappas?
Have you read her books? If yes, what did you think of it?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I’ve followed her. I’ve seen her movies and read this book when it first came out.
In fact she won the NYC 5k (dash to the finish) that I ran in 2015.
I agree with the rule of thirds. It’s even more important in life than running.
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I have not listened to the podcast but now that you bring it up, not every run feels good all the time. I go through phases where runs feel good more and then less.
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This was actually her book. I listen to audiobooks while driving back & forth to my mom!
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I’m a big fan of her. She seems incredibly mature for her age, I guess because of everything she went through.
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Yes I have to imagine that could make you grow up quickly. Although I can’t even imagine going through all that.
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I haven’t read her books. I do think her rule of thirds makes sense, especially when you’re training for a race. Some runs should push you out of your comfort zone, but not all of the time.
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Exactly!
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The rule of thirds can apply to so many things. I use the rule of thirds when preparing my photos for sharing! My youngest son took photography classes in high school and that was an important rule that he learned.
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I have a photographer husband. Although not his profession. And I was a graphic designer so it can come in there, too!
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I like the can’t speak – can sing thing. I use that when supporting learning runners, so make sure they can still chat while at least doing the walking sections, to make sure they’re not overdoing it, so will hate it and give up!
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That’s really important for beginning runners to learn!
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I really like this and can apply it to other aspects of life other than just running!
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Oh good. At least 1/3 of my runs have been extra meh lately, so now I feel better!
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Hopefully there will be more awesome runs when the weather cools. You know, December. :p
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