_SportyBrains_

“Self-care is my middle name, people!” “I totally rock at work-life balance.” “I’m one of the most industrious people I know.” These are all things I’ve told myself time and time again (of course in my own head for risk of sounding like an arrogant weirdo). At times they are true statements/positive self-talk and can be validating that I am on the right track with things. Other times, well…I’ll fill you all in with a little secret: they’re sometimes dripping in denial.Dangit. Before I get into the meat and potatoes of this post (vegan option upon request), this story technically begins eight years ago sitting in Ethics class for Counselors but dates back even further. I clearly recall a discussion about how as professionals, we are obligated to exercise, eat right, keep our house and car clean (true story) and otherwise manage our stress levels; you know, just like any human is advised to do.  I also recall being very pleased in hearing this because I was the reside...

I recently had the privilege of doing a podcast interview with RunnersConnect 's "Run to the Top" weekly program covering a wide variety of questions on overcoming mental barriers in running. This is a topic I love discussing because the longer I run and work in the field of sport psychology, the more I feel comfortable discussing this topic and it does seem to be helpful for others to apply to their own running and lives. Some feedback and questions I've gotten since center a lot around the 'critical moment' in a race, hard workout, etc and I wanted to address some of this here and try and apply it to a larger scope beyond the road or track. This post kind of springs off of my previous; I guess I'm on a "moments" kick-who knows? Anyhow....So, for starters, I'll explain what I refer to as the 'critical moment' before we get into everything. My definition simply is simply this:  it's one that moment in a race, workout, exam, p...

Note: I was going to wait and post this until after Hurricane Harvey and his awful flooding completely ran its course, but on second thought, I think some of us could use a little positivity and perspective. The title just makes you want to read this post, right?!  Ok maybe not, and that’s okay. Anyhow, this is a story about perspective. So, let’s begin as I am driving down 290 for quite a stretch back to The Woodlands from a weekend in the Hill Country. As much as I love spending time up there and the slower pace of things does wonders for my mental state-on this drive, however, I’m, well, not feeling it- after perhaps too long and intense a weekend-and I'm stuck in one of those lingering bad moods (I mean seriously, these things are annoying!). Sleep deprivation, fatigue from training, and apprehension of a presentation I had to give that evening had me all up in my head. Actually, let’s replace apprehension with thoughts of “why the heck did I accept this assignme...

After years of writing a blog and then years of not writing one, I was inspired to start back up again while being stuck inside during a Tropical Storm in SE Texas. Gotta make the best of a rough situation, right??  In previous iterations, I have written my fair share of product reviews, race reports, and about mental training techniques, and I plan on touching on those, but mostly wanted to tie together and more than anything just talk about life on here and how to develop and use a growth mindset.  For those who have never read or followed before, I’m a Counselor and Sport Psychology Consultant by trade and my biggest passions are running, the outdoors, and helping others out-so much I do it for a living. And I’m always game to hear or share a good story!  Hope you find it useful and sometimes entertaining.  I’m not sure exactly where this thing’s going to go but let’s get started! First up is a little post about selfies, dinosaurs, and perspective. I ...

If you are as big of a running nerd as I am, there are probably a few running websites that show up on your Facebook feed every now and again. While I have learned to pass over many of these articles during the work day, a blog by Michigan State’s Rachele Schulist immediately grabbed my attention. Why? I had never heard of her before but she bravely put up a long Instagram post about her struggle with disordered eating and body image and boldly asserting that "the idea that you have to look a certain way and be thin to be a fast runner is bullshit”. Also included in her post was a side by side picture of her present day and in 2014, before she sustained a major injury due to under-fueling. It was refreshing to see a D1 college athlete-often a subculture that is most victimized by the thinness culture-speak out. Kudos to FloTrack and then Sports Illustrated for picking up this story. I think Schulist’s words are effective simply because she has experienced both sides of the ...

Hey Everyone! Who's ready for a race report?? How about 4 of them??.... don't worry-for the sake of scrolling fingers and attention spans, I'm writing these bad boys in a synopsis-type fashion! Anyway.... onto Fall 2016: while nothing earth-shattering, this was a season I have been wanting to have for a while and things really seemed to come together well. One thing I like about it is that it was solid overall but not without a little challenge or two thrown in. The longer I race, the more I value a little bump in the road here and there as it makes the good stuff that much better and memorable. So where did this fall take me? Lets see: One and half cross-country races (yes, one and a half), two 5ks, and yesterday's 5-miler. Each one had their own takeaway and I believe I gave each my best I had that day. So let's break em down, shall we? I'll even use "SOAP note" style for efficiency ;) GE Run Thru The Woods 5-Miler: November 14, 2016 While it...

Hi Everyone! I'm sure you missed my posting as much as I have-you likely haven't, but that's okay! After a few months of simply riding the grind of training, practicing, and everything in between I thought I'd throw some more content up here, but in a different location as I went ahead and let the old domain go and decided to just keep it simple here. We'll start today with a little story and what I took from the experience. Enjoy. Training's going well. I'm currently on a steady routine of 6 days per week with a faster day consisting of timed intervals, what I call "Faster Friday's", and mileage hovering from 40-50ish. Nothing really special or different from what I usually do, minus the mandatory hip stability exercises that get a lot more attention as I continue to do this stuff. I can't say there is too much that I would change right now on that end except for continuing to gain some confidence in my body and ability, and that comes ...