Trail running - mental resilience.

-



One of the traits my mentor Fred Zalokar (RIP) demonstrated to me was being mentally resilient. In the mountains, I've learned to have a warrior mentality, and my mission is to meet any challenge with the confidence that I will prevail.

Because I learned this trait two decades ago, it’s part of my natural being. The only way I know to strengthen this trait is to follow through in training/races. For example; if I plan a 20-mile run then I have an obligation to myself to complete the distance. If it's an ultra event, I'll do everything in my power to finish.

If I were to get in the habit of modifying my runs because it becomes more difficult than anticipated, then I will weaken my resolve when a true test arises. 

Enjoy the journey, and fight to stay active. ⛰🏃🏻🐐

Popular posts from this blog

One of the least discussed benefits of mountain trail running is proprioception.

-
Proprioception is a noun (Physiology): perception governed by proprioceptors, as awareness of the position on one's body. I started researching proprioception, after reading an article regarding the physiological benefits gained by the activity of mountain trail running. I've have an active daily running streak, that started on October 6th, 2007. Running every day has allowed me the opportunity to invest a lot of time and energy into perfecting my stride mechanics. My running style is unique to me. However, because I run everyday it has been important to repeat movements that allow me to run injury free. What's interesting about mountain trail running is that I have taken more falls in the last year, then at any other time during by almost 14 years running streak. What is interesting is I have learned to fall without serious injury by constantly focusing on the best possible foot placement. Plus in trail running there is normally a grade involved, and I'm running on dir...
Read more

Is fitness your best insurance policy?

-
Image
  Kevin Brunson @ Reno UFC Gym On June 8 th , 2021, the Reno Gazette Journal published an online article for subscribers only about my 5,000 th daily running streak milestone which occurred on June 13, 20201. The benefit of the article is I feel like it’s been a coming out moment for me and it has blessed me with the opportunity to share my fitness philosophy. I have a similar story of many runners I have had the privilege to run with in the Greater Reno Nevada running community. I was recruited for the Swope junior high school after doing well in the mandatory one mile run for physical education class. I started running in 5 th grade for two reasons. One my mouth often wrote checks my body couldn’t cash. Thus, I was always the smallest boy in my class until about 10 th grade. Even then I was painfully thin, so I was no match for some of the larger boys. Secondly a friends dad told me the best way to become a better downhill snow skier was to run. I was excited to run cros...
Read more

Simple running and hiking tips to stay cool while enjoying the mountains. ⛰️⛰️⛰️

-
Image
  If you spend a lot of time on mountain trails as I do, you are probably aware that it's getting warmer. It's important to think about how you are going to stay hydrated and cooler before you start your run or hike. If there are water sources available, an excellent accessory is a filtered water bottle. In many cases, if you are sure of active water sources on your chosen route, you don't have to be extreme about carrying your own hydration. Which can help in the amount of energy you expend, and the more you carry the more difficult it can be to keep your body temperature in the normal range. I do recommend always packing some water on your person. If there are water sources available I like to use the water I packed last. I like to pack some electrolyte supplements or pack electrolyte drinks. I prefer to pack water and have electrolyte tabs for the versatility of hydration and cooling. As a runner, my natural instinct is the less I carry, the better, so I can utilize the ...
Read more