D.W.O.

I have always been a very big proponent of visualization techniques.  From my early career in running, I used to imagine have a good race or finishing in a certain time or place.  And then came along “Chariots of Fire.”  After that we all imagined we were running along the beach wearing white pajamas and acting oh so happy and gay.  Fortunately, I have learned to banish that image quickly.

In my current training, it is difficult to visualize anything more than me bursting into flames while running down the road.  It has been that frickin’ hot outside.  But I also know that everything I do now in this oppressive heat will pay me back tenfold in the fall when it cools off.  So I just need to imagine I am running in the snow or some place cold.

As far as my long training runs leading up to the race, somehow a phrase has become lodged in my head instead of an image:  “DWO” or “Death Warmed Over”.  I heard “death warmed over” years ago when my dad was probably commenting on my appearance after a race or when I was sick.  And I am sure everyone has seen the DWO look:  slightly pasty, eyes withdrawn, lethargic, small pieces of dirt from the grave you crawled out of.  It is often associated with the comment that you would have to feel better to die.  And it is also easily applied to those who get hangovers (not me of course.)

I am sure that much of my failed positive visualtion techniques has to do with my current difficulties due to the heat coupled with my fear of this race.  Because I will admit that this race scares me.  I really have no idea what my mind and body will do after about 50 miles.

I can easily imagine this scene playing out at an aid station in the middle of the night around 72 miles into the race:

• Aid Station Worker – “Hello?  Is there anybody in there?  Just nod if you can hear me.  Is there anyone at home?”
• Me – (I nod while Gatorade dribbles out the corner of my mouth)
• Aid Station Worker – “Come on, now, I hear you’re feeling down. Well I can ease your pain and get you on your feet again.”
• Me – (Dull stare as my eyes roll back into my head when I hear the words “on your feet again”)
• Aid Station Worker – “Relax.  I need some information first.  Just the basic facts.  Can you show me where it hurts?”
• Me – (Silence as I fall out of my chair and assume a catatonic fetal position)

For those who are completely clueless to late 70′s rock music, here is the rest of the story:

Thankfully, the workers at the aid stations are phenomenal and are used to dealing with blithering idiots at 2 AM.  Plus, after 60 miles I will be able to have a pacer run with me while carrying a cattle prod.  Of course, I am still not sure who the pacers will be yet, but there is time.

Until then, I will keep visualizing the various scenarios/fantasies/nightmares that will more than likely never occur.  As long as they help me make it through the next training run.  Or the next mile.  Hell, sometimes even the next step, then I will continue to use this positive and uplifting technique.

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