What if go slow to get fast applies to life as well as running?
Plus our usual round-up including podcasting with alcoholic turned marathon runner Tom Mulchinock
The benefits of a long, slow run are well documented. Run slow to run fast.
But what that if that applies to life in general as well?
I’ve been having some therapy recently and have been thinking a lot about one question I was asked.
Is it ok to coast sometimes?
It came in the context of my being frustrated some elements of life aren’t moving forward as quickly as I’d like, and that I would like things to be more fast paced.
Also on Running Tales:
And also that I am recovering after experiencing mental health problems that can tire you out even as you start to feel better.
My initial thought was that this would be a form of letting myself down. Perhaps not making the best of my potential.
BUT what if going fast all the time was what was leading to injuries (mental rather than physical), just as is the case when runners go all out on every run they do.
And maybe taking it easier - coasting even - is like going out for a long, slow run.
The kind that can lead to real gains, help you avoid injury and can be really enjoyable.
This week on…
The podcast:
This week’s Running Tales Podcast guest is Tom Mulchinock.
When Tom left school with little more than an addiction for video games and a 'class clown' nature, he found himself numbing real world pressures with increasingly heavy drinking.
Nights out turned to day drinking - to avoid hangovers it was better to just not stop.
It wasn't until he reached 30 that Tom realised he needed to get help.
After seeking therapy and moving to Iceland, Tom started practicing mindfulness, going on walks, listening to podcasts - and running.
A first 5k race eventually turned into a running habit and then into a new goal.
Tom is currently aiming to run 10 marathons in a year in 10 different countries - all to rase money for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably.
Running Tales spoke to Tom about how running has helped him stay sober, combat his anxiety and embrace his creative side...
Substack:
This week we published our latest look at some of our favourite podcasts, vlogs and articles that we have seen over the past week.
Our post included brilliant podcasts from the Ali on the Run Show talking to Peloton’s Mariana Fernandez, and from Bad Boy Running with mountain runner Allie McLaughlin.
We also featured a fantastic Twitter thread from ultra runner Jeremy Singh and a Runner’s World article on how journalist Bella Mackie has faced up to anxiety and mental health issues.
You can read our piece in full here: From a base jumping trail champion to running for your mental health
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