Maybe it’s old age, I’m not really sure, but somewhere along the way I’ve become a little superstitious.
It’s quirky and I know it.
My superstition only applies to fitness related things.
For example, I once wore a red razorback tank for a group fitness addition. I bought it specifically for that “performance”. When I didn’t get the job, I didn’t wear the tank for three more months.
Another example, this summer during a training run, a pigeon pooped on one of my favorite running tanks (seen in the photo below without the poop). It was then deemed my “lucky” tank. (which mean I should have worn it in Richmond & not just for my 22-miler with Lora).
I told you I’m quirky.
After the Richmond Marathon, I was ready to throw-in every towel I ever owned in relationship to all things marathon running. I had a strong urge to burn my Brooks Ghosts. I hated everything about them. They became the enemy and of course my “unlucky shoes”.
After spending a good amount of time hashing through the things I want to do different while training for Eugene, I decided it was time to put all this “luck” stuff behind me.
I’ve always believed in hard work, not luck… but let’s be honest good weather is based off luck and so are many other things. Training hard and superstitions have gone hand and hand with athletes for ages, but this was more than that. Richmond was still brewing a bit of disappointment in my heart.
But finally running in these shoes again today, and beginning my base training for Eugene means Richmond is officially in the past and I’m not looking back it any longer.
So my SIDI this week is: I won’t look back at that disappointing race any longer. I’ll only look forward.
Tell me do you have any running or race day superstitions?
I love that song! I’m not very superstitious, although if I get a race number with “4” or “36” in it, I get excited, since those are my favorite numbers. But if I had a terrible race experience in some gear, I would not want to wear it for a while because of the negative associations I’d have with it.
I definitely have running- and fitness-related quirks. For example, I need to wear a certain brand of socks when I run (Balega), and I have a certain type of “race outfit” that puts my mind at ease. Oh, and I also like bibs that end in odd numbers. In terms of triathloning, I wear the same tank and shorts during races, and I style my hair the same way.
First of all, LOVE Stevie Wonder (haha). In high school track, I used to wear the same pair of socks (without washing them) for every meet. It was gross and once I made the college team, I thought it best to give up that superstition! Now I’d say the only superstition I have is eating the same thing before every race. I hate changing it up (and fear my stomach wouldn’t like it either!)
You are going to rock Eugene! It’s hands-down one of the most beautiful running towns ever! I went to school there and ran my first half there. Also my last half…I am not into marathons personally, but…rest assured, I ran many miles hung-over and underfueled (college) and it was always a winning run! Eugene will bring luck! Cuz IT’S GREEN like a shamrock 😉 Go Ducks!
Good to know! Thanks for the positive words!