I loved reading Grant Fisher’s words: “All I was focused on was racing Cole […] The time completely took care of itself.” That’s exactly what happened to me when I set my PBs in the 800m.
It’s strange because you’d think the opposite—that the best way to run fast is by focusing on pacing, avoiding contact, and minimizing wasted effort. But the truth is, pure competition—racing to win—is the strongest weapon to push beyond your limits. Shifting your focus from fatigue to the opponent helps you perceive the effort less, at least in my experience.
I believe that’s the magic of racing against a competitor rather than against the clock.
Yep, 100% And since a lot of people look for studies with this stuff (as if watching a race isn’t enough), there are lab studies of cyclists who can go harder/hit higher numbers when pedaling next to someone else who is doing the same versus doing it alone. In competition we help one another get the best out of ourselves!
Slow Motion was such a brutal song when it was released, I think the lyrics version was hard to find for awhile, so it was awesome seeing them opening with that. Motorcycle Drive By remains one of my favorite songs ever, reminds me of my whole youth. The entire album in general was the soundtrack to one of my most memorable summers ever as a kid. Crazy it's been almost 30 years.
I said “oh damn” to myself when I realized they were opening with Slow Motion. Had not heard that song since HS and remember when it was released and kind of pulled/forgotten about. We’re about the same age I think so these were in the peak of our formative teen years.
BTW, Adam recently switched over to FS and it's opened a whole new dimension for viewing the body of work that's been put in and where the training plan is taking you. Really enjoying it so far!
I think you and I need to have a refresher on what the anchor's role is in a relay event 😂. The stoke is always on high when there's a chance to hang with you! Boston weekend will be right up there!
Thanks Mario, another great read. I also use Final Surge, it's a great platform. I thought you might like this, a kid here in New Zealand is pushing for a sub-4 mile tomorrow (https://www.youtube.com/live/U6LkjeNjN9Y?si=sir6-oFdYEF_yfya) already got the best time for a 15yo in the 1500, so it should be a good watch.
He’s very exciting! Nothing easy about a sub-4 but I think he’s shown he’s more than capable. Love that it’s being streamed live on YT and the hype being created around the attempt. Looking forward to seeing how it shakes out!
Hi Mario,
I loved reading Grant Fisher’s words: “All I was focused on was racing Cole […] The time completely took care of itself.” That’s exactly what happened to me when I set my PBs in the 800m.
It’s strange because you’d think the opposite—that the best way to run fast is by focusing on pacing, avoiding contact, and minimizing wasted effort. But the truth is, pure competition—racing to win—is the strongest weapon to push beyond your limits. Shifting your focus from fatigue to the opponent helps you perceive the effort less, at least in my experience.
I believe that’s the magic of racing against a competitor rather than against the clock.
Completely agree with you (and Grant) on this! ✌️
Yep, 100% And since a lot of people look for studies with this stuff (as if watching a race isn’t enough), there are lab studies of cyclists who can go harder/hit higher numbers when pedaling next to someone else who is doing the same versus doing it alone. In competition we help one another get the best out of ourselves!
Slow Motion was such a brutal song when it was released, I think the lyrics version was hard to find for awhile, so it was awesome seeing them opening with that. Motorcycle Drive By remains one of my favorite songs ever, reminds me of my whole youth. The entire album in general was the soundtrack to one of my most memorable summers ever as a kid. Crazy it's been almost 30 years.
I said “oh damn” to myself when I realized they were opening with Slow Motion. Had not heard that song since HS and remember when it was released and kind of pulled/forgotten about. We’re about the same age I think so these were in the peak of our formative teen years.
BTW, Adam recently switched over to FS and it's opened a whole new dimension for viewing the body of work that's been put in and where the training plan is taking you. Really enjoying it so far!
I think you and I need to have a refresher on what the anchor's role is in a relay event 😂. The stoke is always on high when there's a chance to hang with you! Boston weekend will be right up there!
Refresher: Run fast, turn left (for 8 laps)! Haha.
😵💫
That Third Eye Blind tiny desk concert has got me in all kinds of MTV nostalgia! Thanks for reminding me that that band exists.
I’ll be honest, seeing it pop up was a reminder for me too. Had no idea they’d put some new stuff out in recent years.
Thanks Mario, another great read. I also use Final Surge, it's a great platform. I thought you might like this, a kid here in New Zealand is pushing for a sub-4 mile tomorrow (https://www.youtube.com/live/U6LkjeNjN9Y?si=sir6-oFdYEF_yfya) already got the best time for a 15yo in the 1500, so it should be a good watch.
He’s very exciting! Nothing easy about a sub-4 but I think he’s shown he’s more than capable. Love that it’s being streamed live on YT and the hype being created around the attempt. Looking forward to seeing how it shakes out!