As the weeks go on this summer, the MIT weekly training mileage gets longer. The shine of the beginning of the new season has worn off. The hot weather gets old, and there is still a lot of work to be done. We are halfway through our marathon or half marathon preparation…how do we cope?

1. Treat yourself like an athlete. All participants in MIT are athletes! Period. Athletes
know they deserve good food, good rest, and good support. You too are entitled to
those things, and they will help you mentally and physically throughout the season.

2. Find ways to pass the miles. Saturday miles are so much better with good
company. Prepare some “dad jokes” for your pace group. Play “the alphabet
game.” Talk to someone you don’t know as well in your group. For mid-week miles,
find good listening material (music, audiobooks, or podcasts) or plan to meet some
fellow MITers.

3. Celebrate the wins. At this point in the season, distance PRs are coming up almost
every week for new members. Others might be celebrating their longest walk or run
since an injury, or longest at this new pace, or in a new age group. Tell your pace
coaches so your whole group can celebrate with you!

4. Keep your eye on the prize. Looking at course maps/pictures and starting to plan
activities and attire around your race can keep you excited for your goals.

Of course, if you’re dragging harder than you think you should, your coaches can be a great resource for ideas. Trust your coaches. Trust your training. These weeks will
pass. Just keep showing up, and you’ll be prepared at the start line before you know it!