Mental Strategies For Those At The Back Of The Pack

I’m 44 6ft2 110kg Dad of a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old. After a recent string of big life events; accepting we couldn’t have children, foster training, illness, suddenly getting pregnant, my partner nearly dying during childbirth, Traumatic birth, my partner nearly dying 2 weeks after childbirth, our business (Keswick B&B) failing, miscarriage, 2 short notice high-pressure career changes and now into a high-stress job. Everyone is now safe and healthy but I think in a moment of madness and probably in an attempt to exercise some control I signed up for Lakes in a Day (50 miles). At least its motivated me to get out and exercise. I am not fit, I have never been a regular runner. I was in the Army many moons ago and did some canoe marathon Ultras. I’m basically going couch to 50 miles in 6 months (yes I’m ashamed, and yes your heart's right to sink and your eyes are right to roll). I’ve started training;1 long run, 1 park run, 1 hill reps, 1 run or quick hill walk, 1 strength. I’m not asking you to condone an objectively unwise course of action. But it is happening. I am hoping you might have some advice on the mental approach to a much slower mover at the back? It must be a strange thing for someone who runs to the standard you do to contemplate but imagining someone going into a 50 miler aiming to beat the ‘grim sweeper’ and just finish. Do you have any advice, tips, or tricks that might help maintain the mental strength to just keep moving? Summary: An old fat bloke has thrown himself at a 50 miler and wants advice on a mental battle with the Grim Sweeper. https://teaandtrails.com/ https://www.patreon.com/teaandtrails https://www.teaandtrailsultra.com/ Precision Fuel & Hydration helps athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised race nutrition plan for your next event. Tea And Trails Podcast listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolytes with Precision Fuel & Hydration. Use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout. Precision Fuel & Hydration - https://visit.pfandh.com/3GKxHjU Precision Fuel & Hydration Planner - https://visit.pfandh.com/3RuP25z Brew with the coaches - Thanks, Trish, Rebecca and Russell! The opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the coaches and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Precision Fuel & Hydration. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Tea & Trails Podcast & Precision Fuel & Hydration assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Amazon links are affiliate links. Keeping Dry & Staying Warm - https://amzn.to/42JCexq Celeste Yvonne's - https://amzn.to/40FYLK9 Fix Your Feet - https://amzn.to/3FE4nf0 Running Challenges by Keri Wallace - https://amzn.to/3KGdU7e ROAR - https://amzn.to/3WU7xB2 NEXT LEVEL - https://amzn.to/3Hu15Lr The Daily Stoic - https://amzn.to/44qDm9j