Tame those demons

Getting back into the swing of training again after my short break.  It's never easy following time off but after the first few runs I started to enjoy pushing myself again.  I'm desperate to get back into the mountains but have to remind myself that my first two races in the calendar are road races and it's also February which means it can be dangerous in the hills.  Sadly last week a 35 year old died falling on Ben More.  As you know I have turned back on at least three occasions on that mountain due to poor visibility or the threat of being blown off the mountain.  Ben More has a path almost to the top but you have to respect the elements.  My condolences to the family of the deceased but it's a grim reminder for the rest of us.
Last weekend I was down south with Beth and it is pan flat.  The country roads are straight,  go for miles and there is virtually no elevation.  So the demons were talking to me saying how boring this was but I remained focused on my task which was to increase the pace as the run went on.  When the demons appear your training session becomes not only physical but also mental which is what happens in races, so make the most of the challenge and get used to taming them.
On Monday we got the chance to go up our first mountain of the year. A Corbett called Morrone at Braemar.  It was perfect as it wasn't high enough to have snow on the summit or be clagged in with clouds.  It also had a forest track from the summit round the side and back to Braemar which meant we could get a fast run down.  It was a good reminder to our quads as to what is ahead of us.  It was exhilarating and we both enjoyed being back on the hills.  Fresh air and peace and quiet.  The run was followed by soup and a cheese scone! Delicious.
I wasn't able to do my long run during the week.  Beth did hers and had to slog it out.  When you're tired and work is busy it can be difficult to be at your best.  But these are the sessions that really count.  Even if you don't manage to hit the pace you were aiming for.  She gritted her teeth and delivered and this is so important.  Especially with URR in August.
The weather looked good on Saturday and I was delighted to be back on the mountains with the machine that is Michael Martin.  He chose a relatively easy Munro, Ben Vorlich, to start with but it is relatively steep.  The intention was to summit twice and it didn't take long till Michael disappeared ahead.  The weather closed in, visibility reduced and the wind was very strong.  As always there were people on the mountain dressed like they were going to Starbucks for a coffee - irresponsible idiots.  I didn't enjoy the climb to the summit where Michael waited for me, crouched down behind the cairn.  We did a quick Deek TV FaceBook live and I told him I was only doing one summit.  So he shot off down the mountain.  Getting my waterproof jacket on as it was now raining and my gloves back on was a real effort as I was frozen.  It doesn't take long to find yourself in trouble if you're not properly dressed.
I ran the whole way down and knew my quads would be complaining tomorrow.  When I got down I walked straight into the loch to cool my legs down - it was freezing.  Who needs an ice bath?  Michael did the same after he'd summited twice!!  Great fitness preparation for his "A Race" the Salomon Skyline - mental race!
The following day I had my long run to do; 3k easy, 6 k marathon pace, 6k half marathon  pace, 6 k 10k pace and 3 k easy.  I knew it would be tough but I had to tame my demons who were complaining about my sore quads, heavy legs and slower than expected pace.  Fortunately I have been reading a fantastic book called the Rise of the Ultra Runners and there are plenty of discussion about the negative thoughts that enter your head.  It doesn't need to be an ultra race to feel this way but whatever the distance you need to deal with it.  I came to the conclusion that I might be a bit slower than I wanted, but fighting off the thought of walking home was in itself a worthwhile training exercise for my mind.  So although I didn't hit "my numbers", it was a successful training session as I gave my demons a work out too.  The more they are dealt with the less likely they are to surface.
My first race of the year is a hilly half marathon with Beth at Glentress.  Your mental approach when it's an actual race is different and you usually put in an extra special effort, so we're both looking forward to seeing how we perform.  
If your demons visit you during a training session, treat it as an opportunity to tame them which will lead to more enjoyable sessions or races and better results.  Remember you're the boss of your own mind.