My fave for increasing distance running is to pick a new but somewhat familiar route or to pick up a partner for the additional distance. I inadvertanly ran 4.5 miles this way. A (slower) neighbor joined me at 2.5 miles and it was a pretty day so I just kept going for her workout.

In the pool, I change the counting like you did. Usually, I just swim front crawl (freestyle), but will switch to an alternate stroke every 5 for 10 laps to change it up.

i reward myself! usually with starbucks… it’s amazing what a peppermint misto will inspire me to do 🙂

I’ve tested low in iron before (and had to take supplements), but I’ve been cooking on iron-skillets for the majority of my marriage (almost 5 years) and I haven’t tested low since!

In competitive swimming, a mile distance is always 66 laps in short course. I wonder why your pool has it calculated to be 72 laps…

For running I definitely do the halfway point thing, especially for really long runs. Like for a 20 mile run I’ll run 10 miles in one direction and turn around then, that way when I turn around I know I’m already half way done and have to run 10 miles to make it home.

For swimming I like to do intervals, I think that breaks it up nicely so instead of counting laps until I reach a mile, I count laps until I swim a 200 and I’ll switch speeds or strokes. So much easier on the mind 🙂

I have iron deficiency anemia so more often than not my iron levels are low… I initially had to have iron IV treatments [1 dose every other day for 5 days] and then was put on an iron pill but it was too rough on my stomach so I stopped. Nowadays I just try to incorporate iron-rich foods into my diet and so far it’s been working!

I’m training for my first half marathon right now, and right now my long runs are getting longer and longer. I plan out a running route that makes it almost impossible for me to be able to cut it short, which is helpful, but I’m looking at each increase in mileage as an awesome achievement!

I run ultras and some of the course I do are on loop courses. I never try to wrap my mind around the entire distance. Instead of think of it in terms of making through a certain loop or getting to a certain aid station. I find it much easier to get through a race if I am thinking “I get to see my family/crew at mile 34” then thinking “I have 100 miles to go!”. Small chunks or small rewards work for me (sometimes it is: I get to drink a cup of coke at 3/4th of the ay through the race). Small bits help so much.

I love mind tricks–I always think about how awesome I’ll feel, and how cool it will be to have new “arms” or “back” etc to push me through the hard parts. I think your idea is great–just brekaing it into small chunks!

You are a swimming machine! 🙂

When im trying to increase running distance and am worried im not up to it, iI really like having a loop that I know well, 1.5 to 2 miles long. Then, it’s easier to tell myself to do ‘just one more loop’ or even half a loop to add on more miles. I know some people hate running the same loop over (my bf included so I can only use this trick running alone!)but I find I super comforting. I can zone out, and I have the safety net of knowing I’m never very far from home.

Breaking up long workouts is the way to go! Also, from the previous post, I am so glad you were able to get a good nights sleep!!! I am sure you woke up so refreshed!

That “smaller chunk with permission to quit” trick works like a charm for me in the pool, too! Congrats to you for getting in so many good workouts as a pregnant mom. You are getting closer every day to the BEST day ever– better than any vacation, wedding, graduation or event— because unlike those things, the baby comes and NEVER leaves! It’s the gift that keeps on giving…..you are gonna LOVE it. Happy Sunday to you from the frigid cold north. (currently -5F)