Dig Deep

Dig Deep

In college, I utilized Jillian Michael’s videos for strength training. A roommate introduced me to her videos when we studied abroad in Germany and had no gym access, and I enjoyed the quick, sweat-inducing workouts. Even when I returned stateside and had gym access, her videos became part of my fitness routine. 

Jillian’s trademark style is to yell no-nonsense motivational phrases through the screen, for when you think you can’t do yet another burpee. Even though a few years have passed since I completed a Jillian Michael’s workout, one of those phrases have stuck in my head (although thankfully, not in her voice), becoming a mantra for really challenging workouts: dig deep. 

Dig deep. This informal phrase means to tap into one’s physical or mental reserves and use them to push through a tough experience. To dig deep is to exercise resilience and perseverance, to not give up easily. Grit strengthens our ability to dig deep, and it does indeed require conditioning because the natural response to physical discomfort is mental discomfort and the desire to relent. 

Dig Deep

I strive for mental strength and grittiness in my running, since I know that my mental game can make or break a race. But runs occur when my mental resolve softens, and my run yesterday was such a run. 

My scheduled workout was a 2 x 4 mile tempo run at goal half marathon pace. I had done this workout last year when sharpening up for this same half marathon, so I knew I could do this workout. The first interval was rough; my legs felt heavy, the wind fought against me, and I wondered why it always seems to rain during tempo runs (ummm, that’s because it’s Seattle). 

I cut my first 4 mile interval short at 3 miles. I reasoned in my head that 2 x 3 mile at half marathon pace was still a good workout. During the second interval, I wanted to quit. Why does half marathon pace feel so uncomfortable sometimes? But I realized that it was my mind that felt uncomfortable – my body was more than capable. So I dug deep and finished off the second interval in full – and the fastest miles were the final 2. 

Some runs are designed to make us stronger and faster. Usually, these aren’t even the most challenging workouts on the training plan. A simple 3-4 mile tempo run works wonders for building endurance and developing speed. Other runs, those runs that intimidate us, are designed to show us how strong we really are. These workouts require us to dig deep, but in return they reward with a boost in both fitness and, more importantly, confidence.

[Tweet “Dig deep and push through a hard run via @thisrunrecipes #running”]

When have you dug deep recently?

Share this post

12 Responses

  1. This is so inline with all the motivational/mental strength training books I have been listening to while on my bike trainer! I have tried to do exactly what you said – think about where I’m uncomfortable – – is it truly my body or just my mind? Most of the time it’s the latter! That half marathon pace “feels” hard but, is it? It’s definitely challenging to dig deep and get comfortable with being uncomfortable but, that’s when we start achieving results and PR’s right?

    1. I need to read or listen to some of those books – the mental training is such a valuable side of training. And so often it is the mind – when it’s the body, it’s loud and clear and more than just being uncomfortable!

  2. Have you ever taken a class from Jillian in person? She is actually really funny and very personable. I like her a lot. Right now, I’m having to dig deep to believe in myself that what I am going to do will be successful. Confidence in business is always an issue for me.

    1. I have never taken a class in person – but I totally understand how the trainer persona vs. the person can be different. And confidence in business is ALWAYS an issue, but you’ve got this!

  3. this morning it was more my mind ( I think) than my legs for most of my run that was trying to stop me. After a few miles though of toughing it out, I was feeling great overall. I really think the mind is super powerful and necessary to dig deep to get through the workouts, both easy and hard!

  4. Yep. Deep-diggers carve out new paths across the board of life in general, not just in their workouts. Running shoes just give us the opportunity to showcase our inner strength. Having kids will do that too. Ha ha!

  5. I have a tempo run on tap today (although 2 x 4 miles? Yikes! My whole temp is only 5 miles, thank the lord). I think tempos are my hardest runs and usually I kind of fear them (today is no different). I did this workout a couple of weeks ago & it was tough for me.

    Shaun T also uses dig deep. I prefer to visualize him. 🙂

    1. Tempos are soooo hard because of the long effort – holding that pace is never easy, but at the same time it’s never as bad as anticipated. I hope your tempo run went well!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *