i hafta have my ipod playing my couch to 5k podcast, all sortsa cranked up in my ears... the trance like music helps me grind through it when my shins are hurting.... My nike darts (which sorta aren't that great) need to be replaced! #FindYourStrong

 #FindYourStrong. I always have a little pep talk with myself. I tell myself that I am strong, I can do this, and I always remind myself how lucky I am that I am healthy and can get out there and run.......every single day.

I wake up 30-60 minutes before a morning run, brew a cup of joe, and sit to do some quiet, meditative reading. I tend to have "first breakfast" somewhere in there, while reading. When I feel like my mind is ready and my body just can't sit still any longer, I lace up and hit the pavement. That workout routine (among other things) has helped me find sanity in a stressful work environment and further my distances from 5K (a year ago) to 21K now.  #FindYourStrong

 #FindYourStrong Coffee, porridge with honey & banana, and a cafe latte slimfast milkshake are my essentials before each of my ultramarathons - essentials to make me feel mentally & physically strong :o)

 #FindYourStrong I have a playlist that contains songs I have listened to since my very first race. I throw in a few other tracks depending on the theme of the season I am racing in. Time to queue it up for this weekend at the Pittsburgh Marathon! (What are those habitual things you do to make it feel like all is right for your workout or race?)

 #FindYourStrong I have to run to an even number on my Garmin or smart phone mileage indicator. So, if my route stops at 7.4, I'm going to find another 0.6 to run to log 8 miles. The only exception to this is races - in a race I can stop at the finish line regardless of what the mileage is.

My best friend and I have a 20-year long race superstition that involves a port-potty "hat trick." That is, if you don't have to hit the potty three times before your race, it won't be a good one (or worse, you'll have an in-flight emergency)!
 #FindYourStrong

I hate running, but I am completely convinced that I must run before I race (in the canoe). I am absurdly superstitious about this ritual, and sure enough, I race like a champion because of the ritual run before my main event. #FindYourStrong

 #FindYourStrong My number 1 prerace habit......I tend to stop eating about 4-5 hrs before going to bed the night before. Then in the am, it's just a cup or 2 of coffee. Gotta have it. Superstitions ? If I told you, it wouldn't be super. ;-P

 #FindYourStrong - What are those habitual things you do to make it feel like all is right for your workout or race? The only thing I do for every race/event (and morning training) is have oatmeal w/fat-free yogurt and strawberries @ 1 to 1.5hours before.