Embracing Flexibility in Ultrarunning: Lindsay Teague Is Enjoying The Journey
In ultrarunning, where the horizon stretches beyond the conventional marathon, Lindsay Teague finds herself navigating through a maze of challenges and triumphs. Lindsay’s journey towards her ultimate goal of running a 100-mile race involved the human spirit, the art of problem-solving, and the beauty of embracing flexibility in ultrarunning amidst life’s commitments. This is Part II of her enjoying the journey series. We are following her through life’s obstacles of being a mother, working and training on her way to the finish line of the Yeti 100.
Staying Focused on the Present: Shorter Races as Stepping Stones
When Lindsay embarked on her ultrarunning journey, the allure of a 100-mile race was barely a glimmer on the distant horizon. However, instead of fixating solely on the grand finale, Lindsay chose to break down her journey into manageable milestones. “Honestly, I would say that I’ve done a really good job of keeping myself distracted by other races leading up to it,” Lindsay reflects. “My sole focus right now is on the next challenge, whether it’s a 50 miler or a marathon.”
By channeling her energy into shorter races leading up to the 100-miler, Lindsay not only keeps herself accountable but also cultivates a mindset of continuous progression. Each race becomes a stepping stone, contributing to her overall preparation for the ultimate test of endurance.
Embracing Flexibility: Balancing Training with Life Commitments
Life, with its myriad of commitments, often throws unexpected curveballs into the plans of even the most organized athletes. For Lindsay, a mother of four and a healthcare professional with demanding work hours, flexibility is not just a luxury but a necessity. “I’ve been doing this job for 15 years. It’s just the nature of it,” Lindsay acknowledges. “I work twelve-hour shifts, and by the time I get home, there’s barely any time left for a long run.”
However, rather than viewing her work schedule as a hindrance, Lindsay sees it as an opportunity to embrace flexibility in her ultrarunning training. “Having my job dictate my schedule actually helps with having a mindset of going with the flow,” Lindsay explains. “It’s all about making the most of the time available and finding creative ways to fit in those long runs.”
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The Problem-Solving Aspect of Ultrarunning
Ultrarunning is not just about covering vast distances; it’s a relentless exercise in problem-solving. Lindsay vividly recalls a recent challenging run where every step felt like a battle against her own body and mind. “I set out for a run, and every half mile, I found myself having to bargain with myself,” Lindsay recounts. “I couldn’t get locked in, and everything hurt. It was just miserable.”
Yet, in the midst of adversity, Lindsay found solace in her coach’s advice: “Crappy runs are great for ultras,” he reassured her. This mantra encapsulates the essence of ultrarunning, where every struggle becomes a valuable lesson in resilience and perseverance.
Trusting the Journey
As Lindsay continues her training journey towards the 100-mile race, she remains steadfast in her belief in the power of trust—trust in her body, trust in her training, and trust in the journey itself. “I’ve always trusted my body,” Lindsay affirms. “I go into every race knowing what I can do. Anything that comes after that is a bonus.”
In a world where rigid training plans reign supreme, Lindsay’s approach may seem unconventional. Yet, her unwavering commitment to enjoying the journey, despite its twists and turns, serves as a reminder that true fulfillment lies not just in reaching the destination but in savoring every step of the adventure along the way.
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