Guest Liubov Lomonosova, a running coach and personal trainer, shares her journey from Ukraine to the US and how she overcame her dislike of running. They discuss the challenges of relocating to a new country and delve into the mental and physical challenges of running marathons. The importance of having a coach and the impact of habits on the brain are also explored.
Lubov's journey from hating running to becoming a marathon runner showcases the transformative power of perseverance and finding joy in physical activity.
Mental resilience and strategic fueling are crucial for running marathons, emphasizing the importance of pacing, proper nutrition, and hydration.
Marathon training involves gradually increasing mileage, with a tapering period before the race, highlighting the physical and mental challenges faced in preparing for long-distance races.
Running not only helped Lubov adopt a healthier lifestyle but also instilled confidence and taught her the value of setting goals and challenging herself.
Deep dives
Transitioning from hating to loving running
The podcast episode explores the journey of the guest, Lubov Lomanozova, who went from hating running to becoming a marathon runner and certified running coach. Lubov shares her experiences of initially despising running and feeling like a failure, to eventually discovering a love for it and realizing her potential in the sport. She highlights the importance of finding the right running shoes and the impact they had on her running journey. Through perseverance, mental strength, and proper training, Lubov was able to achieve her goals and transform her life.
The mental and physical challenges of marathon running
Lubov discusses the mental and physical challenges of running marathons. She explains that running a marathon is not just a physical endeavor, but also a mental one. Lubov shares how she developed mental resilience and utilized mental cues and motivational self-talk to push through the last kilometers of a race. She emphasizes that pacing oneself and strategic fueling are crucial during long-distance races. Lubov also highlights the importance of proper hydration and nutrition, including the use of energy gels and protein shakes. Overall, Lubov's experience demonstrates the mental and physical determination required to run and complete a marathon.
Training and preparation for a marathon
The podcast episode delves into the training and preparation necessary for running a marathon. Lubov explains that marathon training typically involves gradually increasing mileage and long runs, with the peak mileage reaching around 18 to 22 miles. She also mentions the importance of a tapering period before the race, where training volume is reduced. Lubov describes the mental and physical challenges faced during training, such as overcoming doubts and avoiding burnout. Additionally, she shares her nutrition strategy, including consuming energy gels during long runs and prioritizing carbohydrates to fuel her body for training sessions and races.
The transformative power of running and setting new goals
The podcast episode highlights the transformative power of running in Lubov's life. Running not only helped her lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle, but it also boosted her confidence and mental resilience. Lubov shares how running taught her the value of setting goals and working towards them step by step. She emphasizes that running provided her with a sense of accomplishment and opened up new possibilities. Additionally, Lubov discusses her transition from focusing on marathons to short-distance races, showcasing her willingness to continually challenge herself and set new goals in her running journey.
The Benefits of Having a Morning Routine
Having a morning routine can set the tone for the rest of the day. By incorporating activities like meditation, journaling, reading, and mental training, individuals can prime themselves for success and feel more energized. Morning routines help individuals focus on their goals and start the day with a positive mindset.
The Importance of Working with a Coach
Working with a coach, whether for running or other fitness activities, offers numerous benefits. Coaches provide objective perspectives and personalized training plans, ensuring individuals train more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury. They also help athletes stay accountable, offer guidance on nutrition, and support individuals in reaching their goals.
The Role of Smiling and Positive Thinking in Fitness
Maintaining a positive attitude can significantly impact athletic performance and overall well-being. Research suggests that smiling can boost mood and improve athletic success. Positive thinking, gratitude, and focusing on the present moment can all contribute to increased happiness and improved performance in sports and other areas of life.
Today’s guest is a running coach, personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist, Liubov got in touch through a mutual friend and wanted to share her story with how she moved to the US and changed her life for the better by doing something so simple: running.
We exchanged emails a few times before we finally set a time to talk. I only found out during our talk that she hails from Ukraine so we were able to talk about that a little bit before we got into her current occupation as a running coach. We discuss her move from Ukraine to the US and how she finally was able to conquer her dislike of running.
Liubov shares her frustrations in getting going, what she learned throughout the process, and where her training is at now.
This is a great episode if you’re interested in what it’s like for someone to relocate from another country to the US and, moreover, how Liubov came to enjoy running so much these days.
