Psychological immune system. To laugh or to cry?
BY:
Janae
On:
09/16/2026
(long-sleeve, tank, bra, shorts, shoes (<–that are about to celebrate their one-year birthday… the adios pro last forever))
As I drove to our workout, I wished everyone out was wearing a Sharpie highlighter long-sleeve like me.
As usual, we laughed (and maybe cried a little) when Jeff sent the workout and paces for our Tuesday morning speed session. I thought there was no way I could hit the paces he predicted, but then we did. We did cut off one mile from the workout because we needed to get home and get the kids to school, but I’m pretty excited about the solid effort we gave and hitting the splits. 3 miles, recovery, 1 mile, recovery, 2 (supposed to be 3) miles–> we averaged a 5:53 pace for the fast miles (with a good amount of downhill, since we are training for the downhill at St. George).
Got the kids to school (and we were so on time we didn’t have to sprint for once )!
And then picked up the layers from our run…
I listened to this episode while doing laundry, and it was incredible. The part I found most interesting was towards the end when they brought up our Psychological Immune System. I had never heard of this before this episode, but it made perfect sense to me. “Just as our physical immune system kicks in when we get sick, our psychological immune system turns on when we are in mental distress.” It is our adaptation to adversity, what our brains do to overcome hardships, and how we can find the good in the bad. Can we build up our psychological immune system defense system? Can we see the gifts that come from the bad? Can we remind ourselves that we will adapt and get through the hard times? It’s an interesting thing to think about when it comes to our running, too. It’s so worth the work to build a strong psychological immune system for race day!
Andrew is back in training again for his favorite race in St. George. He rode 25 miles on the trails.
And Beck is now a skateboarder.
I could have stayed on my rocking chair all day, but everybody had practices.
Dinner was simple–> We cut our sweet potatoes lengthwise, rubbed them with olive oil, sprinkled them with paprika and salt, and then baked them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper for an hour at 375°F. We let them sit there on the pan afterward for a few minutes to really caramelize. They are amazing this way. Try it.
And add a bunch of toppings.
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Have you ever forgotten to go back and pick up a layer you dropped on a run?
Early morning runners–> What do you do to be seen?
Favorite sweet potato toppings, or your favorite way to eat sweet potatoes?
Listened to any good podcasts lately?
Keep Readin’
14 responses to “Psychological immune system. To laugh or to cry?”
I normally carry my gear with me if I have to take any off. I have a light up reflective vest that I wear in the dark over during hunting season. Most days, I run in daylight, tho.
I like sweet potato fries or we just bake them with other veggies and seasonings.
Here’s to it being Wednesday.
Happy Wednesday, Heidi! How’s the taper feeling??
I need one of those vests!Last hill repeat workout is done! Taper crazy will start soon.
ooph being seen in the morning is a constant battle for me especially as I see more and more people completely oblivious to the rules of the road surrounding stop signs and cross walks. I am an early morning runner which means my runs right now minimally start in the dark. I have a light that crosses my chest and back so spotlight in the front, flashin red in the rear. Every article of clothing has something reflective on it, weather its gloves, shorts, shoes. And I try to NEVER wear all black. If I ever get hit I want to ensure the person who hits me will be shamed forever for not seeing me bc Im lit up like a Christmas tree.
Have you ever tried a fried egg and some chili crisp on a sweet potato? So so good.
Keep rocking those workouts and good luck to Andrew as he begins his training block.
OBLIVIOUS! You are doing morning running perfectly. We need to be like you and your Christmas tree self! Ummmmm never. But I will now for lunch with the leftover sweet potatoes. Thanks Valene, have the best day!
What a fascinating term!
What was the total mileage for this speed workout??
I am writing down your sweet potato dinner!!
I loved the Jenny Simpson episode on rich roll. He’s not my favorite podcast but she was an amazing guest!!It was 12 miles total, I’m pooped this morning! Oh that episode was SO good. She was so well-spoken, and talk about a healthy psychological immune system… she is the poster child. Have the best day, friend!
Oh I love sweet potatoes. My go-to is to cube them, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and a little red pepper flakes, then bake them. So yummy.
I usually just tie my long sleeve around my waist, but have often thought of just stashing it somewhere to get later. Quick, sort of odd question… I don’t know what to do with my phone on the run. I used to always wear a belt to put it in, but that’s been irritating lately. Any suggestions?
Yay for Andrew to be back in training again. When is your race? And when is Andrew’s? My half is Nov.6. So excited.
Have a great day JanaeI have forgotten a few times until the next day and was so grateful it was still there. Now I set a reminder for 30 minutes after I expect to get home when I drop things.
90% of the miles I run are in the dark and on the shoulder of the roads. I wear a reflective vest and light, which based on feedback from a few people who pass me along the way is very bright and visible from a distance. I am surprised at how few of the runners I see wear reflective gear.
BBQ chicken is my favorite sweet potato topping (influenced by you, I’m pretty sure). I haven’t had it in so long, that might be dinner soon.
My favorite podcast is Uinta Triangle. It is so good, but be prepared to sob during one (or more) of the episodes.
I wear this light/vest (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F13ZJ512?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_11&th=1) year round – we don’t have sidewalks and very little shoulder here in Tennessee so I need to be seen. I have the light on solid when it’s still dark, then turn it to flashing when it’s partially light out. Les has seen me from his bike and says it’s very bright. It also doesn’t add any extra warmth during the summer.
I’m a traditionalist with sweet potatoes – butter and brown sugar! Although I do love a good sweet potato fry.
Overcoming adversity is definitely part of living. Unfortunately, the only way you know that you can overcome is by going through the hard times. But it sure makes the good times feel even better!
Baked sweet potatoes are so delicious. Sometimes I like to put peanut or almond butter on top. I keep reading about the stick of cheese in the middle of a sweet potato but haven’t done it.
I am supposed to wear a headlamp when I run early but failed to do so this morning. I kind of want to get a chest light because the headlamps are not comfy and tend to bounce around.
I have a Noxgear Tracer vest I used to wear and my son still uses sometimes. You can choose the colors and even have it switch colors while you are running. If you are running with others though, it can be obnoxiously bright. I am not sure if you can dial the brightness level up and down, but that would be a nice add. https://www.noxgear.com/Tracer2
Well now I’m craving sweet potatoes! I love slicing them into “chips”, wedges, cubes, but now want to try your method with all the toppings!
I can’t count how many times I’ve dropped a layer on an out and back and blew right by it, turning a medium run into a long run, hah!
I have a waist belt with a light on it, it’s more comfortable for me than a headlamp.
And I just listened to Lindsey Hein on the Inspired Soles podcast, 2 great conversationalists!
welcome!
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