Runners: Avoiding mental fatigue while running long distance

Laurarunnergirl

I train for marathons, and during my 18-22 mile runs, I usually do some of the following things:

If I'm having a tough week, I try to do at least part of the run with others. Even if someone only joins me for part of it, it takes my mind off the tough parts.

I try to make the route interesting. I grew up in a different part of the city where I am now, so my 18 mile run was from my house to my old neighborhood and back. Ran by my old house/school/hangouts -- literally a run down memory lane.

Sometimes I love just being alone with my thoughts. If I have an issue I'm trying to work through, going on a long run helps clear my head and gives me some good ideas for problem solving. I've also planned dinner party menus, Christmas shopping, vacation trips, etc.

In the beginning of the run, I focus on how far I've come; toward the end I sometimes think of how few I have left to go.

When the run gets tough, I just remind myself that I "get" to do this. Some people aren't so lucky.

Have a great run.

valeriebpdx

I have run four marathons and countless shorter races. I too hate the treadmill and run on it only under dire circumstances (I mean dire. I live in Portland and run in terrible weather all the time rather than indoors.) But that said, I once ran 12 mi on the treadmill when my husband was out of town and I needed the gym childcare. So if it is at all feasible, get outside, plan yourself an interesting route with great music, and enjoy. If not, I'd go with a great hourlong TV show (or movie, if you are at home), or I have several friends who swear by podcasts, though I have never done that myself. I am amazed by those who can run without music. I do it for races, but if my MP3 dies during a long run I head straight home to charge it. Just can't do it without tunes. I usually savor the alone time, but I have run with friends a few times for longer runs and it can be fun and a good distraction. Also, sometimes I will assign myself a topic or problem or decision to think about while I am running. I don't always stay with my topic, but when my mind wanders, it's to other things besides "Jesus, how long am I going to be out here?" (or on here, in your case) Good luck on your race!

thedreamhazer

There are tvs at my gym (where I run) but they all are off to the side, so you have to turn your head to watch. Who was the genius behind that setup? Lol
I'm gonna try the audiobook thing. As a major (MAJOR) bibliophile (English major and overall bookworm) this sounds really enjoyable! I can't believe that I never thought of that! I've tried music while running but, as much as I love playing music and listening to music in the background while I'm driving/working, I've NEVER been able to enjoy music while running. I can't help it: the beat in the music ends up regulating my breathing and how fast I'm going, so I either burnout to quickly or don't push myself as much as I normally would!
But audiobooks: really good suggestion! I'll start bring them along on my treadmill days!

(On a side note: I have no issues when I'm running outside. Just yesterday, I took a 5-mile jog and didn't get bored/tired/sick of it at all. I was on a busy path right by the lake -- the scenery was amazing, and it's a good feeling when you see all those other runners out there in the 80/90-something degree weather with you toughing it out!)