Running

mecaseyrn

Hi all! I had a quick question. When you all run how do you shut off that inner voice and space out? I know this is an odd question but when I run all my mind says is, "stop, stop, stop, don't do this, don't even think about another mile, what are you doing, just stop!" but my body doesn't say this. How did you all overcome the mental issues with running?
I set small goals and push to achieve them but can't shut it off. I would love to run a 5K in September but mentally don't feel I can do it....help!

utes09

I sing the song on my iPod in my head. That way nothing else is on my mind but the song. That or I figure out how many calories I'm burning and figure out how to eat back those calories. I do a lot of math in my head while I run

robinhardysmall

I"m using Endomondo- walking a minute- running a minute - walking a minute- running a minute...and going to up it next week to running 2 minutes walking a minute~

great music goes a long way as well- and if you do the 5K for a cause you really care about- I believe it may push you further-

I'm doing the 4 miler for Breast Cancer Awareness- my cousin, and 3 aunts all had breast cancer- I'm pushing myself for them!!

BrianSharpe

It's been said that distance running is largely a mental game (my wife has, more than once, suggested that I'm mental but I digress) for me it was baby steps. Running for a minute, then 2 minutes etc etc until I was able to convince that inner voice that I could run a 5K (ran my first one Sept 2009)

Since then, much to my own surprise, I've gone on to run 10Ks and several half-marathons. You learn to trust your training and believe in yourself.

thebebe

Using music while you run (upbeat, fun music!) will help you forget that inner voice. Running is definitely a mind game. I like adding fun tunes and singing to them sometimes. Take a new route or run on a different track to view something different each time. :-)

LastMinuteMama

Just the right music playing usually does the trick...

Florence and the Machines Dog Days Are Over & Shake It Out always keep me moving, also, Lose yourself by Eminem..the lyrics..."If your had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted....

It gets easier, just keep at it, go a little further each time!

And when all else fails, I just tell that little voice to "shut it!" and keep on moving on!

Masterdo

Beating this is the best part!

As you get used to running, you might eventually even lose track of some quite large amounts of time running

Watch for injuries though, especially at the beginning. If you want a 5k in September, you still have plenty of time for something like Couch to 5k. I started running using that, and I run 5k three times a week now. It's a great program. And as long as you stay within a nice and easy progression, you know you can push hard within those boundaries and stay away from injuries, if you pay attention to things like running form, shoes, plenty of rest and listen to your body during and between workouts.

I really like to beat myself up mentally. I speed up for short hills, sprint for 30 seconds before finishing my workout Punishing that voice so that it will think twice before bothering me again! We're done when I say we are

Epetrovitch

Try this site it helped me http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/beginners.html

ChaseAlder

To be honest with you, my mind is "go go go" all day and all night long. If I'm awake, I'm worried about pretty much every aspect of my life... am I forgetting anything for work? How will I get home from work tomorrow? What is my phone bill going to be? Will my hips stop hurting by Thursday morning? I mean, it just goes on and on.

When I go for a run, though, the music starts and all I think about is the run. It's the space I need to get my mind off my house, my kids, my spouse, my job, and just be free. It's cathartic and emergizing. And when I get where I'm going, I feel like I've had a mental deep cleaning. I'm ready for the day.

You just have to get to a point where your run is a highlight in your day, rather than a burden. I understand how you feel... when I lift weights, I have to battle myself to stay in there and work when all I want to do is leave. And to be honest, there are days when I start running and the first mile is a struggle just to keep going.

Try to use your runs as a way to escape and improve yourself mentally as well as physically. Get some great music that motivates you, try new routes, experiment a little with your posture/gait to see what feels right, and find out what really works for you.

Eventually, you'll get past the struggle and you'll start looking forward to your runs

Hang in there!

piesbd

I use music and a running partner (when she can make it... and having her helps a ton). When I first began running, I would set small goal... things like: I can run to the next light.... then the next.... and so on.

It honestly is more mental then anything...

dad106

I use music and run outside.

Outside running around the local lake is a lot more interesting when you are trying to doge Geese and other people!

wholenewme03

I listen to good music when I run and I use it as my personal time to daydream and think about nothing that has anything productive to do with my life. I set one up as I start my run, like "what would I do if I won the lottery today?" or "what would I do if my favorite celebrity came to my town and fell in love with me?" silly little things like that. They keep me entertained for about 5 miles or so, then I come up with a new one

rozeltf

I think you're right on with setting small goals. Each time you run your endurance will go up and that inner voice gets quieter. I have never liked running, even many years ago as an athlete - hated running. I started couch 2 5k 4 weeks ago running for 90 seconds and wanted to stop. Today ran three half mile distances (with walks between) and even ran an extra 1/4 mile at the end. Felt good, the voice to stop is getting quieter ... keep up the good work!

Vonwarr

Try a C25K program, there are even free apps for ipod/android etc. I find focusing only on the current/upcoming interval makes me go much further/longer than I realize!

The bonus is that it's a measurable 8 week program (although you can repeat weeks if you have to) that will help you reach your goal.

Edit: If you start C25K now, you'd be finished it by mid September!

lisapr123

I run outside and listen to podcasts. When I listen to music I find I don't have to actually LISTEN to it, so I switched to podcasts.

If music doesn't do the trick for you, I highly suggest giving them a try. There are so many awesome ones. I'm a fan of This American Life, Planet Money, We're Alive.... I find I have to actually listen to podcasts so I forget that I'm suffering.

pamina1

I run and chat, or listen to music, or think about the goal to finish the run and how many calories or how fast I have gone.
I think about how I have improved. I look at the flowers, the houses, the neighbourhood, etc.
Somedays I think why or how am I going to finish the run....I have very few of these as the run is always worth it in the end.

nuclearbanana

Honestly, I don't think that voice will ever completely go away. Running is awesome and all, but the little voice in my head screaming, "OH GOD MAKE IT STOP." hasn't ever shut up. I view it as a challenge, ha. Maybe I have superiority issues, but the idea of beating that little voice and showing it how insignificant it is really motivates me. It's nice knowing that despite the obnoxious head-critter, I can still accomplish my running goals.

Have you just started to run? Really, the first three weeks are the worst. Oh, god, I don't even know how anyone (myself included) can push themselves past that introductory period. It's awful. After that, running gets addictive. Geez. How masochistic.

ANYWAYS. Running buddies are AWESOME. I honestly don't think I'd still be running without them, the first few weeks of running with other people (or dog) led me on to start running on my own, after I figured out that it was actually enjoyable.

And view running as a beautiful time to explore the neighborhoods, I find if I run the same path over and over, I get bored and run less.

FitCurves444

You just said it.... you tell yourself to stop. Tell yourself to go 2 more minutes or to burn 10 more calories or one more lap.... I have to tell my self these things on the treadmill because it's so boring!.... I prefer to run outside, but it's too hot for that in Phoenix... so I make due.

One more lap.

Two more minutes.

10 more calories.

What started as a 30 minute workout turned out to be 40 minutes....

Music helps a lot, too; but if you're running outside.... please do not get hit by a car!

Oh... and tell yourself that you are a runner and that you enjoy running.... don't tell yourself lies.... but it's true... you are a runner and runners love to run.... so love it!

Kath712

Using music while you run (upbeat, fun music!) will help you forget that inner voice. Running is definitely a mind game. I like adding fun tunes and singing to them sometimes. Take a new route or run on a different track to view something different each time. :-)

Ditto!

I know that inner voice very well. It's a constant battle, but I'm happy to say I have overcome it. You can DEFINITELY run that 5K in September. Get yourself on a training program, working progressively toward that distance. Good luck! :flowerforyou: :drinker:

thescrumisfun

Typically I focus on a rhythm, such as my breathing, or the sound of my foot-falls. This might sound ridiculous, but I am actually tempted to put bells on my feet the next time I do my 5k. It seems when I can "lock" into a tempo, I do pretty well.

Another thing...I lie to myself. Constantly. I'll pick a spot in the distance and say, "Oh, look how close that is!" over and over in my head, even if it isn't. Then, I finally reach my "goal" and pick another one, and the cycle continues.

Good luck. YOU can do it!

tamtamzz

Sometimes I focus on my form, how my body feels, and sometimes I just check out; it's like my mind and my body separate. The first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be the hardest for me, then it gets easier. It doesn't hurt to really like running. Like others have said, it's all in your head.

jeffrodgers1

I can go either way... depends on how stressed life has become.

If I am stressed out, running is a great chance to be alone in my thoughts. I've had some of my greatest epiphanies while running.

By the same token, I can totally zone out while running and I've often forgotten how I have arrived somewhere. Kind of freaky really. I know I watch for cars, obey lights etc... but its like my mind goes to sleep and I become so relaxed in my stride. These are actually when I know I'm on my game and have had some of my best runs.

jsidel126

Not an expert. Just completed the 20 min c25k W5D3 run! I found a pace I could complete 20 min (up from 8 min) run that I would not have breathing issues. Once comfortable with my pace and breathing, i forgot about them, little aches and pains, and noise in my head.

I use a mp3 player with music I enjoy. When I completed the 20 min run, in some ways it seemed easier than shorter runs because I was able to turn off the noise and focus on other more enjoyable things. Its like driving to work. You don't remember every detail of every drive but you get to work every day while thinking over other things during the drive.

I tried running one summer a while back. Once I got to a place where I could largely forget about the run mechanics, pains, and noise, I found running relaxing and could use the time to think about other issues in my life. :happy:

peppiee

I find sometimes it's helpful to find a buddy to run with, but sometimes you just want to be alone with your thoughts. The main thing is to slowly build up, and then you'll look back and wonder why it was so hard. I do find though, that it can take me 2 or 3 miles to get into the "zone", but once I'm there, I'm good.
Good luck, I have been only running for about 2 years, and have made tremendous progress. (half marathon

socioles

Music is helpful when I first start out but over time its become a distraction. I think this is just me getting more comfortable in my running.

Right now, when it starts to hurt I do the opposite of distracting myself. I listen to my body, feel what is happening to my body and try to address it.

Usually it comes down to posture for me. If I focus on my core and keeping my shoulders strong, then my upper body "carries" my tired and hurting lower body. In a way its like meditation in that you have to keep coming back to it but it works.

Also as a tip and something you can test out yourself...the speed of your legs follows the speed of your arms. Try it even when you walk. Speed up your arms and your legs will automatically follow. Another reason to stay focused on your upper body!

dobberloon

Hi all! I had a quick question. When you all run how do you shut off that inner voice and space out? I know this is an odd question but when I run all my mind says is, "stop, stop, stop, don't do this, don't even think about another mile, what are you doing, just stop!" but my body doesn't say this. How did you all overcome the mental issues with running?
I set small goals and push to achieve them but can't shut it off. I would love to run a 5K in September but mentally don't feel I can do it....help!

First of all, have you tried one of the C25K (Couch to 5K) audio programs or apps? It is an interval 9 week training program. I use an app on my iPod touch that has a friendly British female voice encouraging me.

Still, I was asking myself that very same question when I began my 30 minute run this afternoon. I am on Week 9 of C25K and she only talks every 10 minutes. So I started paying attention to the sounds all around then somehow I found my stride. I found myself doing an inner chant like thing... do-do-do-doo-do that matched my steps. I was actually relaxed! This was a first for me. It will happen!

ixap

I have a couple of tricks. One is to make myself smile. I think it signals to my brain that I'm okay and all is well, even though it's a fake smile at first.

Second one is to replace the negative thoughts with praise and encouragement.

ksun10

If you find some part of the run to focus on, such as each breath in and out, or each step you take, that might be helpful. This personally took a long time for me to accomplish. I just zone out and look at the furthest point of the horizon I can see and focus on what it feels like to move. Until my dog decides to stop to pee and jerks me back to reality...literally. lol.

JenRLo

Music is a definite must for me. I have a 60 minute playlist of fast beat sexy songs that keep me motivated (i.e., Porn Star Dancing, Bon Bon, Sexy Back, Don't Cha) and just lose myself in them or fantasize about being in a bikini on a beach. When that doesn't work, I yell at myself (in my mind): "Come on you fat *kitten* keep going." Occasionally I try to be nice, "come on girl you can do it!" My other favorite mantra is "I'm not going back to that" (meaning my beginning weight).

I started out running in October/November and ran outside as long as I could. Christmas lights are beautiful to look at when you’re running. Now that it’s hotter, I run in the gym. Another way I distract myself is watching other people. Plus I change my treadmill routine to challenge myself.

Just think of how accomplished you will feel when done running. Anything is better than nothing. Like everyone else said, start with a slow program that gradually works you up to where you need to be. You can do this!

RuthieCass

Hi all! I had a quick question. When you all run how do you shut off that inner voice and space out? I know this is an odd question but when I run all my mind says is, "stop, stop, stop, don't do this, don't even think about another mile, what are you doing, just stop!" but my body doesn't say this. How did you all overcome the mental issues with running?
I set small goals and push to achieve them but can't shut it off. I would love to run a 5K in September but mentally don't feel I can do it....help!

Well, first I'd say it's important to gradually build up to the 5K and not try to run too fast/far too soon. Second, make sure you do a proper warm-up.

Once you've got those down, I've found that tricking yourself a little helps. The hardest part of running after getting out there in the first place is the very first mile. So, just tell yourself that you will do the 1st mile and then stop if you feel terrible. Most likely, you will feel better after the 1st mile and not stop. Then you can repeat this for the next few miles until you finish. Some people find that making concrete goals helps, too. E.g., "I'm going to concentrate on just getting to Main Street." Then once I'm at Main St, "I'm going to just concentrate on getting to Main St School." And so on.

sozzell

Running is always tough to begin with - and I mean even to begin with the start of each run, not just when you're a beginner! Personally, I find that music works, as does changing your running route and finally switching to something like intervals/HIIT/fartlek - google it :-)