Running

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 :-)

JustJennie1

If I'm running out side and I'm getting that voice in my head I'll picture the route and give myself little goals to shoot for. When the voice kicks in and says "You could walk. No one would know that you didn't run the whole route!" I tell myself that I would know and I'd feel cheated if I did that. At that point I'll bring it in and slow it down for a little while.

susanb8500

Do you read Runner's World? I really like the magazine. In one issue, there was a story of a runner (I can't remember her name, but she holds world records, etc.) who explained her mental blocks. She talked about feeling "not good enough" and completely psyching herself out. She explained she is always working to overcome the mental sabotage. She sees a sports psychologist. Obviously, we can't all do that - and don't need to do that. What I remember from the article is she used mantras. She said she'd even write her mantra on her arm or finger so she could look down at the mantra during her run. She used short mantras like "be strong." You may want to think of what you want from running and make that your mantra. Is it endurance, stamina? I like to think of those things but also silly things like "no chub rub" to keep me going. Just keep it up! You're doing great!

Moriarty_697

Music is a definite plus as is running with someone. That said, when I'm running outside, I don't often get that voice. On the treadmill is a different story. I finally gave up my gym membership because I couldn't handle knowing that no matter how far or fast I ran, I just wasn't going to get any closer to that speck on the wall. So I would give into the voice and my runs got shorter and shorter.

Outside is a whole different matter. When I'm walking or running outside, my mind knows it's play time. It can and does wander. There's something about the rhythm of moving feet that just works for me. That doesn't mean the running is easy or that I don't spend a good part of it wondering how I'll make it to the next corner, but then my mind will wander off and deal with some other matter and I keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I don't know how you get to that point. Me, I've always gone for long walks, not for exercise, but because it's one of my favourite ways to get around. Even at my fattest, I didn't shy away from long walks (though they were a lot slower than they used to be). So my running mindset is just an extension of my longstanding walking habit.

That said, maybe you should look at doing some running/walking intervals. That way, you have a definite time limit for the torture. It may be a little bit easier to keep the voice at bay when you know that in just 5 more minutes, say, you get a break.

SteveTries

I do three different things.

-Firstly, I focus on how good it will feel when I hit a new milestone or achievement and how my wife will be impressed when I tell her.
-Secondly I listen to podcasts rather than music now as it does help to escape into something else, particularly on a long run. Comedy typically, though I'm sure I look like a loon when I'm running down the street laughing to Hollywood Babble-On.
-Thirdly, I break down my planned distance into shorter milestones and just focus on that. So for a 10km run I think of it as 4 x 2.5kms runs and similarly 4 x 5km if it's 20km's etc. I might set myself "rewards" such as a drink from the water bottle at set milestones, or on long runs I'll pop a Jelly Baby every km or two.

Related to item 3 I use mapmyrun on my iphone and set it up to feedback audibly every half a km on my time and my pace. I can then use that to employ the sub-goals I mentioned above. I find this so much better than being at 2kms and focussing on the 10, 15 or 19 left to go!!!

freezerburn2012

Artist: Young The Giant lyrics
Title: My Body


Stop! the train is riding
Down to the station
Where you lived
When we were school kids

Hey! the rails are gone now
And I am falling down
Fools in a spiral
Round this town of steel

My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more
My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more

Stop! the train is riding
Down to the station
Where I lived
When I was a cool kid

Hey! is it my fault that
The fallen embers burn
Down in a spiral
Round your crown of thieves

My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more
My body tells me no
But I wont quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more

It rides out of town

Oh, it's my road
It's my road
It's my road
It's my road
It's my road
It's my road

And it's my war
It's my war
It's my war
It's my war

His eyes are open
His eyes are open

Oh, cause I want more
I want more
I want more

His eyes are open
His eyes are open

Hey, hey, hey-

My body tells me no
But I won't quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more
My body tells me no
But I wont quit
Cause I want more
Cause I want more

It rides out of town

mecaseyrn

Thank you all so very much for your wonderful words of encouragement and many different techniques. I use to run with music but the ipod on my arm would ruin my posture and cause really bad pain in my shoulder. I plan to get the shuffle so I can just clip it on. I do have a running buddy but we run on treadmill because of how hot it has been. He runs a 5k every time, I run about 1.25-1.50 miles now. at about 5.0mph...I had planned to reach 2 miles at the end of this week but the voice is powerful. I am going to try some ideas tonight though and I greatly appreciate all the advice!!! Thank you everyone!