Runners: Avoiding mental fatigue while running long distance

thedreamhazer
thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm training up for a 10k and I have my first long run today of 8 miles. I'm dreading it. I run on the treadmill, and I cannot even imagine how I'm going to get through it. It's not really the distance....that'll be challenging, but I know that, physically, I can do it. But I don't have any clue how to push through the mental fatigue. I get painfully bored after 20 minutes on the treadmill. Now I'm looking at 8 miles that I'm supposed to be running at only at a 9:40 pace?! That's it. I'm going to go crazy.

For you other runners: How do you push through your mental fatigue?
«1

Replies

  • dlangenfeld
    dlangenfeld Posts: 119
    Good question...can't wait to see what others suggest!
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    bump
  • foxxybrown
    foxxybrown Posts: 838 Member
    I run outside for anything over 30 minutes.
  • heatherisom
    heatherisom Posts: 20 Member
    I am the same way with doing any workout. I get to the 15 minute mark and usually barely make it to 20 before I just quit.
  • Xaspar
    Xaspar Posts: 726 Member
    I would watch the news on TV if I was on a treadmill (or some other show I actually enjoy). Running on the road, I packed my MP3 player .. It has an FM radio and I listened to morning shows.
    Can't run right now so no idea what I would do at this point ... LOL
  • c7eat2live
    c7eat2live Posts: 308 Member
    well firstly, yes. the treadmill is boring, and sometimes sucks, especially for long runs. I think my tm max is like 4 miles. however, outside, where there is stuff to look at, fresh air, hills and sunshine, I can run and run and run with a max of more like ten miles. If you can, try to get outside. If you are stuck inside, get a good playlist going, keep an eye on some news or sports on TV (if they have TV at you gym that you can easily see) and dont be afraid to break up the pace a little with some incline work or speed intervals...
  • bigdawg025
    bigdawg025 Posts: 774 Member
    I don't get bored on the treadmill for some reason. I can't explain why, either. I've never run 8 miles, though... I've also been training for a 10K, and being that the race is only 6.2 miles I don't feel the need to run 8 yet.

    Most people use music... I don't. I like music... but I also feel like I need to be able to hear my breathing in order to control it. There are TVs in the gym that I use to get through the minutes. I generally stay on anywhere from 65-80 minutes when I'm on there.
  • lulabellewoowoo
    lulabellewoowoo Posts: 3,125 Member
    I have the exact same problem, so bumping to see what the veteran/marathon runners suggest.

    Little side note: I do know that I am less motivated for distance on a treadmill (unless I get really into a tv program), than I am running outside where the scenery is constantly changing.
  • gameovergt
    gameovergt Posts: 502
    i get into my music, plus I envision I am somewhere else while running. good luck.
  • Chenoachem
    Chenoachem Posts: 1,758 Member
    I can't run on a treadmill for more than a few minutes. I always run outdoors.
  • Celo24
    Celo24 Posts: 566 Member
    I run outside for anything over 30 minutes.

    ^^^This. Treadmill running is PAINFULLY boring after about 15-20 minutes for me, especially since I run without music. Being outside keeps me interested and entertained. Besides that, outside is TOTALLY different from treadmill running and you need to get some training in outdoors to be properly prepared for your race. Good luck!!
  • InStabilityKills
    InStabilityKills Posts: 97
    I am with ya! I can usually do 30 minutes max before I am so bored of it I quit. Running at night for me keeps me on it longer but if I go during the day I am barely at 20minutes..
  • curvygirl512
    curvygirl512 Posts: 423 Member
    Just curious. I sounds like it's not something you really enjoy. There are so many things we do because we have to do: go to work, pay the bills, clean the bathroom. Running shouldn't be one of them. Maybe there's something out there you'd enjoy more, and thusly, experience less mental fatigue.
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    For one, I dont run on a tread mill for that very reason... IT SUCKS! haha so to push through the mental fatigue I run outside, I can run soooo much longer because I can look at pretty things and it keeps me interested.

    If I need to go shopping soon I plan out all my meals down to the spice I am using... I figure through my head what I have at home and what I need to buy. I will even try to average the price of my groceries...

    I watch tv If I run on a tread mill, If you find a really interesting show (I like food shows for some reason) then it keeps my attention oh judge judy is a good one too.

    Those are a few of my techniques.


    Oh and I would say that you would enjoy outside more because (atleast for me) I can run at a quicker pace outside than I can on a treadmill so I acutally finish the 8 or whatever amount of miles sooner.. Plus its better for training. The tread mill only simulates running outside, but they are totally different and you will find that the same muscles that you use to run on the tread mill wont be all of the same muscles that you use to run outside.
  • TS65
    TS65 Posts: 1,024 Member
    I'm nowhere near that, but I was reading on another thread - download audio books (the only time you allow yourself to hear the book is when you're running - so make sure it's one you want to come back to! :wink: )

    Have a good run!
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    I use a treadmill when "I have too" but if you can the first way to conquer boredom is to go outside. Even a windy, rainy day (just not too cold) outside is better than the treadmill as far as boredom goes. Then ...good tunes, a mantra, think of something that motivates you to train while you run....and then there are goofy things...sometimes I try to think of a funny FB post about my run...I never post them...well not typically...or I will do math in my head..ie what percentage of my run have I completed...if 8 blocks is about a mile and I ran 3 blocks blah blah blah
  • kicklikeaGIRL
    kicklikeaGIRL Posts: 867 Member
    Running outdoors helps me to keep "entertained" throughout my run. Scenery, people watching, animals, nature, etc.

    During the extreme cold winter months (Dec-Feb) I do run on the treadmill, and I find that watching a show on the TV or putting together a good mix of music helps. I typically order my music so that when I reach the really mentally fatiguing part of my run I can instantly click to music that gets my feet moving to the beat and I sing the song in my head.

    Despite the many "distractions" I typically put in front of me whether outdoors or on the treadmill...there are still times when I find myself playing mental games. I create a little chant or think of multiple chants that I can say to myself. Some of my "chants" I take from songs I've heard, others are simple ones I tell myself like "You can do it!". I also don't look at how long until the finish line---I tell myself in babysteps "just a little longer and you're at 3 miles!!!!" and then after that "You're so close to 4 miles!" etc.... I've repeated my babysteps throughout every Half Marathon I've ever run....as well as the many 10 Ks. Good luck finding what works best for you!!! :smile:
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I wish I had an answer for ya. I'm not sure if I could make 8 miles on a treadmill if someone offered me a $100. I am lucky to make 3, I avoid the treadmill as much as possible.
  • thedreamhazer
    thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
    Just curious. I sounds like it's not something you really enjoy. There are so many things we do because we have to do: go to work, pay the bills, clean the bathroom. Running shouldn't be one of them. Maybe there's something out there you'd enjoy more, and thusly, experience less mental fatigue.

    I absolutely love to run. I love the feeling of accomplishment from completing long runs and the personal bests, and the pride I get in pushing through slumps. I just hate being trapped on a treadmill, and it feels like it has been raining for weeks. I wouldn't be racing if I didn't like running :)
  • Shizzman
    Shizzman Posts: 527 Member
    I used to treadmill at my gym cause I could just plug my headphones in and watch music videos while I run, but I've been switching to running outside since the weather has been rather nice (plus it lets me separate running and lifting). Listening to music can help, you can use it as a time to think about things on your mind, or take the time to focus on improving your form.
  • truedecember
    truedecember Posts: 151 Member
    When I was training for a marathon and doing the 14, 16, 18, 20 mile runs, I always pictured myself crossing the finish line at the race when I got tired/bored. Just imagining how great it would feel to accomplish my goal gave me that adrenaline to keep going. I definitely agree with other posters that running outside is MUCH better for a long run as there are so many distractions with changing scenery. Some good music never hurts either! Good luck on your run, 8 miles is AWESOME and you'll feel so great when you're done!! :)
  • curvygirl512
    curvygirl512 Posts: 423 Member
    Just curious. I sounds like it's not something you really enjoy. There are so many things we do because we have to do: go to work, pay the bills, clean the bathroom. Running shouldn't be one of them. Maybe there's something out there you'd enjoy more, and thusly, experience less mental fatigue.

    I absolutely love to run. I love the feeling of accomplishment from completing long runs and the personal bests, and the pride I get in pushing through slumps. I just hate being trapped on a treadmill, and it feels like it has been raining for weeks. I wouldn't be racing if I didn't like running :)

    Thanks. I "get" the feeling trapped part. The weather here has been extra soggy for weeks. When I can't get out to walk, I'll go to the mall and walk the length of the mall for 30 minutes. But *running* the length of the mall wouldn't be feasible. Good luck, and enjoy your run.
  • AndreaWyland
    AndreaWyland Posts: 142 Member
    I too cannot stand the treadmill and very rarely run on one. When youre running outdoors, especially on trails, the scenery is constantly changing, twisting going up and down, rocks to leap over, corners you cant see around, roots to make sure you dont trip over not to mention all the things in nature to distract, the other people, the animals, the river (I run on a river its the best:), and sometimes when it gets rough to run that long I dont think about how much further I have. I break it down in my head to whats right in front of me, I pick a reference point and when I get there pick another. Before I know it usually the end is in sight and I sprint to the end lately to mix it up:) Good luck!
  • maggie4097
    maggie4097 Posts: 156
    I agree with talking yourself through it. I do the same thing. I tell myself that I CAN do it, I can do anything for 5 minutes (or 10 or 20, whatever), breathe, think of how short a time this is in the big scheme of things, think of how good you'll feel/look, don't give up. etc, etc. It works! I hate the treadmill, but sometimes I have to use it, so I usually get on during a favorite show and think about how fast the time goes when I'm sitting on my butt watching! I am not a "runner", but started several months ago to challenge myself. It's always a battle to keep going, but I'm doing more than I ever thought I could!
  • kicklikeaGIRL
    kicklikeaGIRL Posts: 867 Member


    I absolutely love to run. I love the feeling of accomplishment from completing long runs and the personal bests, and the pride I get in pushing through slumps. I just hate being trapped on a treadmill, and it feels like it has been raining for weeks. I wouldn't be racing if I didn't like running :)

    I hate being trapped on the TM too......but there are days when the treadmill is the only option. It sounds like you enjoy running outside, and put the TM option as a last resort. If so...me too! Are you using the TM at a gym? Does the gym have a TV? Or are you using the TM at home?
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    you mean the DREADMILL???
    For me, running outside is a completely different experience. I run on a beautiful trail and that really helps keep me from getting bored. I think if had to run on the treadmill, (which may be in my future) guided visualization might be the only thing that would keep me from going insane. I've also recently read that some distance runners listen to audio books on long runs. I'm considering this. I don't like watching tv, it keeps me from focusing on form and breath and sometimes I feel dizzy.
  • soccermum75
    soccermum75 Posts: 588 Member
    While i just literally came back from 1 hour run outside. It was so much fun. It's a bike path by the river so it's a nice scenery and very secure, no cars. I have good music and it gets me going.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    Get out of the gym, get off the dreadmill and get outside!

    Leave the ipod at home as well. Lots of things to see and hear (birds, dogs, cars).

    What could be more exciting the heading out to run further/longer than you ever have before?
  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    I'm nowhere near that, but I was reading on another thread - download audio books (the only time you allow yourself to hear the book is when you're running - so make sure it's one you want to come back to! :wink: )

    Have a good run!
    I do that with audiobooks too. Also, podcasts of This American Life are pleasant, hour-long time-passers for me when I'm exercising. Good luck!
    -LP
  • a1schwei
    a1schwei Posts: 617 Member
    i understand the treadmill mental fatigue...when the treadmill is my only option i rely on either a good tv show or a good mix of music...running outside is so much easier for me because there are so many more ways to distract myself :) try training outdoors for a run or two and that may help you break the mental barrier :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories