Mental Games...

kmeekhof
kmeekhof Posts: 456 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
Running is and always has been a mental game for me. I hate it that I can run 5.7 miles in 52 minutes at a 9 min/mi pace with just one 5 min. walk... (so run pace may have been faster) and be just fine, but on race day I become weak minded and have to take 2 walk breaks and I finish in 32 minutes... for 3.1 miles. Anybody else struggle with this?!

Replies

  • Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet
    Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet Posts: 486 Member
    I got that when I did just running races (like a 5k), but with triathlons I got into a better state of mind. It might have been the first hour was listening to my breathing when swimming. It must have calmed me down to only have a blast during the race. I haven't found a way to solve this during a running race. All the excitement would get me off my game...
  • RTricia
    RTricia Posts: 720 Member
    it's all in your self-talk, sis. The stress of it is what gets you. Relax. I know, easier said than done, but might listening to an iPod or Walkman help during the race?
  • kmeekhof
    kmeekhof Posts: 456 Member
    it's all in your self-talk, sis. The stress of it is what gets you. Relax. I know, easier said than done, but might listening to an iPod or Walkman help during the race?


    I know its self talk... I have to talk myself through my practice/training runs... I am constantly telling myself "steady pace, slow your breathing down, you've got this you are strong," but when it comes to the actual race the little "devil" that is saying "you are weak, you need to stop and walk" always wins.

    I've tried using my MP3 player... and I actually feel it hinders me.
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