How to get past the mental block?

supermom1114
supermom1114 Posts: 577
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I've always struggled with running. I used to just say I hated it and would never be one of those people who enjoyed running, but secretly inside I wanted to be a runner. What are some strategies to get pasted that mental block of thinking I can never do it? Also if there are any runners out there can you give me any tips? Any help would be much appreciated. I dont think its so much the cardio of running as it is the toll it takes on my knees, hips, and ankles. I run and my legs start screaming for me to stop. On an elliptical machine I can go an hour straight. Help?

Replies

  • supermom1114
    supermom1114 Posts: 577
    So I've always struggled with running. I used to just say I hated it and would never be one of those people who enjoyed running, but secretly inside I wanted to be a runner. What are some strategies to get pasted that mental block of thinking I can never do it? Also if there are any runners out there can you give me any tips? Any help would be much appreciated. I dont think its so much the cardio of running as it is the toll it takes on my knees, hips, and ankles. I run and my legs start screaming for me to stop. On an elliptical machine I can go an hour straight. Help?
  • SteffCooley
    SteffCooley Posts: 111
    Ugh, I would like to know too! I have always wanted to be a runner, too - but like you, once I start my body is just DYING! I am sure it gets better with time........... but how people go for miles in the marathons and such is beyond me! Someday....... someday!!!!
  • nicolet04
    nicolet04 Posts: 830
    alot of people on here are doing the couch to 5k program!! i am doing it but at my own pace...here's the link

    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
  • PedalHound
    PedalHound Posts: 1,625 Member
    Yep, I was about to recommend the C25K program! It's wonderful. I was in the same boat and it was my knees that really gave me trouble. I'm stubborn and I would always do too much too fast but if you follow along and don't accelerate the program your joints will have time to adjust.
  • supermom1114
    supermom1114 Posts: 577
    I just got a Polar F6 HRM for Christmas and on their website they have several different running programs and I'm going to start the beginner one next week. They keep everything based on your heart rate, and start you off pretty slow so I'm hoping that will be slow enough that my joints have time to adjust, especially my hips since I just had my son 7 weeks ago and it feels like my hips are wider than they were before!!! ugh :grumble:
  • supermom1114
    supermom1114 Posts: 577
    BUMP :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
  • annhjk
    annhjk Posts: 794 Member
    a couple of things that work for me are...

    walk 2 min, run slow 2 min, run fast 1 min, repeat (change as you feel fit to - stay at the same speed, go faster, whatever - It just helps me to know if I run a few min, I can walk again)

    decide to only go 1-2 miles, judge at the end of that if you feel you can do more, I will tell myself after 2 miles I can walk, but then I think 1 more miles is only a few min, so I'll do another one. It usually works for the mental games.

    What I'm doing now is "rewarding" myself every mile. mile 1 a drink, mile 2 turn on the fan, mile 3 a drink and turn the fan up. Whatever I have handy to break my mental boredom.

    I don't know if you're on a treadmill or outside, but I do find it easier to run outside. It helps me not count every mile I've gone. If I'm on the treadmill, I put in a movie, turn on closed caption and turn on my ipod.

    I'll just add the I've been running for about 2 years. I started at 3 miles a run @ 6 mph, but now I've done several races include a half marathon.

    I liked someone on the running boards new years resolution to run x miles in 2009. I think that's something I might be able to do : )

    Hope that helps some what. It's worked for me.
  • mimielle
    mimielle Posts: 44 Member
    Check out this website
    www.runnersworld.com

    they've got a beginners section and beginners forum.

    The biggest thing is to take it slow and like PedalHound suggested let your joints adjust. You have the cardio endurance to do an hour but your body won't be used to the impact. My biggest problem was running too fast when I started. When I slowed it down to conversation pace, where you could carry on a conversation while exercising, I was able to increase my endurance.

    Good luck! Running is such a great exercise. No gym needed. Just some runners and the outdoors...well and clothes too!
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Make sure you have proper shoes! No training program will prevent knee/foot/shin/hip pain if you have improper footwear. Runnersworld.com has a ton of articles about how to find correct shoes, and some sporting goods stores will look at your foot, gait, and mileage and recommend good shoes. Don't go into a store and pick something that looks good--Nike Shox are some of the worst shoes to run in even though everyone seems to think they're the hottest shoes on the market. A great pair of running shoes will run around $100, but it's worth it, because without them you'll be physically out of the game even if you're mentally in it.
  • Michelle09
    Michelle09 Posts: 50 Member
    I agree with the above posts...take it slow to start and listen to your body. Monitoring your heart rate is very important, too. So what if you only run a minute or two to start...you'll get there! ;) Set short term reasonable goals to keep you focused. I enjoy running and love the feeling when I go that extra distance or time. If I have aches and pains, I just pull back a little on the running and walk with an incline or do the eliptical. The couch25K program is helpful and great, my brother, a personal trainer, recommends it. You can do this! One day at a time, just like the weight loss! :wink: GOOD LUCK!
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    The coolrunnings podcasts are amazing.

    How I got past the mental block, to quote Nike, was to "just do it." The most important thing is to not go too fast, and I find the podcast helps that. I'm still a very slow runner. . .but I have incorporated running into my training. I am always sore after a running workout, even though I do spinning and the elliptical with a great level of endurance. . .there's just something about actually working with the weight of your body that makes it so much more challenging. . .
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