Running

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!!

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. :-)

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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:

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.