Mind games « This Runner's Trials

29Sep/1012

Mind games

Wow, so it appears from my last post as if I’m the only one not using compression socks! I cannot wait to get them after hearing all of your praises.

I’m sure you guys are getting sick of hearing me say that running is a mental sport. But it’s the truth. And I’m not a liar. So you’re going to have to keep listening to me say it

I honestly believe your state of mind can be the difference between a “good” and a “bad” run.

Actually, let’s go deeper: Your mindset can also help determine if you have a “good” or “bad” day. Or a happy vs. unfulfilling life. No one wants to hang around someone who is negative and complains all the time, right? Being Debbie Downer = no friends= loneliness. See my point? Of course you do…

I love to run. Shocker, right? But most of the time sometimes getting through my runs is tough.

Today I had an 8 mile run with 4 one mile speed repeats scheduled. On the treadmill. During a rainy day. After a hard day at work.

Part of me did not want to run. But the other part of me- the part I like more- was eager to cross my last interval run off my marathon training schedule.

It took all of my willpower to lace up my beloved Brooks. As soon as I stepped on the treadmill, I wanted to get off. I knew I’d have to rely on my mind to guide my legs to that imaginary finish line.

And guess what? The run went spectacularly! 8 miles at an average 7:53 pace with 4 miles at 7:13. The session completely re-energized me and left me in a good mood.

So how did I get through it? Here’s a glimpse into my mind tricks:

It’s only one hour. (Ok, so it was really one hour and 3 minutes.) One twenty-fourth of your day. Sure, one hour seems like eternity when you’re out there pounding the pavement or the treadmill belt. But I bet you’re one hour lunch break or episode of Glee breezes by. Case in point.
Lose yourself in the music, the moment… I don’t exactly listen to music in the traditional sense when I run (I can’t put things in my ears ). But I do sing songs in my head. Today- like most days- Eminem was on repeat during my speed intervals. The more inspirational, the better.
Fight a different battle. For most of us, there will come a time where we’ll do something much more physically challenging than running. For me, it’s yoga. Kidding… kind of. When the going gets tough, I try to relish the feeling. I want to remember how strong I am so when I need to fight cancer or push a tiny human out of my girly parts, I can call on that strength to get me through it.
My body was made to do this. God gave us legs for a reason. Do you know why almost all adults suffer from back pain (source)? Is it because most of us are dedicated athletes? I’ll let these maps from my beloved Centers for Disease Control and Prevention answer that question. No, folks it’s because we sit in front of the computer, steering wheel and television for hours on end. Our bodies were meant to move. Just be happy you only have to run and not hunt, gather and dodge tigers like our ancestors.
I am awesome. And so are you! Envision yourself running your next big race. Hell, imagine you’re running the Boston Marathon, the Olympic trials or away from that tiger. Thinking about how strong you are in that fantasy may directly affect your current performance. Positive mental imagery is kind of amazing that way.

What mental games do you play to get through tough workouts?

You Might Also Like:

Attached at the clip
I bike with my running shoes because I'm cool like that ;) I was planning on doing my tri like this because I wanted to make sure I liked triathloning...

Unhealthy little secrets
My first senior year of college (yup, it took me 4.5 years to graduate, don’t judge), I made the decision to go to grad school for public health. I...

Try to Tri: Biking for runners
Believe it or not, the thought of biking held me back from doing a triathlon more than my inability to swim well. In theory, I love biking. I've been ...

Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Comments (12) Trackbacks (2) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

runningwithsass
September 29th, 2010 - 20:38

I am picturing you running from a tiger bwahaha!!! WTG on the run, so speedy as usual. You are almost to your marathon, woo hoo! you will do great! it def. is a mind game. I tried telling myself on my long run last week that as long as I keep telling my legs to move, baring some kind of paralysis, they WILL move, so i just have to keep telling them to go, and mentally get through it and they will carry me!

( REPLY )
Becky
September 29th, 2010 - 21:04

What a great post – with great timing! My marathon excitement is increasing, but my love for the little training runs is not. After a long day, I am not always super excited about a date with my Brooks. I just keep reminding myself how great it will feel at the end…or even by the third mile!

When I really feel like I’m struggling to push through, I enlist friends. Case in point, I ran my eight on the treadmill today because my friend was willing to walk and talk along side me. Rather than just running, I ran AND caught up with a friend during the week.

I also love intervals! You are such a speed demon! I seriously wish I could meet you at the finish line on 10/17. A day for the history books

( REPLY )
waz
September 29th, 2010 - 21:49

okay- this is really strange and probably shouldn’t even tell you since we don’t know each other but i woke up today and kinda laughed. I had a dream last night that we met at a triathlon and you were giving me tips on how to run and bike faster. I was trying to keep up with you on my bike when I ran off the course into water (the course was more like a video game and i was able to get right back on as if i were on the gameshow wipeout). really strange but you were giving me very good tips and were very helpful! so thanks. i always enjoy reading your tips.

( REPLY )
Jaime Runs
September 29th, 2010 - 22:14

I love Eminem songs – so motivating.
You’re so right. I am glad we’re not hunting for food, washing clothes by hand, walking 12 miles to school in the snow in bare feet, etc. I’m pretty lazy.
Actually, I am thankful every time I run that I a) have legs and b) that they work.

( REPLY )
Kendall
September 29th, 2010 - 23:36

I always play the “you will feel better if you move a little” card because I almost always do. Working out can sometimes be a struggle, but I have to remind myself that I have the ability to work out. I would hate it if I was injured and couldn’t work up a sweat.

( REPLY )
Kate
September 30th, 2010 - 02:33

The time one is definitely a biggie- reminding myself that it’s “only” whatever it is.

Often it’s trying not to spoil a good training week/month/whatever.

Or it’s because I already ate my treat (or I want to make sure I earn it…)

Or it’s remembering that sometimes I CAN’T workout, whether it’s work, or random 6-hour food-poisoning/tummy bug.

( REPLY )
Kelly
September 30th, 2010 - 09:16

This is a great post. I think I’m going to print this out and tape it to the treadmill next time I’m on it!

( REPLY )
Karleen
September 30th, 2010 - 09:31

I recently stubbled upon your blog and I love it! I find the hardest part of running is getting out the door/on the treadmill. If I’m struggling to get motivated to get the run in I just tell myself that I just have to get one tiny mile in. Once I get going I usually feel better and end up doing more. On a treadmill, I’ll change something up every 2:30. I’ll speed up or down or change the incline. Great post! I’ll definitely think of your mind tricks next time I need a little push.

( REPLY )
Lauren
September 30th, 2010 - 09:35

I love this post. And I love that this is exactly what I went through on my run last night! Playing mind games is the only way I get through some of these runs. Especially as my marathon training drags on and my body is getting more tired. Sometimes it’s hard to motivate myself to get through another run at the end of the day.

But I use all of these tricks to get me through. Or I call on past races where I was really struggling, thinking that if I made it through that, I can get through whatever run I’m doing. And worst case scenario — I bargain with myself (and sometimes downright lie): “Ok, if you just run to X, I’ll let you stop. You can walk home for all I care.” And then of course, when I get to X, I make up a new bargain.

Finally — you are super speedy! I really wish I could go to NJ to see you run in a couple of weeks, because I know you’re going to be amazing!

( REPLY )
SaraRM
September 30th, 2010 - 21:35

I need to read this every morning before I go workout! Love the pep talk!

( REPLY )
Lisa @ Early Morning Run
October 2nd, 2010 - 13:12

Great post! I’ve been struggling through my runs since I started up again post injury but on those days when I really focus my mind and tell myself that I can do it (because I know that I can) then I have a great experience and feel amazing afterwards! I had one of those runs this past Wednesday and it was incredible. I will definitely remember this post next time it gets tough. It’s always nice to hear though, that I’m not the only one who struggles sometimes. Maybe that’s one of the challenges that draws so many of us to running – always wanting the next one to be better!

( REPLY )
runningaroundnormal
October 2nd, 2010 - 13:49

Love your tips! And you’re totally right, my hour of Glee watching goes by waytoofast.

( REPLY )