I have been thinking a lot about the Freedom Four Miler on the Fourth and just how much of an out of body experience it felt like for me. I guess it felt like that primarily because I seriously didn’t know (or think) I could run that fast that long.
I went into that race TELLING myself I was going to run a conservative pace with the intent of not getting my hopes up for anything more. Which essentially is my way of diverting myself from failure.
That is where the mental aspect of running comes into play. Now that that race is behind me, I can see that over coming the mental hurdles I set for myself is a far more challenging task than the physicality of running because it effects everything…every run..every outcome.
Even before I tie my shoes, I “tell myself” how the run is going to go. I tell myself that I’m just gonna do a 10:00 pace or something like that. I’m starting to realize that by doing that..by having that little talk that ultimately ends in setting “fake goals” that I’ve backed down, laid up (in golf terms) and just plain underestimated myself.
The race on the fourth showed me that I need to get stronger mentally.
That race showed me that I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for and that the only thing standing it my way is what’s between my ears.
I have always known I’m just a little off but it’s time to start working on the weak link in my training. My mind.
It’s time to stop telling myself what I’m capable of and just start seeing what I’m capable of. It’s time to start taking risks, and pushing myself. It’s time I start telling myself that it’s time run.
Actions speak louder than words, right? What’s your advice? What’s your biggest personal fitness obstacle?
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YES! I love the saying “You are so much stronger than you think you are.” I’m with you in needing to SEE rather than tell more often these days. I think we both are going to be very, very surprised!
I think I’m going to tattoo this on my arm this weekend. 😉
Racing is so much a mental game! I have learned over the years that confidence on race day is my best friend. When I have it, I have this sense of calm leading into race day and I perform as i want. Lack it and, well, it’s not my day. The biggest thing to latch onto is training. If it’s there and you’ve done your homework, believe in the fact that you can perform!
I think I definitely need to work no being confident.
Ive not yet NAILED the mental piece of running—but for me it’s some thing I still want to try and conquer.
ONCE.
ONE MARATHON.
to see if mentally I can do it.
xo
Oh! You can do it!
I love surprising myself by doing better than I thought I could. It’s ok to be conservative or have a plan B because every day is different, but it’s also important to give yourself credit and acknowledge that you are STRONG!
Thanks Amy!
Sometimes the mental is all I have! I never go up to a start line thinking I can’t perform, even if the training isn’t all there. My brain refuses to accept that I can’t run quite as fast as I could in my “other” running life (late 20s). I push it to the extreme discomfort (pain?) level at every race and manage the last half of race by positive mind talk (like a mantra or a memory of winning), focal points, form checks . . . and a lot of praying “get me to the finish line and I will never do this again” lol
Such good insight!
Great post! I often struggle with the mental aspect of running. Right now I’m starting marathon training for Richmond, and I get a little overwhelmed looking at the tempo & speedwork paces on my plan. I know I’m capable of doing the workouts, but the little voice in my head starts to whisper doubts & fears. Sometimes I have to tell myself to shut up and just let my body do the talking.
Thanks!
I don’t think you should feel bad about ‘telling’ yourself anything (as long as it’s not negative). Visualization is so important to racing, and that’s how I see your self-talk beforehand… I guess freeing yourself from expectation and ‘going with the flow’ have their benefits too…
I need to visualize different outcomes maybe. 😉
There is such a huge mental component to running… if you think you can, you will! Excited for you!
Thanks Laura!
Running is hugely mental! I think it is important to visualize and set goals but then also be able to not let those “goals” hold you back. It’s a tricky balance.
So true!!
I just break my runs up to make them easier to accomplish and avoid being overwhelmed – especially with my first marathon! It’s never easy, but I find it more attainable that way
Great strategy!
I totally get this Katie. I always “talk myself down” and underestimate myself I think as a way to temper my expectations. Or when I do better than I expect, I tell myself it was a fluke. The mental aspect definitely is the biggest hurdle for me and something I need to work on too!
Exactly!
Yep – mental games! I sometimes have to just let go and go with it – stop telling myself that “I can’t” and just do it. My first 10K I had said I wanted at least xx minutes. And I almost kept myself at that pace rather than letting my body do it’s thing. I started thinking about the excitement of crossing the finish line and how great the run was going and the next thing I knew, I was blowing my time out of the water. By just letting go.
That’s exactly what I need to do!
I agree, it is so easy to let the mental part take control instead of our bodies!
Thanks!
Yes, absolutely! You can do it…visualize 🙂
Thanks lady!!
I struggle mentally everyday. It is my weak link by far. It got so bad recently that my former coach told me to either stop running or seek the help of a professional sports psychiatrist.
I feel you!
i TRY and stay confident and tell myself I CAN DO IT. cliche but hey whatever works! 🙂
Whatever works! 🙂
My biggest obstacle is living to strict by the numbers. I am always measuring time and distance when I really should be running to effort. What I am I going to do today? Will it be an easy, tempo, fartlek or long, My body knows what the effort should be. Sometimes, you really need to work by numbers, but honestly I do better when I go by feel.
Great insight!