Hi All. Now on day 4 of programme and still enjoying myself. R7.5 W10 today so a bit ahead of my programme but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for overcoming mental barriers. I probably could have done another lap of the park (v. small) but my mind said no way. I do have a mantra...'I've given birth so this is easy' but the gas and air helped immensely. All ideas VERY WELCOME!
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I usually use the "I will stop if I really need to" approach to any run, and also the "I really need to stop, but I'll just jog to the next lamppost before I do" method. The plan is to trick your mind into thinking in small bits, rather than the whole thing. So, when you get to the end of the first lap, try "Ok, I'll jog 3 minutes and then turn and walk back". When the 3 minutes are up, you might feel ok enough to walk on for a couple of minutes, with the intention of then jog 3 walk 2 back. By which time of course, you are halfway round the park, so turning round would be the same as keeping going, wouldn't it?
One thing that works for me, is the thought of how I'd feel if I didn't complete what I'd set out to do at the beginning of the run, which is usually frustration. Alternatively, it's the the thought that the pain/lack of breath etc is only temporary & it's only helping me get fit, that gets me through it.
Bookedwormuk
Congratulations on you progress to-date, its always good to be ahead of schedule
One thing to keep in mind is, a few minutes after finishing a training run it is best to feel like you could of done a bit more – psychologically over time this helps you increase you’re distance by the brain thinking …. I can manage a bit more than last time - and so on
On the flip side if within a short period after the run you do not think this way it has the opposite affect and you will face that route / distance with dread (thinking this is a killer)
So take it easy and build up gradually – no more than 10% a week and do not increase both distance or intensity in the same week
Will
Also having agood reason to do it - a goal you set yourself - that YOU want to achieve for YOU -
try writing down what you aim to do over a few weeks and then fill it in - its quite motivating -because youve made a contract with yourself
have good days and bad days and bad days then good days but it all balances out in the end
dont forget to rest - are you not due one off now - and walking is good for recovery and your health
oh and read the other threads cos there's lots of motivational folk in here
good luck
WildWill you are scarily fit but I see you only started running in the last 3 years so I have something to aim for - you're hardly a beginner though are you!?