I have been struggling with the mental battle of running since we began. I keep hoping I will push it out of the way for it to never come return, but I need to rethink that one. It seems like the last few miles always get me. If I were going to run 15 miles, I would be fine up until the last three or four and the same way with 9 miles. I am fine until the last one or two. I have tried finding a mantra that works for me, but so far none do. I have tried telling myself I love running and that doesn't seem to work in the middle of a run. I am wondering if I could get someone to do hypnotherapy and plant "I love running" into my mind (which would only work if my left and right brain are in sync with one another and I want to "love" running). I read runner's world magazine which gets me pepped up for a little while. I get new shoes or a new shirt or shorts which gets me excited and out there. I really cannot afford to do that every time I am supposed to go running by myself. :)
Well I guess I will keep battling this one out but any suggestions anyone has I am happy to hear them out.
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5 comments:
Micah,
I am certainly not an expert but on this. I have begun counting away the miles. For example, Rather than thinking I have done only 5 miles I think I only have 10 more to go. Seems to work for me. Are you trying to keep up with others. Run your own race. Just think that every time you get out there it makes you that much stronger!! Suzanne
The intervals keep me going. I am like hypnotized to doing whatever the beeps of the watch tell me to do which keeps me going. And, at the marathon, you will be determined to finish, so you will make it. But, I agree, whatever mileage is chalked up for the day is a "struggle" and not easy.
The mental battle for me is during the week I looooove Saturday mornings but HATE doing exercise during the week. For one thing it's the heat. It's just not fun to be out in, and I don't have a gym membership or treadmill so I have to do everything outdoors. But, I set a time goal for myself during the marathon. For me that keeps me motivated during the week. I tell myself if I want to reach that goal, I have to work hard and do exactly what I'm supposed to. But, at the same time if I don't make that goal during the marathon it won't be a huge disappointment b/c I ran my own race, had fun, and made some great new friends and was able to get in the best shape of my life over the course of the year. I agree with Suzanne, too. I tried to be big and bad for a while and realized I'm a new runner. I haven't run as long as some people, and I go my own pace. I don't worry about how fast anyone else is going anymore.
Micah you look like you were doing well Saturday, so just keep thinking how you will feel when you cross the finish line.
Hi Micah:
I don't know about you but when that mental battle starts raging and the heat kicks in then the real struggle begins.
I just read Mark's Blog today and his words address the mental challenge. I think I may print his 10 items out and carry them in my pocket along with my gels.
Who would have thought when we started this marathon thing it would become almost more of a mental challenge than a physical one?
Debra
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