Running Mentality

Posts: 21
3/2/13 9:56 A

I quite agree, DRAGONCHILDE - running isn't mindless - though I certainly indulge the rhythmic cadence and let it hypnotize me... I call it a 'running trance' in which I am acutely aware of myself and my place in the world while I move through it - it is a meditation.

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3/1/13 6:25 P

MOMTO2HEINZS - running really isn't the sort of thing you can or should "zone out" while doing. The risk of injury is a bit too great. ;) Even if you're on a treadmill, you should be focusing on what you're doing, including form and stride. It's not a mindless activity.

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3/1/13 6:20 P

I am very new to running and find myself playing the head game. When I spent a lot of time on the elliptical a few years ago I would zone out and daydream, but can't seem to figure out how to do that while running. Actually, I thought I could only run music that offers a certain BPM, but I think I'm going to try to go with an audiobook next time and try it out. Good Luck!!

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3/1/13 5:26 P

Outdoors is definitely a nice way to go out it.. no clock, mileage, and none of the random disactrations from the gym! Ever try doing trails? or go yelp running spots in your area!!! Have fun breaking in your NEW shoes!

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3/1/13 4:21 P

When I try and run on a treadmill the clock and mileage is a distraction. I will throw my towel over them to block my view. There is something about running on a treadmill that is just very unappealing for me. I get too distracted in the gym, and not in a good way so I cannot zone out.

Edited by: DVDIAMOND at: 3/1/2013 (16:22)

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3/1/13 4:20 P

I cannot run for any distance at all on a treadmill. I prefer to be outdoors. I do zone out, but it seems as soon as I get close to my 3 miles I start thinking about the end of my run. I have tried to go farther, but then I just stop. Like a mule! I argue with myself, try and coax myself and then before I know it I am walking because my brain threw in the towel. I think I just need to get over that hump.
I bought new running shoes, which I really needed, and tomorrow I am going to take them out for a spin and see how I do.

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3/1/13 4:13 P

I therapeutically run. Have you tried running and zoning out? Think about all the things that you have bottled up or has been on your mind and sweat it out by running... throw a towel over your time or mileage and see where it takes you how much further you can push yourself. Or this might sound silly but I use to imagine what it would be like to keep pushing and that there was a cheering crowd at the end of a finish line (setting up smaller goals to get me through another lap or how fast I ran within 2 minutes). Or make a really fun upbeat playlist! Good luck!

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3/1/13 3:35 P

Well, I run on a treadmill, and as long as I can see the time or mileage, my run is awful. I finally set up netflix on my kindle fire, and watch mind-numbing, absolute guilty pleasure shows while I run. I find that I'm doing much better because my brain otherwise engaged.

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3/1/13 12:01 P

I'm new to running- I started C25K about a month ago. I've never enjoyed it much, but I enjoy the benefits immensely! I set goals for myself, and I run with my husband- I'm competetive enough to push myself a little harder when he is with me.

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3/1/13 11:18 A

Thank you for your response. I just use map my runs and I while I have mapped them longer I tend to stick to the same route. Maybe I could try the 10k program. I am also toying with the idea of downloading a book to my iPod. Maybe listening to a good story will distract me enough to just keep going! I have been told by more than a few runners that getting to 5 miles is the hardest, but once you break through to that adding distance gets a lot easier.

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3/1/13 10:05 A

While I never hated running, it took a while for me to enjoy/appreciate it/look forward to my scheduled run days. In the beginning, I had to use a program (C25K) to get up to running a 5k. I know something out there exists for a 10k. Have you tried using a program with greater distance than your 3 miles (or the 5k)? If not, maybe that will help you push past your current 3 miles.

Also, when I'm mentally just wanting to quit on my runs, I tell myself, "just one/two/five more minutes." After that, I either give myself permission to stop or set another one/two/five minute goal that I cannot stop before. It helps me a lot--helps break down that mental barrier that my mind not my body places on me.

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2/28/13 10:36 A

I guess I will continue to do my 3 miles runs and not worry about going any farther. It's so convenient for me to run and I do not want to give up my ability to do the 3 miles. I like pushing myself to whatever next level their may be. It keeps motivated and the rush of achievement cannot be beat.

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2/27/13 10:52 P

As someone who recently went from hating running to looking forward to my scheduled runs, for me, it's all about having my head in the game before I start. I have to tell myself the pace and the distance, that I CAN do it, and I can't quit early. I've been building up over the past 9 weeks and each time I increase there's a mental block during the increase period, but the next run I get over it.

If you really hate running though, there are plenty of other good cardio options that you might enjoy more. Running is not the end all be all of exercise.

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2/27/13 10:15 P

Just because you're running doesn't mean you need to be doing marathons. I love to run, but I don't really have any interest in doing any marathons, so I don't. But if you don't like running at all, maybe you stick to swimming and biking or find something else you like doing.

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2/27/13 8:57 P

I was just hoping maybe someone has gone through what I am going through and how they broke through. I like doing triathlons and I could do the Olympic distance in swimming and cycling, but the running holds me back. I guess I am just looking for encouraging words.
I know I just have to do if I am going to do it. I just want to know how to get past the point of wanting to stop.

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2/27/13 8:13 P

Hi,

I agree with Zorbs that if you do not enjoy running, you don't have to run, even if your firned enjoys running. And you must be commited to running if you were to run a 1/2 marathon. It takes a lot of training to run a race of this distance.

Coach Nancy

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2/27/13 8:03 P

I have done two sprint triathlons. And you are right about not doing something I don't like. I was going to throw in the towel on running but its been nagging at me lately.

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2/27/13 7:56 P

Have you ever run a race?

Personally, I wouldn't continue to do something I didn't enjoy.

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2/27/13 7:44 P

I hate running but I want to like it. I can run three miles but I cannot seem to get past that point. I just have a whole lot of get up and quit in me past that point. I have the wind and I have the strength. I do not have the mental ability to push myself any farther. My friend who loves distance running is always trying to get my to sign up for 1/2 marathons but I just cannot commit to it. Has anyone else gone through anything similar? And how did you get through the barrier?