I love to run. Even a bad run helps me stay sane and be a better parent. If I only have 3-4 miles on the schedule (in my head – not officially training for anything), I have no problem getting out there. As soon as a run gets any longer than that, my little brain starts freaking out.
It’s such a long way!
It’s cold out!
I’m not going to be able to do it!
What if my feet hurt? (This is actually legit. I’m having some issues with my toes.)
What if I need to go to the bathroom?
I drag my feet and don’t want to go. Finally, I make myself head out to run, but I tell myself I only have to do 3 miles. If I feel good at the end, I can do more. I remind myself I can go as slow as I want and that I don’t have to push myself.
And then I do my run. Most of the time I end up hitting my goal pace and distance, so it’s obviously all in my head.
Yesterday I ran 8 amazing miles. I felt fabulous right up to about 7.5. I averaged 10:22, which felt really comfortable (but is faster than most training guides recommend). I went out to do 6 and just kept going. But I know when I head out for 9 this coming Wednesday, I’ll have to go through the whole mental lack of confidence again.
I don’t remember being like this for either of my marathons. How on earth do I get mentally strong again?
I don't have an answer but I'd love it if you share what you come up with. I've struggled with this since my surgery. I don't remember ever feeling like this.Have a great day!
Keep on doing it! It will get easier and your Mental confidence will return. I have been streaking since Thanksgiving and sort of feel the same way. In order to run every day I have pretty much been running 2 miles per day with a couple 4 milers thrown in . . . but knowing that I have to run every day, makes me avoid the longer runs. But I am hoping to do 6 tomorrow morning. I hope I have the mental confidence to get it done.
Just going longer will help re-build confidence. Each time you complete a longer one, you'll feel more capable.
I know what you mean!! I've got get a double digit in this weekend…and definitely in need some motivation!
Just as with your training runs to build your endurance you need to do the same with your mind. On your long runs practice self positive thoughts in your head. I can do this … this is just another training run … continue to do your long runs …I will never give up. Train your mind as you do your legs … you may never love long runs, but you'll accept them as part of your training. Enjoy your time out on the road during a long run. Let me know how it goes. Good luck! http://www.dashingdiva.net
ugh the mental part, so much harder. i try the mantras and say i am strong. i can do this. all that …..but it is always there. i also try to visualize my run and how i will feel and that when i am feeling tired, or down i will stay positive and push through. good luck
I'm having that problem right now too. Anything longer than 5 seems like a marathon. Find someone to run with maybe you'll be distracted enough to avoid the mental demons.
Glad to hear it's not only me.
Long runs are intimidating until you get back into the routine. Just keep ignoring the voices in your head. You can go slow. You can even stop. You can go to the bathroom if you need to! Maybe plan routes close to home so there's always a bail out at 3 miles, 6 miles. etc. Chances are, you will keep going!
I'm scared of the tempo run. what if it hurts? i mean, it always does.
I go through these phases, too. I'm currently excited to do my long runs, because I've been slowly building back from injury this summer. But when I'm doing fine and in the thick of them, I often argue with myself about getting out there. Do you have a long running buddy who can help pass the time? Even for a portion of it?
I totally understand where you're coming from. Been there, done that. It doesn't matter that we've done the distance before, long runs can still be intimidating. I tell myself I can always walk if I need to – and I rarely need to.
running is SOOO mental, isn't it? I have no answers except to just keep doing it and your head will eventually follow! Have a great weekend!
Its funny how mental running can be and how much your own mind games/trick can create such a road block. Could it be the weather? The time of day you are running? Where you are running? Just some thoughts.
You get mentally tough by just doing it even if it seems like its going to be hard. You'll get there!!!
Nice job on your 8! I have those moments sometimes too. I just tell myself that it's all in my head. Running is definitely mentally challenging. You know your body can do it, you just have to convince your brain:)
I am like that too…7 and up I freak out a little and I look for excuses…then I go and it gets better once I pass 6…
4 marathons later & I'm still scared of the long run.When you figure it out, let me know for sure!
I read a post once by Dorothy at Mile Posts and she said she felt the same way about long runs. Just tell yourself that you've done it many times before and you can do it again!
They say Running is a Mental sport. 🙂 Just hang in there and keep doing the runs.
Glad I stopped by from Fitness Friday Blog hop! Seems like the group of girls are into running, I get scared of long runs too! For me it's addicting and I don't have that kind of time to spend away from the kids so usually it's 3-6 miles and that's it! Keep up the terrific runs!stop on by to say hello sometime!
i've had this mental problem too… obviously i've survived a good number of long runs, but they still psych me out! i don't have any good tips unfortunately, i'm still working on it 🙂 i think you have to go into it with goals (time, distance) but also with the peace and understanding that if things go wrong, you'll pull it back and go slower/shorter.
i think you get strong by doing a couple of things. 1. think positive. the power of positive thought is so amazing. instead of the negative thoughts creeping into your mind, start thinking about how blessed you are to be able to go out there and run when there are so many that cannot. think about how for most people, 3 miles IS long run…and how you do that every day. start thinking that you are strong and able to do anything that comes your way. 2. just keep running. be like dory (finding nemo). just keep going. in order to get strong mentally, you have to actually do the running! i have no doubt that you are going to do great in your training. you have run marathons before…you can do them again!
I definitely thing having someone to run with if at all possible will push you to the next step or miles. I know that has kept me going this winter so far. When my running partner doesnt run I have a hard time running outside by myself in the cold. You can do those extra miles girl. You are a strong woman. Stay positive.