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Original poster

Overcoming thoughts when running- how??

88 replies

RainbowInACloud · 25/02/2015 08:00

I'm never going to be a long distance runner but I've recently done c25k and have really enjoyed it. I'm going to keep up the 3 runs a week.
However. . . I spend a lot of the run thinking 'this is hard/ shall I just stop/ i can't do it today' etc.
how do you stop those thoughts? I could probably keep running even further if it wasn't for my brain!
Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
RainbowInACloud · 25/02/2015 12:22

I think I'll try podcasts as I listen to them normally just hadn't thought of doing it whilst running. I took DS (age 5) on his scooter with me the other day but it was more of a run on the spot while he picked up sticks, poked ice etc. Good distraction from the head noise though Grin
bonsoir I said twice prior to your post that I was really enjoying it. All things that are worth it are bound to be tough in some way.

OP posts:
slug · 25/02/2015 12:16

I listed to audio books or podcasts rather than music. The Infinite Monkey Cage or a couple of episodes of Cabin Pressure are entertaining enough to distract me from the tedium.

Bonsoir · 25/02/2015 11:35

Why run if you hate it so much?

Original poster
RainbowInACloud · 25/02/2015 11:31

Wow that's impressive. These are really good tips that I'm going to try. I hope it will become easier as I'm really enjoying it but it's tough.

OP posts:
Suzannewithaplan · 25/02/2015 10:57

Used to have thisistoohardthisistoohardthisistoohard as an involuntary thought at first.
Now I find myself counting much of the time, one two three four, one two three four etc.
Sometimes up to seven?.
One day I hope I will progress to actual constructive and logical thought processes, like I do when I'm walking.
I always listen to podcasts but I find myself counting at the same time.
Even so I manage to keep going for 12 miles or so per run. ?

AnythingNotEverything · 25/02/2015 09:25

I play games in my head - family members from each letter of the alphabet a-z, trying to remember friends' birthdays in order, naming children in DC's class. Or I work through logistical problems like how to get DS to cubs and have a healthy meal too, or plan weekend activities.

CMOTDibbler · 25/02/2015 09:18

Breaking it down into small blocks helps, as well as having the distance entered into my training spreadsheet already.

I also sometimes spend my run mentally splatting things I don't like with my feet which is quite soothing.

You could also try making up a positive mantra to drown out the negativity.

Original poster
RainbowInACloud · 25/02/2015 09:17

Thanks. All good suggestions which I'll try.

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youbethemummylion · 25/02/2015 09:14

I found my need for whole numbers helped. I had a running watch that tracked distance because I cant stand decimal numbers I.e when I fill the car up I have to stop at £20 not £19.88 etc I couldn't stop running mid km I had to keep going to the next full km, which I ended up missing through not checking at the right time iyswim. I once ran 12km instead of the 5km I had intended through this method. Only works if you're a bit OCD like me though.

Allshallbewell · 25/02/2015 09:09

Do you have anyone you could run with? I used to run alone and had all the stop/can't do this thoughts you mentioned. Recently, I've started running with 2 friends and find it much more motivating, easier and more enjoyable.

MissYamabuki · 25/02/2015 08:59

I try to focus on the outside - look at that house, dog, it's cloudy today, the path's a mess etc. It helps that part if my route has lovely views!

Original poster
RainbowInACloud · 25/02/2015 08:28

Thank you. I'll try that as that kind of thinking in small distances appeals to me.
I know what you mean about music- I turn it up louder but the voice in my head starts shouting Smile

OP posts:
bionic77 · 25/02/2015 08:08

I have the same thoughts - instead I say to myself if I can get to the next bus stop I'll allow myself to stop. Just before I get to it I'll say to myself if I can get to the end of the street I'll allow myself to stop, and so on. Occasionally in able to lose myself in my own thoughts and not notice I have t thought about stopping for a while.

I find running with music doesn't help, as the little stop voice in my head drowns out the music.

Also try concentrating on that smug feeling you get at thread of a run 'hey I've just been for a run, check me out!'

Good luck and well done so far'