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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:
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'

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:
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!

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.

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.

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

Thanks. All good suggestions which I'll try.

OP posts:
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.

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.

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. ?

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:
Bonsoir · 25/02/2015 11:35

Why run if you hate it so much?

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.

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:
Suzannewithaplan · 25/02/2015 15:14

running is an acquired taste for many people Bonsoir, it takes discipline and effort to get to the stage where you can enjoy it but once you get to that point the benefits are worth the hard work

Bonsoir · 25/02/2015 15:16

You give very mixed messages though!

Up to you, but running is a fashion. Being a victim is a choice!

emummy · 25/02/2015 15:42

Can also recommend podcasts. I used to struggle, found them v helpful. I listen to women's hour, also some comedy ones. Good luck

Suzannewithaplan · 25/02/2015 15:49

oh gee, thanks Bonsoir thats what someone asking for advice about running really needs isnt it...to be told they are a 'fashion victim' Hmm

Fisharefriendsnotfood · 25/02/2015 15:52

Jog on Bonsoir, jog on

Fisharefriendsnotfood · 25/02/2015 15:54

I too have this voice in my head issue, and find breaking it down by saying see what the next song is etc works a bit

Lottapianos · 25/02/2015 15:58

Oh dear Bonsoir, not helpful

OP I have been running for the last few years and I still have to kick my own butt out the door almost every time, especially in the winter. There's always that little voice saying 'nah, not today..' Sometimes (like yesterday) I do listen to it, but if I listened to it every time, I would never run again! And I get so much out of running that I make myself stick with it......

I guess what keeps me going is thinking of how amazing it feels when you have finished a run - I look forward to that feeling of pride and the nice achey feeling that comes from doing a good workout. And I have never ever regretted going for a run - even if it wasn't a great run, I've always been glad I did it.

While running, I try to drown the little voice out with a more positive voice that says things like 'come on, you can do it', 'look at you - you're running!', 'doing well today', 'halfway there', 'nearly finished' etc. Its hard work, but so worth it, and really nice to hear that so many of us suffer from 'the little voice' problem!

Suzannewithaplan · 25/02/2015 16:22

even if the actual running is tough that lasts for what, an hour or so?
The elevated mood, lower body fat, healthier cardio vascular system, those are all with you 24/7 :o

Lottapianos · 25/02/2015 16:26

Good point Suzanne Smile

Lancelottie · 25/02/2015 16:30

Definitely recommend finding a running partner -- but make it someone you don't mind knowing your every secret, if you're anything like me and blurt out all sorts of stream-of-consciousness nonsense as you gradually become hypnotised by the slap of your own footfalls.

Claybury · 25/02/2015 16:31

Suzanne is right.
I am a runner, a lot of people would assume I love running. A lot of the time I really hate it. It's hard and can be a chore. If I could get the same benefits from say sitting on the sofa I probably wouldn't run.
How I love being a runner. I love being able to keep fit by running. When I go on holiday I will try to go for a run, holiday runs are so memorable.
The benefits of running are huge, to my mental and physical well being.
My advice to OP is - run with a group. Join a club, or find some pals.

Lottapianos · 25/02/2015 16:35

'If I could get the same benefits from say sitting on the sofa I probably wouldn't run.'

Wow, that's the dream eh? A nice trim waist and nice achey legs from several hours of lying on the couch, watching TV and eating doughnuts Grin

Like all things in life that matter, its such an intensely personal thing. I know that loads of people swear by having a running buddy or joining a running club. I can't explain how much I would hate this. I spend all day at work talking to people and listening to people and my god, I need to be on my own when I'm running. I don't want to have to consider anybody else when I'm running - apart from basic decency of course, I don't go crashing into people in the park! I just shove my headphones in and go. Find what works for you OP.