When running what do you feel/think about?

[Boringusername444]

I do really love running, especially the high when you’ve done it. But during running I feel like I’m constantly on a battle to breathe properly and mentally getting myself through the Miles.
Like, “oh my god 2 Miles left I’m never gonna do this, if I wasn’t in a group I would so be walking right now”.

And it makes me wonder. Are some of you like that? Or are you loving every minute? Are you thinking about what you’re having for dinner or what you will do at the weekend?

I’m still new to running so I talk to me, tell me everything about how you feel, think, get on with it, mentally prepare yourself etc.
If you don’t mind of course.

Thank you 😊

Share your pain.

I try to think about my technique until I get distracted. Before I know it I'm in the zone, thinking about anything at all and have run kilometers without noticing. It's really good thinking time actually, it's one of the reasons I run. Crap for your body (in my case anyway, I'm prone to Injury), brilliant for your head.

Fairly new to running, I'm still at the stage where I have to concentrate hard to keep going- thinking about pace,breathing, staying steady, telling myself I can to do it and I'm not going to walk, listening to my music and waiting for the next km breakdown

Looking forward to the day when I can just relax and let the km pass by!

I really hate running and it was a battle every step . When I signed up to a charity run and was struggling with training, a friend suggested I listen to a podcast instead of music.

I said that was a terrible idea and need the music but she insisted. I put on a funny talk radio podcast and it was a revolution. It amused and distracted me and stopped me thinking about how hard and awful it all was

Um far too frequently i think about how to stay safe or fear of getting attacked. But the lovely zoned out feeling follows and then I don’t care.

Another vote for a funny podcast- I vote: 2 dope queens/ an Adam Buxton interview with a funny guest/ late night whenever with Michelle buteau.

Also not really helpful, but certainly a lovely read when you’re not running is ‘What I think about when I think about running’ by Haruki Murakami. Lovely autobiography through running (also Murakami is a brilliant writer).

I run to music - made a playlist of my favourite songs and run to that. Then my mind wanders - I feel like I ‘empty my head’ if that makes sense - think through work stuff, things I’m doing in the house plus noticing things as run past. I try not to ever think about technique or miles etc as that it’s me off and I want to then stop. But if breathing gets difficult or feel tired I distract for a bit counting to a hundred or getting to the end of the road and find by that time back in to mind wandering

Audio books. I've a subscription to Audible. Not sure I could run with my brain on full whack.

I love the effects of running on my body, mind and self esteem but I hate most of the actual process. I spend a lot of time thinking about how much I'm looking forward to stopping! Other than that I listen to music or watch TV (I run at the gym). Must get into podcasts

What I'm going to eat afterwards, nice dogs and squirrels I might see, what song I want next, how I never seem to get any better at running although I guess I won't get heart disease / osteoporosis/ diabetes etc, whether my IBS will be better after my run.
I don't get runners high.

Fresh air, sunshine, cute animals, work, best route, what I'm doing the rest of the week, math problems, how far am I going (no Garmin). While swimming is harder to get lost in thoughts.

Exactly the same as you. That I can’t do it, can’t breathe, need to walk, will never be a proper runner etc etc.

I’ve been running about 18 months now and keep waiting for the day it gets easier! I have decided it will always be a struggle for me and I will never be fast, but I’m out there and doing it and that’s ok with me

I usually run to music and I get so sucked into the rhythm, the melody and the lyrics that it totally occupies my mind. I often imagine what kind of video I would make for songs if I was a video director. Just fantasising...
I know people who listen to radio podcasts or audio books while running to stave off the boredom.

Constant thoughts of "I hate running. Once I get my sponsored run out of the way, I'm NEVER running again"
That being said though, once I've finished a good run, I feel great for the rest of the day.
I wish I could find a way to enjoy running.

Normally day dreaming about shagging my hot PT!

Running along thinking that I must be nearly finished, im going yo die, I've been running for at least half an hour. Look at watch, 12 mins. Give up, go home.

'I have decided it will always be a struggle for me and I will never be fast, but I’m out there and doing it and that’s ok with me'

Good for you. I'm the same, I find it extremely tough but it's completely worth it

I think very smug virtuous thoughts. Like what I'd post on fb if I was that way inclined.

Like my own PR machine 'smashed 5k at Parkrun this morning, now off for a starbucks'

I think about before and after pictures. They're always like those slimming world ones holding out massive trousers.

I have quite the imagination!

Oh and I also think unsavoury thoughts about other people, and arguments from years ago that I should have won.

I've just come back from a 12 mile run - I listened to an audiobook the whole way! For shorter or faster runs I listen to music. No way in the world could I just run with my thoughts going round in my head, I probably don't have enough of them anyway...

I think of my mum struggling back to health after a cancer operation and kind of chant a mantra in rhythm with my steps "healthy heart and healthy lungs..(and maybe a pound off my bum...")

Mostly cake. And gin. And how hot I am.

Great thread.

How much I hate running.

That is literally all I think about.. sometimes for 26 odd miles

So how do you make yourself do it?