Mental Toughness...Or the Lack Thereof
Since I missed my long run on Saturday, I thought I might try today. Well my mind kept me from it. I started running well enough. I was running 5 minutes and walking 1 minute. Sadly, at the 3.1 mile point my mind shut down and told me I had enough for today. At mile 2, I felt like I needed to play the mental tricks to keep going. That gave out on me at 3.1 miles.
So I will shoot for a good long run at the end of the week, and just chalk up today to a light run.
I really need to learn something about mental toughness though. I want to finish my races, not think I can't. Anyone have any ideas?
:-)Charlie
posted by Javarunner1962 @ 11:48 AM
1 Comments:
Charlie,
sigh When my brain shuts down like that, I just stop.
I find it's not so much "toughness" that's worked for me as "distractions". It's made a huge difference to give my brain something else to think about.
I now do my morning meditation with my morning run -- about 1/2 mile of just running, then 1/2 mile of the Lords Prayer, then a mile of prayers for my friends and family.
If I get to the end of the prayers before I get to the end of the run, I just throw in some more people to pray for. It's not like I don't know enough people to get me through a 2 or 3 mile run.
I've also considered using the time to memorize psalms or poems. I figured if it wasn't too long, I could print something off and laminate. Maybe stick it on a lanyard around my neck.
Sound geeky? Baby, whatever works!!
Kelly
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