terrible 10

UGH!!!! That is the only way I can describe today's run.

I took about 10 days off from running following my last race. This was kind of by accident. I meant to take a few days off to recover, but then life got in the way!

So after 10 days off, I thought I should try to run 10k today. PROBABLY not the best idea.


So my terrible run all started last night when I returned home from the gym and couldn't find my iPod touch. I really couldn't imagine it being stolen as it was within view at all times while I was working with my trainer. Also, I remembered it being in my pocket as I walked to my car. Regardless, it was missing. All was not lost though, as I had my older nano which I used for my run today.

So despite the lost Ipod, I tried to pump myself up by dancing around my room a bit before heading out. I was looking forward to the route I had mapped (I use map my run) as it incorporated running in the woods as well as running through campus. 

It was a gorgeous day... clear sunny skies, great temperature with a medium breeze. LOVED IT.

And then, about 2 minutes into my run it hit me:

"this sucks" 

"why is this so hard?"

 "i want to stop" 

"my legs are sore"

"i should probably stop" 

"i have so much farther to go"

etc etc etc

After what felt like a lifetime I did complete the 10k. I estimate that I ran about 7.5k and walked the rest. It really wasn't a terrible run but the constant mental block made it feel insanely difficult! It was a huge reminder that so much of running is mental.

I found this article on runner's world that talks about overcoming those horrible mental blocks. I'm going to try to incorporate some of their suggestions into my next run.

While running I try to say to myself at least once "you're doing it!!" so I can really appreciate the fact that I made it past the first step - getting into my workout gear and onto the road. Other mantras I use are: 'you can do it!' 'you've done it before!' 'not much farther'. I also try to make myself smile when running feels really difficult. It may sound silly but it helps. And if someone sees you smiling and running, then they will know that you are having a great time, and maybe you will motivate them to run too!

How do you get passed your own mental blocks? 

Update: Found my iPod. Wasn't stolen, just misplaced! :)

Another east coast runner! - The 16km Hurdle

 

 Hello everyone! I am Nikki, Jeannie's older sister, and a fellow east coast runner! I have been running on and off for a few years and have run a few 5ks, and around 5 10k races.

So I am training for a half marathon. I haven’t signed up yet, but I have told myself that I am going to run 21.1 km in October. I am following a training plan by Run Meter, an app for ipod. So far, the training has been going well... that is until I reached week 9.

Each Saturday is a long run day, followed by a day of walking. The Saturday in week 9 is a 16.5 km run. And I don’t know what it is, but I can’t. I just can’t. My husband, and running partner, has told me that I give up even before I leave the door. AND IT’S TRUE! And I am disappointed in myself for not just doing it but I am not there yet.

Physically, I am 99% sure I could do it. Mentally, I’m getting there (3 weeks behind schedule now) but am at about 85%. I haven’t had this kind of mental block in my running before. I think it comes when I map out a route and IT IS FAR. LIKE, REALLY FAR. And it’s been hot and humid. LIKE, REALLY HOT AND HUMID.

Has anyone else had this problem? How do you find the motivation and convince yourself that it is possible?

Things that hold me back:

1.       Myself

2.       90% or higher humidity

3.       Temperatures at 25 celcius or higher

How I’m getting to 16 km:

1.       Reading motivational quotes on Pintrest (works!)

2.       Psyching myself up

3.       Repeating that I can do it!!! (sounds lame-o, I know but it’s helping)

I NEED to get ‘er done this week. Fingers crossed the temps stay low and the light stays longer (the sun now sets at 8:20.. first sign fall is on its way!). I’ll keep ya posted.

Forever trying to beat the heat and race the darkness, Nikki

** I JUST looked at week 10 and it’s 18 km!! WHY DID I DO THAT? Need to get 16 outta the way first.**