It’s 90% mental!: No not that you’re 9... - Bridge to 10K

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It’s 90% mental!

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10
23 Replies

No not that you’re 90% mental for running but the struggle to achieve is 90% mental. I think that those of us still on the C25K path come to realise that somewhere around W5R3 but it continues after graduation. I’ve said this many times (often to myself!) and proved it yet again today. I had a spell in the last few months when my 5ks were very pleasing - time wise - to me, but then I started to struggle again. Times not good - stopping to walk 🤷‍♀️ I think I was always looking to get a decent time to post as my (not)parkrun so self inflicted pressure. Sound familiar?

Today I decided to do a slow, steady longer run on a less-run-route. I often find a less familiar route is more relaxing. The result was a bit under 9k in a bit over an hour. Look at me - I didn’t even feel the need to go for round numbers (I’m sure I could have done 9k or whatever)! Breaking all my rules!! 😃 To sum up it was a fun run that felt good all the way and it wasn’t as slow as I’d thought it’d be. Happy with that. Did I mention I managed to ‘run’ up a ‘hill’ (ok an incline) that I’ve always given up on before and even my daughter walks!! Result!! 🤣🤣 The power of positive thinking.

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Sybilw profile image
Sybilw
Graduate10
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23 Replies
Yellowshade profile image
YellowshadeGraduate10

Well done on your 9k! Yes, I definitely feel so much of it is down to head space and I think you’re right about that discovery coming around wk5. I remember often the mantra of ‘one foot after the other, you know you can do this’ - and the more often you do that the easier it becomes. I’ve noticed how that spills out into other areas of life too. Definitely creates mental resilience.

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toYellowshade

Thank you. I was spurred round at some points by a dog literally yapping at my bum (luckily not biting but it was close) and on that ‘hill’ by the fear of being overtaken by a walker! Whatever it takes!!

Yellowshade profile image
YellowshadeGraduate10 in reply toSybilw

Haha fear of being overtaken by a walker is very relatable! Absolutely, whatever it takes! 💪

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toYellowshade

That’s when you want a sign on your back saying how far you’ve run to get there (I was at 7k)!!

Yellowshade profile image
YellowshadeGraduate10 in reply toSybilw

😁

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

I love this post because so much of it sounds familiar to me. New routes are refreshing and getting a grip on the mental challenge is key. I'm beginning to develop 'tools' to deal with the tough parts. So yes, 90% mental definitely once we've finished cto5k and are moving on to longer runs.

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toRoxdog

I find areas I struggled with in early weeks are STILL a problem 2 years later yet my head KNOWS I can manage similar inclines elsewhere. 🤷‍♀️

Lizzibeth78 profile image
Lizzibeth78

And it’s not just out on the run - for me it starts with the deciding to go for a run. Or not finding a reason not to go - so easy when you’re tired, don’t have time etc

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toLizzibeth78

I think I spend as much time thinking about where I’ll go as actually running it. Even then I change my mind last minute!! I used to be indecisive but now I’m not so sure!! 🤣🤣🤣

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

Positive thinking all the way 🙆🏼‍♀️ Well done on your marvellous run with incline. Changing the parameters wins the day. Happy running 🤗

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

I always channel you on my ‘hills’!! Min 64 max 104 today so not at your level (no pun intended!).

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe560minGraduate

SO true! 😄

Well done on your fantastic run! 👍🏻

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toElfe5

Thank you.

Well done on your 9k 👍🏼. What a great positive post to read. 😊

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10

Well done Sybilw. Brand new running routes are great , I'm always looking for one.

Positive thinking really does help and it did for you today , 9k and a hill.

😊😊👏👏💪

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toBuddy34

Thank you. I’m lucky to have lots of paths round the town and even the housing estates have green spaces through them.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

Absolutely fantastic Sybilw!! 🤗🤗 I’m a big fan of breaking all the rules 😉.

Well done you!! 9k is an awesome result!! You’re brilliant!! 🤩

Ooh and hills!! 😃! Look...for some of us.. 🏃🏽‍♀️ 👈🏽 An incline can look like a mountain!! 😳 But hopefully one day it will be different!! ❤️

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toFabulous450

I keep meaning to do hill repeats but . . . . . 😬

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10 in reply toSybilw

Sybilw!! Brace yourself 🤗!!...we’ll just have to go for it!! 😂😂 We can do it! Although you might be doing it a while before me!😬 🤭 Just saying! 😁❤️

sofaspud profile image
sofaspud

What an inspiring post. I agree 100% about the 90% mental :)

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply tosofaspud

Knowing it and acting on it are sometimes two different things though 😆 but it’s good to know the theory!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate10

Such a great post, thank you Sybilw .

Self-inflicted pressure is definitely a thing for me. While I'm trying to refocus - my September quest is about enjoying running for the experience, not the stats - I definitely haven't cracked it yet. (There you go, I'm putting pressure on myself again. Wazzock or what?!)

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10 in reply toCmoi

You and me both!! I’ve wondered about taping over the screen of my watch so that I can’t see time or distance or both!!🤣 but I’ve not been brave enough yet. And it’s not as if I’m breaking any records 😂😂😂😂 If you crack it let me know

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