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.
Written by
Sybilw
Graduate10
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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.
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!!
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.
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
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!! 🤣🤣🤣
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?!)
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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