Mind in need of training!

[hammondsgc]

Today I tackled W5R3. Listening to Laura she was talking about the need to train the mind to cope with the longer runs. My mind started off fine but within a few minutes it had started wandering to such topics as work, the damp in the front bedroom, the on-going problems with teenage daughters love life, etc. Every so often my mind would snap back and would comcentrate on breathing through my nose, making sure my heels hit the ground first and other aspects of running but then without warning it would start considering who will be next to go out of Great British Bake Off! Having said that I did do the run no problem and felt I could have gone on. Body 1, Mind 0!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like perfect distraction technique, which many C25kers would love to emulate, rather than concentrating too much on their breathing etc. Laura's advice on breathing and heel strike are not considered to be the best advice, anyway, with most people saying do what comes naturally. Well done, it obviously works for you. Running should come naturally and should not require too much concentration, in my book, so let the mind wander as you run.

Enjoy your running.

[Narmour Graduate]

The only downside of thinking about the Great British Bakeoff is the inevitable cake cravings afterwards!! that's a lethal programme to anyone on a healthy eating plan. Every week I get really strong urges to make whatever it is that they are doing. The worst one was bread week as I used to bake bread very regularly before my healthy epiphany. I miss fresh rolls, loaves and home made pizzas...

[Hennith Graduate]

I'm no sports psychologist, but I think Laura is meaning that your mind has to be strong to ensure you don't give in to those pesky demons that tell you you can't run any further when, in fact, your body is quite capable of doing so. I have had to try all sorts of distraction techniques to drown out those negative thoughts that creep up on you during a run. If your mind is wandering off all by itself onto topics other than running you have really got it sorted in my opinion. If my W5R3 tomorrow goes as well as yours did I will be very happy indeed. Hope all your future runs are as successful!

[hammondsgc Graduate in reply to Hennith]

Hi Hennith. Thanks for your message. All I can say is to trust Laura and to trust the programme and you WILL do it! Wish I could claim some credit for my distracted mind but it just does it all by itself! Good luck for tomorrow.

[Hennith Graduate in reply to hammondsgc]

Thank you!