Tips on how to beat that little voice inside...

[runrachel]

Hi all! I am starting Wk9 tomorrow and am so amazingly pleased with my progress and this podcast, Laura is awesome!

I've mostly been enjoying the runs that I've done, and feel so happy afterwards when you get the nod from Laura to do your cool down walk, but I must admit, I still get that little voice inside on each run which pops up once or twice that tells me "You could just walk now" or "Why are you doing this?"

Does anyone else get that annoying voice that tries to catch you out?! And if you do, do you have any tips on how to try and stop it?

Usually I have to give myself a pep talk (out loud!) to tell the voice to bu99er off - but it would be nice to know if there are better ways of managing it without scaring the dog walkers and other members of the public that I pass.

Thanks guys!

[BethRF Graduate]

I get a little bit philosophical about it, which may not be to every one's taste, but could work! I see the whole point in my running as a kind of self-control. The fact that I have the control to be doing this, sort of taking ownership of myself- if that makes sense? I like really pushing myself, because I like the feeling of power over all the physical and mental parts of myself telling me I can't do it. And from there, I'm taking control of myself physically, and mentally. So that little voice can s0d right off!!

[kickibro Graduate]

When that doubtful voice speaks to me, telling me a) the app must have crashed b) so ... so ... tired c) just walk for a bit,

I tell myself I can do it and it's just a little longer and it's for my own good etc. I do this in my head though xxx

[nextjenn Graduate]

I have a running diary with the quote "running is nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going". It sums up my running perfectly! Just tell it to be quiet and enjoy showing it who's boss!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I get a brick wall loaming up in front of me on most runs, about the 8 minutes mark. I call it Hadrian's wall!! So independence is what the Scots are voting for in September so I argue my way through 8 - 10 minutes on the politicians facts and fiction points I have heard recently. I end up having a good chuckle and carry on running. Give yourself something to think about it could be a simple thing like planning dinner for that day or an exciting holiday - works for me just about 99% of runs.

[DelilahDogstar Graduate]

It is so very easy for us to get in to negative self talk and that stuff has a tendency to pop up unbidden. That old story has no place in your life and where you are now - you are doing amazingly, that's the truth! I have started telling myself well done, and that I should be proud of how far I have come. Try it, you never know it might work x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I get that voice all the time...so I just made it my friend and I chat to it now, and we have a few words about how far I intend to go!!! Its very normal...

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Haha love it Juju, who advises who on what underwear to wear and buy!?!

[Leyther1 Graduate]

This may be weird but it works for me, I too have (silent) little conversations/ arguments with 'the voice' but all the while I imagine a line around my middle and I tell myself no matter how hard I'm breathing or how loud the voice is telling me I can't do it I.e above the line, my legs will not listen and will just keep going regardless. I think typing this has made it sound even more strange!

[kt12345 Graduate]

Imagine the voice being drowned out by a massive round of applause? I really like the idea of making friends with it though and finding out what it's position is on the recent Chimea/Russia crisis, or what type of tree it likes best!

Good luck hun!!! x

[carole01 Graduate]

Well done for not giving in to the voice, I mentally imagine a box, I open it and shut the voice in (tight!!) because the only person I would be letting down is me. Good luck on boxing that voice in

[runrachel]

Wow! Thank you so much everyone, what lovely responses, so supportive and funny too! I will definitely be taking these on board and hopefully I can quell the voice, or at least become friends with it