Mental challenge

[Emmyg]

Having just completed week 7, run 1, it's become obvious that my challenge is definitely a mental one. I'm tired by the end, of course, but not exhausted to the point of collapse, and physically could run another minute or two if I had to. However, the overwhelming urge to stop has nearly caught my out a couple of times...it must be those gremlins who like to tell me how much easier it would be if I had a nice walk instead 😉 Any tips on overcoming mental barriers? The positivity on this forum certainly helps!

[Hidden]

I've got a head full of gremlins and but I have found music helps. I make sure my play list is full of my favourite tunes, all the things that would get me up to dance, and tell myself how I know I can dance/ run for 3 more mins for this track each time a new one comes on.

I then zone out and listen to my breathing, focusing on keeping it regular ( it is nice and loud so easy to hear over the music). I picture myself looking like a slim fit runner and just keep those legs moving.

I try to trust the programme and have told myself the only excuse to stop is if I actually collapse or vomit or agent a searing pain of obvious damage and not for any other reason. I ignore my moaning calves and ankles and tell them to shut up and because they have no say in this!

Wish I had something more concrete to tell you but it seems to be a bit of all of this that does it for me.

Hope you find your gremlin killers xx

[Emmyg Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Docmum, that's good advice and reassuring to know I'm not the only one who struggles. Yes, the tunes definitely help!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yep.. squish the pesky gremlins with every step you take, slow and steady...

Think about other things, focus on the next tree or lamp post

Make up a silly rhyme, think of a poem, make a list of gremlins names in your head and then slap each one of them hard By the time you have done all that you will be done and dusted!!!

Very well done you anyway...Emmy 7..Gremlins 0

[Emmyg Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aw thanks Oldfloss 😊 I'll show them who's boss on the next run!

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

Week 7 is horrible but week 8 is great. Trust me! Just get to week 8 and let me know if I'm right

[Secondtimelucky]

....well when I feel disheartened for whatever reason...I put on 'This is me' from the Greatest Showman' and play it over and over again and it keeps me running...sounds a bit sad but it works for me

[Speedy60 Graduate]

It was the gremlins every time for me. I decided it was acceptable to stop if I was in pain, or if I couldn't physically breathe. Apart from that, I damn well wasn't going to stop! Plain bloodymindedness. I used to break the run down into small parts (still do sometimes). 'I'll just get to the end of the lane and see how I feel.' 'I'll just get to sainsbury's carpark.' 'I'm nearly home now ...'

Good luck 👍