Mind over matter! How to keep your mind focussed - recommendations...

[beckycrich2]

what do people think about when they are running!? I do alot of mine on a treadmill and sometime I just look at the clock and it seems to drag! I know I can do it - it's just how to not think about it

[Lynnecanrun Graduate]

I used to just have some good running music on and try not or clock watch!!😂

[missmiff]

I listen to Radio 4...keeps my brain occupied 😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Cover the clock.

Run outdoors.

[misswobble Graduate]

Take your running outside! End of 😃👍✔️ You're not a hamster 🐱

[mrrun Graduate]

I don't think about anything in particular. Outdoor running allows your mind to wander, good/bad or whatever the wheather. I plan what music will give me the background and in all honesty l often feel a bit disappointed that the run has already finished, be it 30, 40 or 60 minutes. Fun is the word here

[Irishprincess Graduate]

When I use to run on a treadmill I used the time to think about all sorts of things I didn't have time to think about during the day - what to cook that evening, how I was going to change a border in the garden, the plot line in the book I was reading, other books I needed to read, what presents I needed to buy and when, who I needed to phone after the run, blah blah.

Mostly though I thought about what each step was doing for my body and aware that I was building strength and stamina on each run. That thought kept me going through some difficult runs. I looked forward to longer runs outside and thought about where I'd go when I could leave the treadmill.

After graduation I ran with music and that made a huge difference. I just took myself off and imagined myself in the starring role in my own movie! It worked for me as I have a vivid imagination 🙂

My hubby is a real gym bunny and his top tip is to throw a towel over the screen. Personally I always liked to see how far I had run and the distance left but everyone is different so you could try it.

But, as others have said, if you can get outside then go. There's so much to see, hear and smell 🤗

[beckycrich2 in reply to Irishprincess]

thank you xx

[damienair Graduate]

I hate running on the threadmill. Time drags. Running outside is so much better, even in the rain. Sights, smells etc and the runs are far more enjoyable. I never listen to Rap music but love it when I run. Beats seem to match with my foot fall.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

run outdoors, i honestly dont know how anyone can run on a treadmill, it must be so boring? Find somewhere local... see it as an adventure and will tenfold increase the positive mental gains of running too

[Irish-John Graduate]

I record shows from BBC Radio online and have them playing in the background. Either they are so interesting they make the time fly or so boring that they help me "zone out"

[peaplodder]

podcasts, audiobooks and definitely COVER THE DISPLAY !

[Cliff_H Graduate]

I like to run outside and on the treadmill, what keeps me going mentally changes with my mood, usually one of these

- Running music with lots of guilty pleasure songs that I'd never confess to

- listen to LBC and have a bit of chat on the go

- Listen to a conference call, yep I run on the mill while working if I don't have to have much input.

and this is my fave...

- I use it as a form of meditation. I try to focus on my breathing and my body and clear my mind. I find these are my best indoor runs and really help me learn to run relaxed...

I am also one to watch the treadmill clocks though so my current motivator of choice is to run for the full hour so the treadmill switches off but to use interval training to increase the distance.