Mind over matter

[Leah-stone]

I know it’s all in my mind, but I’m really struggling to keep running. I know I have the stamina as I’ve been running for just over 3 months and I’m doing 2.5-3 Miles on each run. However on every run lately I’m having to stop but not because I’m particularly out of breath, I just can’t seem to get my mind to switch off and just keep going. I’m having a constant battle in my head on each run and then feel disappointed when I stop! Feel a bit stuck In a rut, has anyone got any tips to beat a stubborn mind! 😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Go and run somewhere beautiful and inspiring, without music or distractions, forgetting about pace and distance and just run because you can.

You might also be in need of a break, which is recommended for every runner every few months.

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

When I feel like you do I sometimes tell myself that perhaps today I’ll just do a quick (well slow) 10 min run just to keep up the habit . This serves 2 purposes, 1. If I stop at 10 mins that is not a fail because it was my intention anyway, 2. I overachieve if I do any more than 10 mins which feels so much more positive than struggling to complete 30 mins.

I have a multitude of mind games.... collecting a smile a minute from people I pass is a favourite .

A change of route always helps too as my natural navigation system is so rubbish my mind becomes preoccupied with not getting lost

[Hidden]

As they say a change is as good as a rest. But a rest can be even better for you.

Mix things up if you don’t listen to music try it. If you do and listen to pop, try classical, or podcasts.

Change your route, your time of day. Choose a venue locally that you love and run there.

Compose poems like Oldfloss or new song lyrics like my running friend Razouski or IannodaTruffe .s wonderful running reports full of life, observations, and nature.

[PamJ58 Graduate]

When I went through a phase of not being able to keep going (same as you, the problem was in my mind rather than stamina) I went back to the C25K podcasts. I did one run from each week until I was back to running continuously. It helped to be able to "succeed" at a run rather than being disappointed with myself. I have been fine since then. Good luck !