Why do we put ourselves down?

[lexi6]

It doesn’t seem to matter where we are on this programme, but when a run doesn’t quite go to plan we immediately start beating ourselves up, admonishing ourselves for not being fast or stong enough, then self doubt doesn’t just creep in but crashes in like a tsunami, if anyone spoke to us, like we talk to ourselves, we’d want to punch their lights out/tell them the error of their ways or just tell them to ——- off.

I had a “fail” run today, after graduating last month I’ve felt really clever keeping up with 3 runs a week, running several 5kms and so started ju ju’s 10km plan. Today was supposed to be my 4km run. I am still having difficulties in finding the right music/playlist and today was no different, set my distance for 4 km, started runkeeper (hark at you Lexi technophobe) got to 1.8km and with trying to juggle phone and i pod, i pod turned off accidentally, so (expletives deleted) decided I would try and guess the distance and carry on running, but it was so cold and very windy (Wellington windy, read hang on to lamposts windy) and in the end gave up, hot shower, lunch and feeling like crap looked at my runkeeper- 3.50km, not the desired 4.00km but how is that a fail? Sory this is long winded, but we all are off the couch, yes struggling at times, breathless, sore, but determined. We can do this. Give it heaps everyone.

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

I know what you mean Lexi.

Here’s a little positive mental attitude saying that’s easy to say but harder to feel: today wasn’t a failure, just another step towards success.

I know it’s a cliche- please don’t hate me! Good luck! You can do it! 😀

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to _SimonT_]

Thanks buddy

[dayhayward]

Your right, I’m worried that my knees are still a bit achey and it might hold me back tonight but now if it does I’ll think about your post , many thanks 👍

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to dayhayward]

Go well tonight. You’ll do it

[Decker]

You are right Lexi. It is something everyone does to some extent. And everyone has bad runs that we wish we could take back. And I think its ok to feel bad about it at the time, but not to let it change your behaviour about continuing with your next run. Because the next one is usually a good one. The run habit is much more important than the individual run if that makes sense?

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Decker]

It sure does, in the scheme of things it doesn’t really matter. I don’t think I can think of a future without running now, I’m sure I have a few more “bad” runs to come, but will Have to woman up and learn to accept them. Thanks Decker.

[Decker in reply to lexi6]

Yep, now go and smash the next one! 👊

[limberlou Graduate]

I know just what you mean - I did the same with my graduation run- I still managed to complete the 30 min run but not as easily as the previous two runs and was disappointed with myself. Too critical that’s my trouble.

But I’m looking forward to my next run and you will too. We are runners now and there’s no stopping us 😁

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to limberlou]

Thank you. Isn’t it thrilling when we can say we are now runners who’d have thought? You’re right we just need to stop being critical of ourselves and just acknowledge we’re bloomin fabulous!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Early on my journey here someone posted a reply to a “failed run” post by someone else, observing the only failed run is the one you don’t get off the couch for. I’ve taken that to heart and I’ve learned from every difficult run since.

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

That is something I’m now going to take board. Here’s to the next fail/success. Cheers Jay

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Posted about this so,so, so many times...still true..well done you!

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF still not too old to heed sage advice.

[sallenson Graduate]

Hey lovely. We're human eh? We have good days. We have not so good ones. Sometimes everything's great. Sometimes not so good. Why should the runs be any different? We don't really learn big important stuff about ourselves when things go right. We learn when they're not so right.

Having a bad run doesn't make me a bad person. (I'm that already :-)) Just getting out of the house and running around for a bit makes me a better person. We all have unreasonable expectations of ourselves I guess.

Only real answer is to plod along, don't give up, don't beat yourself up. Every step taken is a success. Hold onto that bit...

[lexi6 Graduate in reply to sallenson]

Another piece of sage advice thank you, it feels so good getting out, having left the couch, the dog’s got my spot now. Out in the fresh air does wonders eh? Looking forward to your next run, what I really mean is your next post. You must have been a philospher/poet/comedian in a past life too.