Flailing

[GoGo_JoJo]

I don't know if this will help anyone but thought it was worth sharing.

Sometimes part way through a run I'll feel like I'm running out of steam and just can't do it. My legs seem to be out of sync, my feet are flapping, my breathing is a mess, my chest wants to explode.

Each and every time I get this it's usually because my mental focus has drifted to either something negative (can't do it thoughts) or stressful.

As soon as I realise what is happening I now know that if I "just" (haha) bring into focus the now;

bring my breathing under control, focus on my footfall,

feeling my legs lengthen forward with each stride and touch down,

holding my head high, dropping my shoulders (which have usually climbed to my ears)

if necessary counting 1,2,3,4 with the music then I'm back.

It all comes back into place. The flailing stops and once again I'm flying.

Happy running everyone. Keep flying! 🏃‍♀️👍🤸‍♀️

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

So true, as soon as I start to struggle my shoulders are round my ears, take them back down and instantly I start to feel better. Thanks for sharing.

[Sussexmalc]

Yes I agree. I sometimes start thinking of the next incline (mountain) then I get myself to to think now, this step, this moment. It works for me...

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Happens to me every single run. Great advice there.

[l3grj]

I’m just the same although I try to keep focussed for another reason as well, I run down the middle of single track country roads because they are so cambered, of course I’m for ever looking over my shoulder.

I probably only see two cars but needless to say I can’t hear them coming🎧😝

[misswobble Graduate]

Haul yourself up as you slump,when you tire. I stop and let my breathing return to normal and then run on

Run tall if you feel yourself sagging 😃

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I think I mentally whinge to myself until the halfway point, then I’m ok 😂

[Hidden]

I think we've all experienced what you just explained. It's amazing how afew positive thoughts can get you back on track.

[Beccy8348E]

Shoulders is one for me!! Loosen the shoulders and relax more, it’s the tension building up and with the tension comes negative doubts.

I did the same today, dropped the shoulders and instantly felt better.

Great post, thank you

[SandieF Graduate]

It’s those 1st 10 minutes that I struggle with mostly. Thoughts like ‘maybe today is the day I give in’. After that I can bring myself back with positive thoughts. It is amazing how powerful the mind is isn’t it! And yes, posture!

[Jennypenny2]

I find upbeat music helps a lot.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Jennypenny2]

Definitely. If I'm really flagging I'll skip a tune to see if something that really drives me on is on next!👍😁

[Hidden]

That's really helpful- thank u. The other thing that helps me is Iannodatruffe's advice - or actually- Sallenson's interpretation of it - are you dead? No- are you in agony? No - then suck it up buttercup & keep on running. Works for me every time. 😂