How do you take your mind off.....

[susiepoo22]

your running. When I think about what I’m doing I struggle then I can’t take my mind off it. I listen to music and I’m doing this on a treadmill. Any tips please? 😁🏃‍♀️

[Sarigne Graduate]

Are you in a situation where you can watch a tablet? I have a treadmill at home, so I've rigged up a shelf in front of it at eye height and I put my tablet on that, then while I run I watch YouTube videos of virtual runs in interesting places, on silent, while listening to my normal music. It really helps with treadmill boredom. Last week I was virtually running in the Grand Canyon, the week before around Hawaii I know I'm still thinking about running, but it's a different kind of thinking. 'Oooh, which way are we going to go at this fork?' 'Those people need to get out of the way....' 'What a gorgeous view...'

[susiepoo22 in reply to Sarigne]

Thanks Satigne for the reply the treadmills at the gym have virtual screens but you have to look down to watch. I will have to try to stop my mind wondering. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Hawaii!

[Sarigne Graduate in reply to susiepoo22]

Ah, shame. Some people seem to have great success with podcasts and audiobooks as a way to distract?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Try running outdoors..............fresh air, vitamin D, everchanging environment and stimulation for all your senses.

I always think hamsters look bored too..........

[susiepoo22 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks I get the fresh air etc when I walk the dog. Even when I run outside I still think about running. Just need to distract myself somehow. 😁

[Nater85 Graduate]

Can you run outside? I find that helps. A lot of time I think about work when running and that passes a lot of time! I use it as planning time and just let thoughts roll around!

If I think about running I talk myself out of running and then stop!! X

[Agentmay Graduate]

I use audiobooks on a treadmill if I can't watch tv. They're great for taking your mind off your running and the book pauses during the app while the trainer talks then starts up again.

[TinyRunner Graduate]

I found the same thing to start with, although do only run outside. My mind would be telling my legs to stop unless I distracted myself. A great playlist helps (although air-drumming does bring a few odd looks!) but due to this forum I've just started running with spoken word podcasts as an alternative to music and they are a revelation! I listened to a Standard Issue podcast and the Radio 4 Friday Night Comedy podcast and I can honestly say that I ran without even thinking about what I was doing, even laughing out loud at times ("Mum, why is the wierd drumming lady now laughing like a lunatic as she runs?") It may be worth a try! (The podcasts, not the weird laughing/drumming thing!)

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

I’m not sure what I’d recommend would work on a treadmill. But as others have said - run outside & run slowly! I run using the Japanese slow jogging technique

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

It’s low impact and a very enjoyable way to run. I love this style of running and it really helped me as the durations increased. Hope it helps.

[susiepoo22]

Thanks everyone, going to the gym works for me and it makes me more disciplined. When I run outside I make excuses not to go as It’s too similar to walking the dog. Stupid I know but I’m going with what works. Thanks for your suggestions I’m going to try podcasts. 😁

[JaoJao]

Music for me!

[mrrun Graduate]

Outdoors, occasional music and thinking.

[TuxCatLady Graduate]

I used to listen to music but over the last couple of weeks I've switched to podcasts and audiobooks. I find them much more distracting and I don't think about my legs nearly as much! The podbean app is worth checking out.

[susiepoo22 in reply to TuxCatLady]

Great thanks I’ll have a look.

[Biddy62 Graduate]

Podcasts!

Try ‘Free Weekly Timed’ all about Parkrun - you may get tempted! 😜

Or BBC Sounds especially radio 4. So much variety. Plus they recently had 2 episodes of the ‘Food program ‘ all about nutrition for runners.

Hope you find what you need 😊

[susiepoo22 in reply to Biddy62]

Thank you. 👍🏻