Am I thinking too much whilst jogging?

[Joggahhh]

Whilst I would never have reached week 7 without the greatly-appreciated advice from this forum about conversational pace etc: Am not enjoying the runs so much due to having to think too much! 😊 Making a conscious effort to slow down, get oxygen in and maintain the correct running posture (head up, back straight). I’m wondering how long it will take for conscious effort to no longer be necessary. According to google it can take anything from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit. I suspect, for me, 254 days! Any thoughts / tips would be appreciated.

[Roxdog Graduate]

So well done! Hmmm ..there is overthinking and then concentrating on your running form and sometimes one tips over into the other.I agree that it takes a while for running to become a habit. Even experienced runners have to check in with themselves now and then to make sure their form is good. So doing a 'body scan' is good practice.

As you progress, you might want to think about looking around, concentrating on the birdsong or sounds and smells around you etc to stop the overthinking. It will come and it sounds as though you are doing really well.

[Joggahhh in reply to Roxdog]

Hi Roxdog, your comment on body scanning much appreciated. I didn’t actually use the expression overthinking and perhaps should have used the word concentrating. I preferred my pre-week 6 runs when it seemed almost all about the senses, the physical and nothing mental. Now it’s, say, 50:50. I’d be happy with 75:25.

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Joggahhh]

I understand! I suppose it's about 'learning' to run really and learning anything new takes concentration. I've been running for 2 years and some runs require more concentration than others, still! Certainly something to distract you from doing more than the odd body scan along the way might help. A new route perhaps.My technique is to explore a new path, that usually does the trick!

[Hidden]

I agree with Roxdog Important to check your form every now and then, whilst losing yourself in the process most of the time. I am sure this gets easier over time and with experience. I find that listening to a good book really helps me on long distances. Other times I like music and podcasts. Also, sometimes it is lovely to run mindfully.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

While checking in on form is important, in my opinion to run to your potential you need to be relaxed.

You should not have to think about breathing if you are at an easy conversational pace. So every now and then say this sentence out loud to yourself "Am I going slow enough to enable me to speak this sentence in one out breath?" If you cannot, you are going too fast.

If you cannot breathe, you will not be relaxed. Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

Counterintuitively, it is easy conversational pace running that builds your stamina and endurance, not fast running.

You may find distraction helpful, so that the last things you think about are time and the physicality of running. If music doesn't do it, try podcasts or audiobooks. I used to give myself a running commentary on everything that I could see, hear, feel and smell as I ran, in full florid sentences.

Chill........ .......

[Joggahhh in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Ian. Music is my go to. And, only yesterday, thanks to this forum, I discovered BBC sounds Pacesetter which majorly helped get me in the running rhythm. So maybe I posted unnecessarily as.. I need and enjoy fast-beat music I now realise even though my pace is slow! Lucky if I do 2.5k in 25 minutes but that doesn’t bother me, I want to build stamina and endurance. The tips regarding breathing and pacing have helped enormously - just need to be patient.

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Maybe try some of Nike Run Club's guided runs? Lots of stuff about mindfulness, paying attention to your body and technique as well. Try the Headspace runs, good luck!

[Joggahhh in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank you! Will try those. 😁

[Poppdog Graduate]

Try audio books it works for me.

[Joggahhh in reply to Poppdog]

If you don’t mind me asking: What sort of audiobooks work for you? Right now I’m listening to The Thursday Murder Club read by Lesley Manville but that’s for bedtime. Couldn’t imagine running to Lesley Manville even though she’s a 🤩 narrator. Think I need to hear stomping dance floor anthems. (Why? I’ve rarely gone clubbing ever in my life😂). A number of people on here mention listening to audiobooks whilst running.