Am I thinking too much whilst jogging? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,089 members159,459 posts

Am I thinking too much whilst jogging?

Joggahhh profile image
10 Replies

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.

Written by
Joggahhh profile image
Joggahhh
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

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 profile image
Joggahhh in reply toRoxdog

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 profile image
RoxdogGraduate in reply toJoggahhh

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!

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 profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

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 profile image
Joggahhh in reply toIannodaTruffe

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 profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate

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 profile image
Joggahhh in reply toYesletsgo

Thank you! Will try those. 😁

Poppdog profile image
PoppdogGraduate

Try audio books it works for me.

Joggahhh profile image
Joggahhh in reply toPoppdog

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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Am I expecting too much

I'm a 65 year old male. I've been running now for nearly a year, I started the Couch to 5k...
former-couch-potato profile image
Graduate

Am I running too fast

A fairly new person to running so had some questions about pacing. I'm doing the C25K after having...

Am I too unfit to do this?

Completed first run today. Was quite shocked by my pounding heart which took quite a while to calm...
Mallory56 profile image

Am I too old to start again?

Hello, I'm new here. I've attempted running several times, always aware that I look like I'm having...
Chrysanthemum profile image
Graduate

Is 'Maximum Effort' too much?

I'm using a cheap fitness tracker and take a screenshot of my stats after each run. I've read...
Yesletsgo profile image
Administrator

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.