How to motivate yourself to run further

Keep on Running

Keith has been a runner for 22 years, whilst I have clocked up a mere 11 years in comparison. When I decided to vanquish my arch nemesis Dorito Girl in 1999, out running her was the only option.  Up until that point, I had kept fit through dance classes, callantetics, aerobics and tennis. Running was therefore new to me. With Keith beside me as my crutch, I set out confidently in my Tammy Girl "fashion" trainers. After a minute of running I was on the verge of tears. I stopped, stuck my bottom lip out, turned to Keith with a forlorn look on my face and whimpered "am I doing it right?"

Of course I was, but I hadn't realised how challenging running was.

We have friends who have hit mental and physical barriers when they run. I have shared my tips on how to get past the mental mileage.  We now share them with you.

1. Ensure you are equipped to run for longer distances. When you run, you must protect your knees and that involves investing in a pair of quality trainers. Also buy some thicker trainer sports socks to prevent blisters on your feet and use Vaseline to prevent chaffing (on those specials bits)
2. Enter a race. Runners World lists races across the UK. If 6 miles is your mental block, a 9 mile race maybe what you need to lift the veil.
3. Run with someone who is willing to train with you and at your pace.
4. We sincerely believe running is 80% mental and 20% stamina. There is a voice in your head which you have to learn to ignore. You know the one; it's the one telling you to stop. Tell it to s*d off.
5. When you hear that voice, don't stop. Slow your pace down, concentrate on your breathing and keep going.
6. If you use an iPod, choose good running music. At the mileage or time which is your Achilles heel have your favourite track come on.
7. That said, don't get distracted by the pace of the music, whilst you are overcoming the mental barrier, keep your pace even.
8. If you are running in a gym on a machine, cover up the console with a towel. It is constantly cementing that mental block.
9. Build up your fitness elsewhere. A spin class is a good way for example. It will use other less worked muscles like your quadriceps and glutes. These will help support your hamstrings.  Most importantly, you also are less likely to walk out of a class.
10. Stretching is very important in conditioning your muscles, preventing injury and strengthening.  Always stretch as part of your cool down.

As stated in previous blog posts we are not fitness instructors, just two happy runners!

Comments

[Running Blog]

Nice tips! I especially like the one about covering up the console on the treadmill. I always try not to look at the console for as long as possible as otherwise I tend to clock watch which is completely destroys my motivation!

[rogelio]

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