Yesterday, I went for what was supposed to be an easy, 5km run to get my legs ready for the 18km I have on my training plan for this weekend. The weather was cool and overcast with no wind. I like these running days (truthfully, I like the sun to be shining but at least on the gray days, my shoes look extra bright and pretty!)
I set out mid-morning and felt like I was running for the first time in a year. Within 5 minutes I was huffing and puffing and wanting to walk. My legs felt good but I was out of breath. I thought I might be going too fast but I was keeping a fairly normal pace for me.
At my turn-around point I was exhausted. I really needed a boost that no energy bar, chew or even my precious Nuun could provide. I needed that voice inside my head telling me to keep pushing, that I was strong and that I had this run conquered. If you’ve ever struggled through a run, you know the voice I’m talking about. I kept repeating positive messages to myself and before I knew it, I was charging up the path to the pedestrian bridge and crossing my 5k “finish line”. I must have looked ridiculous but I celebrated this run!
Rocking out my running gear. I’m sexy and I know it 
5k Proof!
What I’m learning through this training cycle is that the short runs can be just as hard, if not harder than the long runs. I’m learning that staying positive and repeating positive messages to myself does indeed help, even if I don’t believe it at first (my psychology of sport professor really did know what he was talking about!). I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of celebrating each and every run, especially the tough ones. It’s all part of the training, both mental and physical.
What words or phrases do you tell yourself when you need a mental boost to get through a tough workout?
Usually I remind myself of the struggles I’ve seen other people get through to make my little struggle look like peanuts. I also have little mantras that I repeat over and over to strengthen mind over matter.
For someone huffing and puffing you had an awesome time! Way to go!!
You look great, way to push through! I always feel the most proud after a tough run!
the short runs can be totally hard because they are usually a recovery from another run. And you’re right it’s totally ok! If you think of them as a different kind of training…they are the mental moments that will get you to the finish line!
Great attitude… as my milage gets higher, I’m realizing that the shorter runs are tougher. I think it takes a few miles to feel “warmed up” and for your body to say “okay, we are doing this.”
Keep training strong.
I tell myself that I CAN DO THIS…turning those negative thoughts into positive/motivational ones ALWAYS help!
Definitely agree with you that short runs can be just as hard as their counterparts. Obviously day to day you may have more difficulty then others, both physically and mentally. Everyone has different motivations, but for me it’s usually that feeling of accountability where I have to do this, because i have the ability to. If you’re healthy and can be active and do the things you love, then why not push yourself as hard as you can, try to better yourself even further and reach your potential as a person. Thanks & great post.
Agree, agree, agree and…yep…agree!