One thing that I have learned since I started running, is that it is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one.  When I described in a previous post about those days where I would struggle to complete my workout compared to the days where my workout was a breeze, I didn’t realize what the differences between those days were.  I had thought it had to do with my physical ability and possibly soreness from previous workouts.  My new experiences have shown me something completely different.

I still have the days where I struggle to run.  I now know that the reason why is that I am not mentally in the game.  In order for my runs to be “easy” and “a breeze“, I have to be in the right frame of mind, otherwise my eyes are glued to the timer on the treadmill and I am miserable. 

One post that really helped me come up with some mental strategies for staying in the game, is Thankful for 13.2 Miles of Road, from Workout Mommy.  In it she discusses the importance of staying positive during the run and having a list of things to think about for each mile:

Since running is mostly a mental game, I came up with a list of things I will think about during all of those miles. I figure if I can keep my mind occupied with positive thoughts then I won’t even have time to think anything negative.

That is what I am learning to do during my runs now.  When I am lost in my thoughts and focusing on my goals, plans, future blog posts, decorating ideas for my home, how fast my little girl is growing up, how awesome my husband is, etc., then my head is actually in “the zone” and the run doesn’t even faze me.  When I am thinking negative thoughts or am just having a crappy morning, my head is not nearly as focused and the run drags on.

One article I found on the UK’s ivillage website gives a fabulous description of the mental aspects of running from a new runner’s perspective.  I especially enjoyed the third page of the article where they offer advice on overcoming negative thoughts and having a good mental plan before a big run. 

I find it interesting that I used to think most of my training for the Bele Chere 5k in July was going to be physical.  I thought that 3 months might be enough time to train myself to run 3.1 miles.  Boy was I wrong.  I was able to run 3 miles last week… and now I’m finding that the bulk of my training is going to be mental.  Surprise! 

I find it exciting to be tossed this slight curve ball.  I mean, who can’t use a little mental training and stronger focusing skills?  This is just another aspect of myself in which I get to improve on.  Plus, the thoughts that linger in my head while I am running are often the ones that lead to me writing my favorite blog posts. 

Not a bad thing, not a bad thing at all.