I've been working hard in preparing my mind and body for the race. I've discovered what lots of runners already know and it a secret no one tells beginner runners: one of the greatest challenge of running is keeping one's mind occupied during the event. Sure, 3 miles goes by in a bit more than a flash, but anything longer than that, and it really helps to have something solid to think on, i.e., world peace or how to be truly satisfied with only 1250 calories per day. All joking aside, it really boils down to quite the mind game or mind trip, however you prefer to call it.
It is truly harder for me to push myself mentally into that sixth mile than it is to convince my cranky hip flexors that they can handle the pressure. For you experienced road runners out there, what tips can you share with me on keeping my mind occupied during longer runs?
Tonight I will run five miles to further prepare myself. My longest run to date is 5.5 miles, so the 6.2 miles on Saturday will be a nice challenge for me. The weather is supposed to be cooperative (no rain please!!), so that should make it pleasant.
My only goal is to run to finish - I'm not out to set any time records, not that I could even if I wanted to.
Keep on runnin' yall!
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Gratitude Journal
1. Running keeps me healthy and happy
1 comment:
Things that help keep my mind occupied....Sometimes I write blog postings in my head - wording and re-wording them. Other times I try to think about all the things/or people I'm grateful for - I think about things that could be worse than what I'm doing at the moment. I also sometimes recite quotes to myself to help motivate me....I think the mental part of running might be harder than the actual running :) Congrats on working so hard!
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