Thirty Dayz Of Training for a 5K: Mental Block

The Challenge: 30 Days of Training for a 5K Run

The Goal: Be able to successfully run 5K without stopping or walking.

My Progress: Day 9

So far I have been keeping up with my workouts and my training schedule. Yesterday was a toughy. My training required me to run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, then repeat. It was pretty hot outside when I decided to go for my run, but nevertheless I completed the task. My first 15 minutes of running was pretty solid, SLOW, but no stops. I wish I could say the same for my second 15 minutes. I probably only really ran about 12 minutes all together. I have found that for some reason when I come to what seems like a good stopping point, like the end of the block or a stop sign, or some landmark I want to quit. Every time without fail. For all those runners out there, do you get what I mean? Maybe I am the only one.

Since I began running, I have usually been able to make it about a mile without any stops. But THAT IS IT! After about a mile, I want to stop everytime. It doesn't matter if I am running really well, or if I'm not tired; my brain thinks, this is a good place to stop, you have achieved a reasonable amount of accomplishment and I quit. I say all this, to help you understand that in this last week that has probably been the hardest thing to get over. Running dictated by a timer has made it impossible to let myself just stop at the next 'good stopping point' but rather push myself to run harder, stronger, and farther than I have before. I have had to mentally get over it, although, I must admit I am still working on it. Does anyone else struggle with mental blocks while running? What's yours? Do you also like to stop at the first available sense of accomplishment or do you push yourself to go further? I would love to hear your running stories. Please share in the comments section.

Until Next Time...