Breathe

Many people who run can attest to having random thoughts go through their minds on most of their workouts and runs. Sometimes, you just put yourself in auto pilot as your cruising along listening, or half listening in my case, to podcasts, music, or audiobooks. Most of running is a mental war that goes on within ourselves to quit, give in, and throw the towel in. Mental toughness is such a hard discipline to stick to with running. Especially, when you just are not feeling it that day. Below is just a sample of the random thoughts that come as quickly as they go while I am out for a run.

Breathe.

This sucks.

I think I will do just a mile.

No, you can do two. Push yourself.

Why are the cracks on the sidewalk uneven?

"Don't step on a crack or you'll break your momma's back!"

Mom I miss her. She has been gone for almost 13 years.

Look a bird. It's dying. Ugh, maybe I should help it?

No, it's dead now.

Breathe.

I want to go home and EAT! Broccoli and cheese soup that I made is going to be so good!

Breathe.

How much have I ran? Crap, only one mile.

Oh look! There are those nice people who wave and smile at me every time I run.

Breathe.

My legs are heavy now. Maybe I will stop at 1.5 miles. No, you need to do 2. That was your goal. I wonder if I need more macros and calories in my diet today since I am running? I will ask my running coach on Monday.

Breathe.

Bugs, I hate bugs. Ouch, dang, I just got bit. Well, add that to all my mosquito bites. Fantastic!

Breathe.

I am really sweaty. It is hot. Where did that water come from? Is it raining? Dummy, that was your sweat.

Breathe.

As much as kids spend their parent's money I bet I could find some lying on the ground around here.

Is that money? Nope, a sock.

Breathe.

Is that money. Nope, another sock! What is with people losing socks on the road?

Breathe.

Almost there, right? It is really hot and I am breathing really fast. Yes! Only one-tenth of a mile left. Dont speed up. Don't vomit. Don't vomit. Oh, please do not vomit!

Breathe, slow your breathing. Walk, keep moving. Hands above your head now. Wow, I feel better now! I think I will walk a couple miles before dark.

Breathe.

Some people cannot even run a mile and I just ran 2 and walked 3. I am so blessed.

Why are the cracks on the sidewalk uneven?

As you can tell my mental toughness is at a low here in this particular run even with attempts to distract myself. Even though I find myself comical with how random my thoughts are I have to take something away from all of this. My mental toughness needs work! I wanted to quit . I tried to convince myself that I did not need to run any further. I could just take the easy way out and quit, but that is not who I am. I do not think that is who YOU are either as a runner. You can do the run. You can be mentally tough. You can complete the run and feel accomplished. Feeling of accomplishment in meeting your goals is what we need to remember as runners. Remembering that you have accomplished workouts when you really did not want to even start the run can help motivate us to push ourselves out the door for each run. Be tough, be smart, and go run!