Good morning loves,
I am happy to report that I’ve learned yet another invaluable lesson during my 7 km run yesterday. But before I jump to that, here is my Week 6 training schedule of half-marathon training:
Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 30-40 minutes of cross training: HIIT
Wednesday – 4 miles + kettlebell toning
Thursday – 40-50 minutes of cross training: booty + cardio
Friday – rest day
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day
*Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5*
So a very interesting thing happened to me yesterday. You may or may not have read my previous post on how running makes us happy, but happiness makes us better runners. I tried my very best to be positive about the run, but it was such a struggle. Nothing hurt, but I had a full blown mental battle with myself, despite trying to keep my chin up and think happy thoughts. So what happened, you say?
I think the best way to put it is: I got caught in a web of self-doubt.
You see, it’s been a very long time since I ran a distance of 10 km and more (apart from Week 3 and 4 of my training). My runs got much shorter since I got pregnant in fall 2014. Something happened to my bladder throughout my pregnancy and I could barely stay on a treadmill for 15-20 minutes before dashing to a ladies room. *Pregger problems! Haha!*
For some strange reason, something snapped when I saw that this week’s long run is a grand total of 8 miles. Toxic thoughts invaded my mind. I mean, I’m training for a half, so this distance is definitely not a surprise. I ran much longer distances in the past. But all of a sudden I got intimidated and mental games began. As I was running, all I kept thinking about was how am I gonna do that long run. And as many of you know, it is not a good place for any runner or any fitness enthusiast for that matter to question their own abilities.
Good news, it is reversible! *Haha!*
It is so sooooo important to focus on one workout at a time and not to get too much ahead of ourselves. Just like in our daily lives, in order to be efficient and not to get overwhelmed, we must prioritize our to-do list. First things first. The same goes for running. Not only our ‘present’ workout will be more effective, but also there is absolutely no reason why we should psych ourselves out of the challenge that lies ahead. Tackle it one day, one workout at a time.
Has ever self-doubt affected your workouts? How do you avoid psyching yourself out before a long run?
Missed some of my most recent posts that created great discussions among my fellow bloggers? Here is your chance to catch up:
- How Running Makes Us Happy, But Happiness Makes Us Better Runners
- Running Wisdom: be kind, be YOU, your health journey is what YOU make of it.
- Should You Run With Or Without Music? Chime in the ongoing conversation!
- 5 Running Must Haves: What are your running necessities?
- 5 Pieces of Advice You Need for Your First Half Marathon from Coach Suz: Do you have any advice to share with new runners?
- How Yoga Has Helped My Running Game: Any other runner-yogis out there?
- Running With a Dog: From bare basics to a training plan for your four-legged friend to spring into action.
PS. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
xoxo
Olena
candies & crunches 
Oh this is so me right now! I look for every excuse and have mental battles again and again! I just finished a 1/2 marathon last week so I gave myself a break but now it’s time to get in gear! Glad I’m not alone! 🙂
Oh, can’t wait to had to your blog to check it out! Unfortunately, this happens even to the best of us. I feel, if we can simply recognize these thoughts, we’re on the right track, pun intended 😀
Agreed!! Half our mental and physical battles would disappear if we would just stop with the over-thinking of ‘I can’t’. Reminds of a funny and favorite quote:
“Just because you are trash, doesn’t mean you can’t do great things. It’s called Garbage Can, not Garbage Cannot”.
Haha! Love it!
You are right, one day at a time. That’s what I plan on doing. Woke up feeling better this morning and getting ready to attack this road (yay me).
Yay! Glad you have a better mindset today. Go out and have fun!
This is a struggle for me often! It’s so hard sometimes to not self-sabotage a run before you even get out the door. One day at a time is great advice. Little steps. On days like this I use the 10 minute rule. All I have to do is run for 10 minutes. If I’m not feeling it then I can pack up and head home. 99.9% of the time I feel great after 10 minutes and keep going.
Thank you for sharing this advice! I love the concept. As they say, the first mile is often the hardest!
One step at a time, lady. One step at a time! Just like one day at a time. I tell every one of my trainees and clients to trust the process, and part of the process is that you have to take the bad with the good.
Note taken, coach! ❤ xoxo
I’m training right now for the full marathon, and I experienced the same thing. Once on my long run (28k) i had a steep uphill on the way back home, and I was already so tired mentally ( and physically), so I started crying. I cried there for 5 minutes, pulled myself together and continue the run. I think without those challenge andd occasional breakdown, we won’t get better and stronger physically and mentally.
Oh no! I’m so happy though that you were able to recover. Those tough runs definitely make us stronger. This is such a great perspective!
Great timing. I’m soon going to receive a prepared training plan and the thought of 5 months is too much. Need to focus day to day instead.
Thank you, Russ! What’s the next adventure?
The big adventure will be a 200 mile run over 7 days for charity this fall.
Wow! That’s amazing. Good luck!
Great post and very needed as I prepare for marathon training with another half marathon before and many, many long training runs. 🙂
You’ll rock it, Christine! ❤
Great job tackling your long 8 miles. Sometimes runs can sound so overwhelming but there is always a sense of accomplishment when finished.
Definitely!
Thank you for sharing! The quotes you shared are so inspirational! I ran two half marathons and I believe that the little successes each day, truly do add up to a huge accomplishment!
Thank YOU for stopping by!
My favorite mantra is “run the mile you’re in.” 🙂 Great lessons learned, lady!