Tips to help you get through low points in your run

You are out running your long run and those negative thoughts enter your head. You know the ones

“what are you doing, you aren’t a runner.”

or

“you can’t do this, what are you thinking”.

Every runner at some stage of their running life has had these negative thoughts.

So what do you do when you have them?

Here are my 5 top tips to rid of those thoughts.

Photo by Thought Catalog from Pexels

1. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend

How would you talk to your best friend when they are feeling down and depressed? Would you tell them that they couldn’t do it, or they are a failure? Of course not. So why would we tell ourselves that.

Start talking to yourself like you were your best friend. Things like:

“you can do this, you are strong, you are capable, and I’m so proud of you no matter what”.

These types of positive words will help reset your mind and keep you going.

2. Run the kilometre that you are in

Is easy to be caught up and get overwhelmed by the distance you are running.

Instead focus on the kilometre that you are in.

Only 8km into a marathon? That’s ok, focus on just that 1km, and nothing else.

3. Count, then count again

Counting for me is a reset. It keeps me focus on one thing. The numbers.

I’ll either count according to my breathing or my steps.

If I loose count, as it does happen, then I start again.

4. Make it a game

Games are fun, and they pass the time.

The beauty of a game is anything goes.

You could play a game of fartlek. I’ll run to that tree, then walk up that hill.

Of you could play a trivia game, or make up a scavenger hunt.

5. Listen to your favourite music

Music is always a great motivator, and it’s always my last choice.

So hit play on your favourite tunes, have a dance party and get into the zone.

Here is my Run Mi Best Playlist, which I update regularly (by either adding or removing songs).

Click to view playlist

All these tips are a form of distraction. They are designed to keep you focused and to stay positive.

Do you have any tips or techniques that work for you? Let me know, I’d love to test them out.

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