Avoid New Running Mental Mistakes
By Rachel Carver
Though running is a high-intensity workout, it is a great way to burn calories. Running can also increase energy and improve mood.
Running does challenge the body physically. Experienced runners also know that this workout also gives you mental challenges. They use their experience and knowledge to overcome physical and mental challenges they face.
But new runners are more likely to become overwhelmed by mental obstacles. Read on for some common mental running mistakes and how to avoid them as you begin your running program.
Rushing Your Goals
You are excited. You want to prepare for that 5K or to increase your overall distance. Rushing through things to get to where we want to go is in our DNA.
You will quickly see improvement in the first couple of months. You will start to run longer and walk less. You'll want to increase your distance. But it is common to improve, then plateau. This cycle will repeat many times.
Here's how to overcome this mental obstacle:
- Set short-term goals that show your progress along the way
- Use short-term goals to build your long-term goal
Being able to run a marathon will take time. It is a journey, not a sprint.
Relying on Just Motivation
The excitement of starting something new gives you lots of motivation. But weather combined with work and family obligations test that motivation. This might lead to missing days or even weeks of workouts.
Instead, rely on strategies. You make progress on anything by working hard and being disciplined. If running is important to you, it needs to be prioritized into your schedule. Whether you run before work or in the evening, you need a dedicated time and strategy that will help you keep going once the glamor wears off.
Comparing Yourself to Others
This one is easier said than done. Social media almost always shows us someone running faster than you. However, it is likely other runners are in the same boat, dealing with similar struggles and challenges.
Running is not about comparing yourself to others. It's about putting in your best effort each time you run. It's about fighting the negative voices in your head telling you to quit or that you're not good enough.
To overcome this, focus on your own goals. How you feel while running also plays a part. Maybe your endurance increases as time passes. Maybe you run a little farther before you stop after a couple of weeks. Celebrate the small wins that help you accomplish your goals.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aventura, Fla.