This is so, so true. I can be on the elliptical, feeling fine, but I see how far I've got to go and I just want to give up. It really helps me to - and I know this sounds silly - keep track of the minutes in percentages. So, I'll be running, get to 6 minutes, and think You're 20% done! Ha! I keep going with that until it's over. I used to cover up the clock, but that only discouraged me because I would eventually peak and be devastated that only 7 minutes, or whatever, had passed.
Haha! What I have to do for anything that's gonna last longer than 15minutes is just make sure I am in no way aware of how long I have been going and still need to go. And then it flies by. On the elliptical that means just putting it on TV mode and not touched the screen. Before I know it, it's over. Not knowing means I can tell myself I am almost there. Could be any second now. So much easier.
As for running - I just started so I am really uncoordinated so I basically just focus on that. What to do with my arms and my legs. How to breath. And not on the time. This guy on my mp3 player will tell me when I can stop for a walk. I am doing c25k, so that's really nice. The Voice tries to be motivational also with stuff like "halfway, you are doing great" but all I can think then is "yeh yeh, you are sayign that to a gazillion people, you don't know wether I am even running." LOL
Also.. I love Britney Spears for work out music. Some of her songs are so inspiring. Like Leather and Lace... Gimme More...I love to imagine myself as the lead in what I imagine the videos are. Lean and sexy!
This is my secret too!! I focus on the lyrics and the beat and before I know it, I'm done. There's just something about her songs that works for me. Circus and I Wanna Go are a couple of my faves.
I do a lot of group running. The groups I run with usually involve some very in shape people and some people in not so good shape. Those of us in better shape are responsible for setting an appropriate pace so that the entire group stays in formation.
Whenever I feel myself getting tired, or reaching some kind of "tipping point" I wonder what kind of example it would set for the others in the group. If someone in a leadership position decides to stop, then the people who might really get something out of pushing through the pain are getting robbed. This is what keeps me going.
I've found it damn near impossible to keep up my motivation the past few runs. Running shorter, running slower, turning around earlier, slowing down on the treadmill. I'm in a funk and I need to get out of it! Thanks for the tips.
I've found it damn near impossible to keep up my motivation the past few runs. Running shorter, running slower, turning around earlier, slowing down on the treadmill. I'm in a funk and I need to get out of it! Thanks for the tips.
when I hit those slumps thats when the self taught mantras will help you! Just keep going!
I just keep telling myself that the runner's high is behind that 'wall' I need to break through. If I can just get through the last 1 or 2km of my 5km run then it is totally worth the struggle. I find some power songs and keep 'em on repeat until I get past the hump.
Music is generally what keeps me going. I tend to choose quite agressive music - something with a fast tempo and an angry beat that I can grit my teeth to! Most of my runs are sponsored by Metallica, Rage Against The Machine and some heavy drum & bass
When the going really gets tough I tell myself "all you're doing is putting one foot in front of the other, it's as easy as that, just put one foot in front of the other". That usually helps put the whole ordeal into perspective.
When I first started doing my walking/running intervals, it was hard to get myself out there, so I came up with something that worked. Now, however, I just enjoy "Bonding" with nature, so that's my reason for going outside. Burning calories is a bonus. Anyway, here's "paraphrasing" what I would tell myself.
Running will give you the endurance to make every day tasks easier.
Running will strengthen your lung capacity, thus making you a better singer.
Running will clear your mind, thus making you a better writer.
Running will increase your muscle, thus making you strong, which will enable you to pursue the athletic things you've always wanted to do.
Pretty much I placed my exercise right next to the things I either really wanted to do, or wanted to get better at, and it made me want to exercise.
I used to mentally yell at the people who looked down on me for being fat but now I just enjoy my music and keep telling myself what a great job I'm doing. I even think about the clothes I want to buy or the events I'll be looking hot at because of the hard work I'm doing. Sometimes, if I'm in a sulky mood I tell myself that the training I'm doing is helping tell my mind to treat my body better when I'm thinking food.
I hate running, because it is so boring, but it is the most efficient way to exercise. The last thing I want to do is concentrate my burning muscles and lungs. A couple of things works for me while I am running.
1) fast paced dance music
2) sometimes having a mental image of what you will look like when you have achieved your goals helps
3) day dream about anything that motivates you
I feel as though I probably don't need as much motivation to go running these days (as I'm just coming back from injury I'm busting to get back out there!) but the last gentle run I did I found PodRunner podcasts to be very helpful keeping my cadence on track and my mind clear. It's a nice change from my usual playlist.
fitmom - You definately need to do what makes you comfortable. I just wanted to interject that I am quite possibly the worlds most uncoordinated person and I run fine with ear buds. I live in a high traffic suburban area. I just stay on the side of the road, try to pick back roads and am sure to look twice when crossing streets. At times I need to jog in place for a few seconds if a car is comming but it's really not bad at all.
I don't know how old you are or if you are married or have kids BUT I'm old (see my siggie, lol) and have a DH and two kids. That being said, I promised all of them that I'd always stay safe so I don't run with ear buds. Everyone's different. I feel very vulnerable if I'm not completely aware at all times. I run on main roads against traffic too. Each to their own...whatever works for you.
I like to listen to this band called Sleigh Bells while running. Their music features lots of bass and hard hitting drums and aggressive guitars, makes me feel like I'm on a mission =D !!!
