Breaking mental barriers while running

[sierralyngray]

I can usually push past physical fatigue while I am running, but I can't get past the mental barriers. My problem is that I get extremely bored and start thinking of all the things I could be doing other than running. I know that there will be people who will say "well just stop doing that" but I can't. I always listen to music, but that rarely works. Right now my breaking point is usually after 30-40 minutes. I really want to get into long distance running. Does anyone have tips about how to not be bored while you're running? 

[Esya]

Maybe schedule the other things you also want to do for other times in the day? That way you know you will get to them. And set a goal of what you want to reach for that specific run.

I just quit a yoga exercise early yesterday mostly for those two reasons.

[shipo]

@sierralyngray, I coach a number of runners on both my company running team as well as with a community running club; I have worked with any number of runners struggling with the same issue as you.  The good news is virtually all of them are able to work through the mental barrier of time/distance by running with a group.  I suggest you look around for a club or running store which organizes group runs in your area and join them for a few.

In my area we have clubs dedicated solely to running, another club who's motto is, "We're a drinking club with a running problem", and a chain of running stores which organize runs, discussions, and has a PT a few times a month for free consultation.

Let us know how you make out.  🙂

[MarciM]

@sierralyngray I too have this problem. I have a very busy work schedule and run in the morning, so often my mind travels to all the things I need to get accomplished during the day and I feel like I need to get started on my task list. A few months back, I decided to stop fighting the need to get work tasks started and took a new approach. Now when I'm on a run or walk in the morning and my mind goes to other tasks I need to get done, I try to be productive by using the voice memo function on my phone. I draft messages to my team and clients, create lists, and record ideas. I find my problem solving skills are heightened when I'm outside and moving, so this is starting to be one of the more productive times in my day, which allows me to stay on my run or walk for a considerably longer amount of time. This is truly a win-win for me. I hope you can find a rhythm that work for you.

[MagsOnTheBeach]

I find there are times I like silence, times I like music, and other times when I would rather use an audiobook.  I have at times used the voice record function on my phone for those weird things that pop in my head, once I note it, I can move on to another brain topic.

[DanielleinDC]

If you get bored, perhaps you could run for 30 minutes and then do some other exercise. You could even work it into your runs--30 minutes of running, 5 or 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises, and then continue running. 

[Pyjamas89]

I like to remind myself of why I decided to start running in the first place. Not because of fitness (well not only about fitness) but because it is the time of the day where it just me the road and my thoughts so why use the only alone time I have worrying about other things. I get this doesn't work for everyone but it helps me. 

[emili]

I guess I am going to go in the complete opposite direction.. why are you doing something that you don't enjoy? I am in the same boat. I dislike running and I too get so bored and tired and I rather be doing something - anything else. But then, I think about the beer, wine, snacks, bread and I move my behind a bit faster. That is the only reason I run. To get rid of the evidence of the night before. In moments of complete awfulness, I break up my run, I barely jog and then full out run and then jog and full out run- you get the idea. If you don't have a good motivator or reason for running, switch it up and find a new activity that will be less boring and on track with your fitness goals. Then you may discover you miss running and go back to it..