What do you trust in? I think it is so important that we all have something to believe in, something to trust. For me, trust is a central tenet in my faith. I trust in the Lord and that trust manifests itself in all kinds of ways in my everyday life. But sometimes it can be hard to trust. Not only in your faith (or whatever you believe in) but sometimes in yourself. And that is often the most difficult thing of all.
I’ve written before about having a bad run, and I think due to the heat, lots of others are struggling with similar issues. My runs this past week were full of self doubt and of not trusting my abilities. I’m trying actively to overcome my mind — which pretty consistently tells me to bag my run during the first mile or so. I know this is common and that a lot of runners struggle until mile 2 or 3 (3 is the sweet spot when I start hitting my stride), but I think if I had a mantra or a key phrase I could repeat to myself it might help.
What do you do to keep from letting your head take over your runs? I’d love to hear any key phrases you use – leave them in the comments!
What do you trust in? How do you trust in yourself?
I don’t have a mantra, but I do have a tactic of taking it one mile at a time. A lot of times when I start mile one, I can’t think about the fact that I still have four more to go. So if I’m having a particularly tough run I tell myself that once I finish the mile that I’m in, I am allowed to reevaluate whether or not I want to stop. It NEVER fails that when I finish that mile, I decide to go on for one more, and one more, until I am done.
If it’s a really, really bad day and taking it one mile at a time is too much, take it one song at a time.
That really helps me. Hope your runs get better!
That’s a good tip – I sometimes do that as well! Thanks for your comment, Amy!
I let my mind wander-I don’t focus on the running so much. Sometimes ill repeat a mantra to myself if I’m racing (and then umber focused). I’ve actually found running is much easier to do without music. Music is an unneeded distraction for me.
I always find it interesting where people weigh in on the music v no music question. I’m a music gal all the way! 🙂
I used to be-but in May, I stopped running with music cold turkey & it has been a great decision for me
When I’m running and it’s tough I start to pray. Talking to God usually takes my mind off of the struggling. I also repeat the verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and that usually helps! 🙂
That is great advice — I do pray usually during runs, but haven’t done it as much lately. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Praying is definitely great during a run. I do love music on my runs, especially hard-core Christian tunes from bands like Disciple (their song God of Elijah will really make you move, or 10-Minute Oil Change)…. and side note, to a fellow faith blogger, a twitter friend is starting an online Bible study, and I thought of you. Here’s the link in case you’re interested http://www.seekhimstudy.blogspot.com/2013/07/welcome-and-esther.html#comment-form
Hey, thanks for sharing that Bible study info! I’m going to have to check out the songs you listed 🙂
I definitely struggle for the first and usually second miles of a run… my body just always wants to quit and tries to convince my mind that there is no way I can run as far as i was planning! I guess I usually just focus on finishing one mile first… I like having a lot of little goals that add up to one big goal 🙂
I agree – taking it one mile at a time is SO important. Easier said than done, but still important!
I always tell myself a bad run is better than no run!
Girl, me too! 🙂
Thank you for checking out my blog!
I have to tell myself that my brain is lying and my body can really push through the work out! Lately all my runs have been tough but it tough runs make us stronger 🙂