Running triggers a lot of thoughts and emotions in most people. Running is not just to lose weight; it can be more than that. It also helps you relieve stress and get in touch with your inner self. Have you ever wondered what marathon runners think when they run while pounding the pavement for hours?
Do they think about anything in particular? Do they have any specific thoughts that make them run faster? How can they devote more than 1-2 hours to running daily? I will offer some suggestions that you can try while running.
What Do You Think About While Running?
Some of us concentrate on running and how fast or slow we’re running. Others try to divert their attention by thinking about anything except running. Some bounce around between topics, while others attempt to get their minds off.
There is no right or wrong solution to this, and it all boils down to what is best for you.
I think about the food mostly. Or maybe that’s just me? And Sex (I admit). Every little thing or nothing at all. What tasks do I have to complete at the workplace? Where should I go to eat breakfast in the morning? What if I have to use the bathroom? What would some of my family members be doing right now? Should I stop for a coffee?
Sometimes, I’m simply going with the flow, enjoying the moment, and running. Thinking about nothing except the road ahead of me — it’s beautiful.
If you get bored while running, make your list to think about and discover what works best for you. Not everyone is the same, but one thing is constant: long-running is a mental and physical struggle.
Here are some suggestions for things to consider while running. You can try one of them or all, and be sure to have some electrolytes – to replenish your fluids.
7 Ways to Stay Motivated to Run
Running is a fun activity. On the run, your mind constantly hops-skips and jumps a lot. Here are a few mental methods to keep you motivated to run
Regardless of how much you enjoy running, everyone loses motivation from time to time. A decline in desire to run is typical, whether it is a change due to your routine or you’re bored of your regular route. Maintaining your motivation is essential to keeping up with your running routine.
To keep you motivated to run, try some of the following suggestions:
1. Check your Mental Health and Talk to Yourself
If I’m running alone in the race and struggling, I will give myself a pep talk like:
- I will finish this race regardless.
- I’ve come a long way to get here.
- I am going to smash the finishing line.
- My strength lies in my mind.
I try to remember all the training and effort I have committed to take part in the race. Sometimes, I also think about how amazing it will be after finishing the race. You can apply this to your daily training as well.
2. Maintain a Positive Attitude:
One of the best things to do while running would be to have a positive attitude. I try not to dwell on the bad parts of my running experience; instead, I focus on the positive aspects. I try to remember all the successful runs I have completed.
While you can’t control what happens during the race, you may choose how to react to it. So, it would help if you integrated this during your race, training, and daily life.
3. Make your Mind Stronger
While I’m out for a long run, I keep in mind that training for a long-distance race isn’t simple. Wouldn’t everyone do it if it were that simple, right?
I remind myself that the challenges I’m facing will make my success more rewarding.
You must push yourself into the uncomfortable zone while training. When you do this more frequently, you will finally be able to overcome resistance.
4. Create Tiny Goals
Do not consider your run from a macro perspective. Break it down into smaller chunks and miles.
For example, I do the quality run-up to the next checkpoint, turning point, or landmark. It helps me keep more focused and makes it easier in the long run.
But you should avoid checking your watch or mobile to see how far you have come. You don’t want to fall into that trap, so press “start” and put your phone aside while you’re out running.
5. Try Trolling
Try this if you run in an area with many other runners. I try to keep an eye out for a runner ahead of me who I believe I can keep outrun. I watch that runner and continue to follow them as I get closer to them.
After crossing that runner, I look for another and resume the rolling process! This strategy keeps me motivated to compete with others.
6. Play Counting Games
I choose a specific piece of gear to search for during my run, such as someone with a white vest. Then I count how many runners I see wearing it after that.
Sometimes, I count the number of dogs I encounter or the number of benches I come across. You can do this with cars of a specific model or color if you spend a lot of running on the roads.
7. Thinking Of Perfect Response
This one is my favorite. Once my friend wanted to know what I think while running?
I said, ” I have had wars that I lost and won, as well as fantastic arguments. I’ve built castles and explored across galaxies. I’ve thought about all options.”
She stared at me as if I were deranged and needed help. No sir!
Winning debates isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Running is the best time to think of the perfect response for those who enjoy debates. You can try to come up with different responses to convey your point.
And if you’re running for more than 30 minutes, you have a lot of time to get that perfect response by the end of your race.
You can also consider the following suggestions while you run:
- Pay attention to the rhythm of your breathing.
- Your thought process when you’re running.
- Keep an eye on your form.
- Analyze what your body is going through right now.
- Plan a post-race celebration.
- Run with a partner.
Aren’t these strategies random? Yup.
But it’s all part of the running coping method, in which you attempt to think about the pain as little as possible. To do so, you concentrate as much as possible on these strategies to motivate yourself.
In a Nutshell
Every runner encounters its challenges and blackouts, regardless of the scale. Every runner can overcome these motivation obstacles with a little planning and thinking. So, try to add these strategies to your routine to keep yourself motivated. Even a beginner runner can profit from these motivating strategies.
So, what do you think about when you run? How have they worked for you? Please share them with us in the comment section below.
Happy Running!
