Mind over matter
I did my 10K tempo run in the gym today. What I do is set the treadmill at a certain speed and then up it by .1 km/h every week. That should help me increase my speed gradually. I did 10K in 49:40 which is slightly faster than last week. I’m going to have to transition these runs to outside so that I get used to keeping a certain pace but they should help build up some endurance.
These faster runs are not hugely difficult but they do remind me how I felt during C25K. I know I can do it but that little voice inside me starts to offer these very reasonable suggestions:You ran 6km yesterday. You only need 4 km today to complete the 10. You don’t really need to run this quickly. What does that red stop button do?
The run definitely becomes a game of mind over matter.
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August 20th, 2008 12:19
I’ve been enjoying the outdoor running I have been doing, but there is also something to be said for the utility of the treadmill to ramp up your speed in this manner. Good approach raising a little every week.
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August 20th, 2008 14:31
You’ve really pointed out a big benefit to using the treadmill. I started out running on one, found I preferred the outdoors, but I am going to make sure that I get back on one for my winter runs in order to maintain my “game” over the season, as I can’t seem myself getting out and pounding the pavement when there is a foot of ice and snow between me and the sidewalk.
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August 20th, 2008 15:30
Great post Andrew. And so true about the mind over matter. I’ve been losing that battle lately but it is intereting that it can all chnage with a new/different thought.
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August 20th, 2008 15:45
[...] And what is more frustrating is that it is all in the head. Andrew has a short post on this here. [...]
August 20th, 2008 15:53
That is definitely one of the things I love about running – for me, the mind game you describe forces me to exclude some of the other things clouding my brain. I have to focus on the task at hand, namely NOT stopping.
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August 20th, 2008 21:41
Your doing great with your speed Andrew. 10k under 50 mins is fantastic…
I get way too bored on the treadmill to do 10k, but it is working really well for you
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August 21st, 2008 01:17
I hate that little voice in my head. I think when I attempt my 8 miler, I’m just going to have someone pick me up 8 miles away from my house!
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August 21st, 2008 01:42
I am totally with you on the fact that often running is totally mind over matter. Proof is in each of my runs as I mentally spar with myself about making it to the next tree or curb…
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August 21st, 2008 02:46
This so true….I play the mind game just to get through 3 to 5 minutes of running right now! Hopefully I’ll have that mental game down by the time I get to 3 to 5 miles!
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August 21st, 2008 03:01
Very good! Do you have an incline while on the treadmill? I like to simulate an outdoor run by changing incline from 1-4. I definitely prefer to run outside. Nice post!
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