Let’s face it: At one time or another we all experience mental blocks. Even Dean K, runner extraordinaire, admits that this can happen. He says it typically does not at the beginning of training for a run, or at the end, but in the middle, when all has become routine and the end isn’t close in sight.
I am going through a good spurt right now. My running is going well and I’m getting ready to add in swimming and biking for a triathlon training, and I’m looking forward to that. I’m increasing mileage but have not yet hit a wall. I will. I’ll get to a point where I’m a little worn out and I’ll have to decide a way around that.
I think for now my strategy has been interspersing the long runs with short speed runs. I have written about htis a lot lately because 1) the speed work is helping and 2) the speed work is changing things up enough to keep me interested in running, and to keep me from burning out.
So here’s the question of the week: When you hit that wall, and we all do, I believe, what do you do to get over it? Do you take a day off, shorten the run, go longer, take a different path?
When I hit a wall, I try to change it up. If I’ve been running a lot, I might try doing the stationary bike or row machine. Change seems to help me get through those tougher times.
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This seems to be the theme! I agree, I believe change is key. Now, to get to the point where you can change without feeling guilty (oh no, didn’t do that run like I had planned!) – if we could market that, we’d be millionares I guess!
This was yesterday for me. I had a long run but couldn’t get myself to even start. So I headed for the gym instead, attended a class of high-intensity kickboxing followed by weight-training and 20 mins of hills on the treadmill. Actually felt great to do something different!
That’s great! And that you can be flexible without thinking “I have to go the distance” must really be beneficial in training. I need more of that! I think that is half the problem for me, feeling obligated to do something and not wanting to. If I would change my goals from time to time I think I would really benefit. Thanks for the comment!!
depends on the plan/goal for the day or the moment that you hit the wall. I got tired of running, so I’m bike racing now. But, if I hit a wall in running like at mile 18 of a 22 mile run, that when the real party starts, right? Mental toughness is where it’s at.
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I’m actually pulling my bike out of storage,, where it has been since our move four months ago, and I’m going to start riding one day a week. I think I may Xtrain on one of my running days, swim and bike. I want to do a tri, and I think I need something different in my schedule to switch it up some. Thanks!