It seems like the pursuit of mental toughness comes pretty readily alongside running. Setting and reaching running goals is not only physically motivating but mentally as well. Do you remember the first time you ran for 5 minutes in a row? How about the first time you were expected to run two 8 minutes intervals? Then there is the day during your training when you are asked to run for 20 minutes without stopping! Yikes! If you are anything like me you dreaded that run and questioned your ability to complete it.
Many of you are just starting on this running journey and you’ve pushed yourself to do things that you thought would be impossible just a few weeks ago. I have enjoyed seeing your posted Red Faced pictures on Twitter and Instagram go from happy, flushed smiles to on-the-floor-exhausted-happy smiles. You are changing your life and it is awesome! As you advance in your training some aspects will get easier while other areas may become more difficult. This is why you need to develop some Warrior Words.
From our coach, Cindy: “First, get yourself a word or two. Let’s call it your WARRIOR WORD. When you bring this word into your mind during a tough spot of your workout – or before it or when you’re standing in front of the fridge, wanting to reach for that two-liter of regular coke, you instantly remember times when it SUCKED but you wanted it and you pushed through. You were a warrior in the moment(s) associated with your word.”
For me that word is STRONG. I am not fast by any means. But that first time that I realized I was going to run the full 5k distance without stopping I just couldn’t help but feel strong! The great thing about this is that it applies to all of us no matter where we are in our training. You may use your warrior words to power through that 20 minute run, to help you finish first your 5k on September 8th, or to bring a distraction during your long run day. Whatever your next goal is, you can be sure NOT to reach it if you tell yourself that it is impossible. You CAN do it; I know you can!! Mental toughness- go get it!
Do you have a Warrior Word or phrase? Keep your Red Faced pictures coming and tell us what word(s) got you through today’s run.
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That’s right, Katrina! I’m working with a new WW this week – relentless. The heat’s relentless, why can’t I be, too? No reason at all. Have a great week and power through with your WW!!
Even just the title of your post was what I needed to hear today. Love Cindy’s comment above, too!
I usually lose steam after the second mile and find myself thinking I’ll just quit with 2 miles. After all, it’s better than nothing, right? Then I start telling myself I can do it. Sort of like the Little Engine That Could. It helps me put one foot in front of the other. Some mornings I sing to myself. Saturday, I sang the chorus from David Crowder’s “The Glory of It All” where he sings “We will never be the same, we will never be the same…” (over and over again) while running up the last hill. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until it was over.
I feel so connected to this post.
As I stood on my treadmill and the clock counted down for my 1st 8 minute run to begin, I simply kept repeating the words you had tweeted to me, “You Can Do It!” Those were my Warrior Words this morning. Having people believe that I can do it has made all the difference.
Thanks!!!
You absolutely nailed this, Katrina! Repeating those power words to myself has kept me going through many difficult runs. My favorite is “engergize”. It helps me pick up the turnover of my legs just enough to get back into the groove after a tough portion.
Reading this makes me happy. I’ve had some trouble finding my mental toughness lately in this heat but today, it all came rushing back and I ran harder than I have in a long time. And it felt AWESOME!
This is exactly what I needed to hear, Katrina! I’m counting the days until I can start my training again. You’ve got me in the mental frame of mind to get after it!
Very motivating post Katrina! It’s exactly what I needed as I’ve been a little lackluster of late. Thanks
[...] Heck no! Quite frankly, some of them suck. But I’m learning to use my Warrior Words (currently “Energize”) to push and pull me up those real and imagined hills. When I [...]