Because I was on the treadmill this morning, starting my 2nd week or training. My plan says to run for 2.5 min. and then walk 2.5, but I've been trying to push myself so I was going for 3 minutes. So as I start running, I focus on relaxing and breathing and try to let my mind focus on certain topics. When I think I've run for quite a while, I look down and only 30 freaking seconds have passed!!! Then my mind starts to think "Crap, I have 2.5 minutes left... how am I going to do this? How am I going to run for a full 5K come June? I can barely do this...." and on I go. I even thought I wouldn't be able to finish this work out.
So I try to STOP those thoughts and think "I am strong. I feel so light. My body feels lighter now. I can do this." But then only like 10 seconds have passed. I realize that I need to CONTROL THE MIND GAME! It's so easy to go into a panic mode.
There was a mirror in front of me about 30 feet away and I could see my face and how I'd tilt my head back as I jogged in kind of in a sense of exhaustion. So I decided to put my head straight and look at myself straight on... directly. And tell myself: I CAN DO THIS! Eye of the tiger, girl!!
So for 6 of the 11 sets of running I did 3 minutes at 4.5 speed, the other 5 I did for 2.5 minutes... and on the last run, I bumped up the speed to 5.5 the last 30 seconds and KICKED IT OUT! And it felt good.
I see how mind games can mess up your eating, and your exercising if you don't control what you say to yourself! And not just what you say to yourself... what you BELIEVE about yourself. Believing it's possible is half the battle! That has been my core mantra in this whole journey and it always comes back to that! I will be working on my self-talk and belief continually - one day at a time because there is no going back for me!
Yesterday it was SO GORGEOUS here in Oregon, that after church, the kids and I went for a bike ride. We found some new trails at a park close by and it was so fun! I will miss the trees and gorgeous green here in Oregon.
Then, the kids stopped to swing on the swings and I joined in too. Here I am a 42 year old nut, swinging like a monkey... I'm such a dork. But dorks are fun! Life is Good!!
I need to work on the mind games myself! Good post!! And it is so true, what you can do and what you say you can do are usually two different things, you just gotta believe in yourself and do it! You are so awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI just took a picture very similar to yours on the bike path with the tree arching over the path. I'll be posting it--remarkably similar.
ReplyDeleteExcept mine didn't have that skinny girl in the red and black plaid standing in the center!
You look great!
Deb
You are right. This battle is largely in the mind.
ReplyDeleteI get bored with exercise and start telling myself that I should be doing other things, or how much I don't like it or some other nonsense. Finally, I started listening to books on tape (it was a while ago) while I exercise. I only allowed myself to listen while I was working out. It was enough of a distraction to avoid most of those thoughts. Maybe you could try it. This time with and ipod or something a little more modern!
Lori
I totally agree, it's mostly a mind game. I know I psych myself out a lot. I've started walking around making positive statements in my head. Sometimes I feel like my own self help tape!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll do great in your 5K!
Sarah
notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com
I just love you Margene!!! You're the best and I couldn't agree more. It really and truly is all about the mind. It was only when I "got it" that I finally started to succeed. Great job my friend. Eye of the Tiger is what it takes. Sometimes I even imagine I'm Rocky running up the stairs...crazy I know. But whatever works, right?
ReplyDeleteAs for being a dork...I'm one myself. Feels good to have some company.
Love and hugs!!!
Powerful!! That's you my friend! Keep it up ~ you will get there!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you today!!
Keep focused!
Hey Margene:
ReplyDeleteI love dorks... I married one! You go girl... I know you'll check that 5k off your to-do list!
Lynn
Hey now no dork bashing r
ReplyDeleteThis post was so inspiring and exactly what I needed to hear today. I'm stealing "eye of the tiger, girl" for future use!!!
ReplyDelete-Di
Last night as I lay in bed drifting off to sleep, I was asking myself what I believe--REALLY believe--about myself. I wanted to start a fresh goal the will end at the end of the year, and was hesitating to declare it.
ReplyDeleteHalf asleep, I jotted down my (now barely legible) answers.
And then today I read your post here. It was so helpful! I really appreciate you sharing it.