When running, how do u get bad thoughts like giving up, to go away?

Question

I run track and cross-country but always stop running in between races and practices because i give up. I was wondering if there was a way to get bad thoughts out of my mind so i can keep going. I always think about the pain and giving up while running...... I'm not sure how everyone else gets through the pain. Please help!!!

Answer 1

We all have our days of not wanting to run but really it's a mind over matter sort of situation. If you tell yourself to stop, chances are you will. You feel so much better initally reinforcing yourself with 'there, I'm glad I stopped...this stinks...' etc. but really in the deep back of your mind there is a little bit of you that wishes you would have had the heart to continue. It's also hard when you're not the best and you have others around you who are, and who are constantly told how great they are and you're asked 'why can't you be more like them.' But the truth is, you have to be your own cheering team and find reason within yourself to finish and be the best you can be, despite where that puts you at the finish line.

Try giving yourself goals- if no one notices that you make it through a practice and you do it for the first time that week or month, be happy for you! Praise yourself and reward yourself to something. Also be aware of how great it felt to actually finish the entire practice. You need to focus on motivating yourself within rather than looking for others to motivate you. Once you accomplish that, anything is possible! First you begin simple with just making it through a practice- rather than coming to a complete walk, at least jog, even if it's REALLY slow- jog and get yourself collected so that you can start running again. Once your able to calm youself down and ignore the desires to stop, you can start working towards making it through an entire race- even if your time stinks, who cares?! You completed YOUR goal and that's a great thing! Start simple, and gradually work towards bigger and better things.

Just be proud of yourself and think about all of the others who arent even trying to run. You're doing great things for your body mind and soul.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I don't know about everyone, but normally, when I get bad thoughts, I'm about 3 miles from my house, which is my starting and ending point. The fact that I'm 3 miles from my house, and have no other way to get home besides running there, keeps me going. Other than that...you've just got to think positive, or think about something else, like your boyfriend (if you've got one), that great new pair of running shoes you're going to get, a favorite food, or what you'll eat when you get home. Running is almost more of a mental sport than physical at some times, because everyone has days when they just don't want to run. What makes the difference between a good runner and a dedicated runner is that the dedicated runner will go out and run, no matter what they're thinking. A good runner won't always do that...but they can still be better runners than the dedicated one. You don't want to be the good runner...you want to be the dedicated one, who becomes good AND dedicated with practice. (I don't know, this is just how it seems to me.) Good luck with track!

Answer 3

the fact that you are still running while thinking that makes me go on. And another thing you can try: go faster!
I know it doesn't sound very logical, but often times the reason for feeling like you wanna quit is just the monotony of a run, so if you did something for a change (like speed up, slow down, and speed up again) could make the thoughts go away.

A very good cross-country runner (a student of Jack Daniels, one of the greatest coaches in athletics) once ran a race in which he was falling too much behind. Running past his coach (Jack Daniels) he asked if he could quit. The coach told him:"If you catch the guys in front of you, you can quit!"
The runner took that seriously and went on to catch them. He ended up not only catching them, but winning the race !!!

Answer 4

The mental part of running is one of the hardest hurdles to overcome. I always struggle with the first mile of my long runs because I get bombarded with these mental messages of "Go back to bed"..."this stinks"..."I'm cold"...etc.. I started laughing (internally) at these predictable thoughts and starting telling myself to get through the first 5 minutes and then see how I feel. Because I know that after I finish the workout, I'm going to feel great. I do the same thing in races. Read the link below. What you're experiencing is normal....don't give up!

- Mike

Answer 5

You're just not fit enough yet. I've been a runner all my life and when I'm fit, running is easy and I find myself cruising along at a nice speed. When I'm not so fit, it hurts and I find myself looking forward to stopping ASAP. Run more distance and incorporate lots of 200 meter sprints into your workout. Sprints are good for building the necessary leg strength and stamina. When your legs begin to tire out, the rest of you body begins to quickly break down too.

Answer 6

Running is a self disciplne type of sport. You have to think how much you want to win and then go all out for it. Running will hurt but you have to fight the aches and pains. If the pain gets to be to much stop. Remember to ice what hurts and to take the correct dosages of tylenol when you hurt.

Answer 7

well, when i began cross country, all i said was " i can take one more step " anyways all my coaches have told me that if you start feeling pain you can always run through it and it won't last long... it helped me alot :]... Also if you quit thinking about runnning while your running [ i know it's verry hard :) ] and you think about other things then you won't even notice your running. Hope i helped! GOOD LUCK! <333

Answer 8

if you think that you are the only one who fill fatigue during the computation you will never stop give up, but if you know that it is the filling of every runner you will be among the strong ones to resist tile the finish line , in the early morning the time you decide to start at the same time you have to decide to finish,

Answer 9

try pushing through your pain. increase distance between stopping. try and find some kind of enjoyment in running, like keeping in mind how healthy running is and the fact it keeps you in shape. good luck with all your endeavors.

Answer 10

I think you gotta "live in the moment". Just like how torture victims manage to keep quiet about giving information, just focus on other things besides pain and you'll be OK.