I was back on the treadmill today for my run. My original plan was to try and go for at least 3.5 miles - I have been stuck on 2.5 for a few weeks now and I really want to push past that. I can't tell if it is a physical limitation or a mental block. I mean when I hit 2 miles I feel done and don't feel like I can go any farther but part of getting better is pushing past the discomfort. I am leaning more towards mental as the real culprit. For me running is very mental- "you can do it" "keep going, 2 more minutes" "it's only .35 more to one mile" etc. Part of the current problem, I think, is that I know I can do 2.5 miles, it is within my range so if I am tight on time or am feeling a little less than motivated all I have to tell myself is "you can do 2.5 miles, no problem". I am hoping that going outside will help me with this running distance rut. If I am outside I don't mind going 2 miles in one direction and then turning around and going back 2 miles. On the treadmill (while I am definitely warming up to it) it is hard to make myself stay on there for an hour or more and since my miles are so slow right now trying to get in 4 miles, plus a W/U & C/D, takes at least an hour.
So, back to my original plan. I was fully prepared to take that hour and turn it into 3.5/4 miles. Everything was fine, I was getting the "done" feeling at 2 miles but was getting ready to push when I literally felt a different kind of push. Now, I have never had tummy troubles while running-I think the main reason is that I just don't run long enough times for this to be a problem, it's usually about 30-40 minutes. My biggest issue to date has been hydration (either too much water = having to pee every 5 minutes or not enough water = killer dehydration headaches for the rest of the day) but tummy, no problem. Well, today it was quite the opposite. I didn't feel any grumblings before the run but, like I said, around mile 2 it started to make itself known. I thought I could still make it to 3 miles but about .25 of a mile later it was all I could do to make it to the bathroom. I do think this was a fluke. I mean until I start running for 1+ hours I think I can plan around the tummy issues but man, it was pretty freaking uncomfortable.
Ok, there is a super great giveaway going on at My Reason to Run- it's for a running skirt! I am really excited about this because I think the running skirts are soooo cute- I'm just not quite ready to buy one (they are reasonably priced but I just don't know how I'd feel running in a skirt so am a little nervous). If you want to enter to win an awesome skirt from Runningskirts.com go HERE (until April 29th) and good luck :)!
There is also a giveaway for compression socks (something else I really want to try out) at Lil Runner. She is taking entries until April 23rd- check it out HERE and good luck (again :))!
Looking forward to a great weekend...hoping to get out there, finally, for a run and hike. Happy Friday and good luck to all those racing this weekend!
'Keeping my eye on today is about all I'm capable of. And today, I think I'll go for a run'
John Bingham
3 comments:
i used to have that mental block too. i kept telling myself there was no way i could ever go past 3 miles and my body would freak out if i did...but once you finally break that barrier, you just get going and then all of a sudden, those 3 miles seem so minute that you want to go further :)
as for the other issue...ive had really bad gas and bloating before...never really figured out what caused it but i just typically avoid eating too much before running.
Yes running is totally mental..next time you hit 2 try something like "I can do anything for 5 minutes, I don't have to do this forever, just 5 more minutes" and see if that helps you push along.
Sometimes the stomach issues show up based on what we've been eating, it may just be a one time thing
yes...running...99% mental...no doubt. I have the SAME problem on the treadmill and you'll be happier outside I'll bet. Until you have to "go" out there and didn't bring any TP
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