Today’s plan was an 11-mile (17.7km) run, and while I covered the distance, it didn’t go the way I’d hoped. Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the mental side of running—an ongoing battle with my own thoughts telling me to stop, and I’m finding it hard to silence them.

Running isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one too, and overcoming that internal chatter can feel tougher than the miles themselves. To help distract my mind and keep going, I’m considering a few strategies:

1. Break it Down: Instead of focusing on the full distance, I can break the run into smaller, manageable segments. Thinking, “Just make it to the next mile” feels less overwhelming than the full number ahead.
2. Engage with the Scenery (Once I venture outside): Paying attention to the surroundings—whether it’s nature, the city, or even just the rhythm of my footsteps—can help shift focus away from the struggle.
3. Update my Playlist or try a Podcast: It’s time to refresh my playlist with more engaging music or explore an interesting podcast to keep my mind entertained and help the miles fly by.
4. Positive Mantras: Repeating something simple like, “You’ve got this” or “One step at a time” can replace the negative thoughts with encouragement.
5. Set Micro-Goals: Picking a landmark ahead, like a tree or a lamppost, and aiming for that before reassessing can help break the mental block.

Running distances like this is as much about training your mind as your body, and while today didn’t go perfectly, I know it’s all part of the process.

11 miles (17.7km) in 1:55:59 on the treadmill with a 1% incline.

Todays film quote:

“I need a distraction. And an eyeball.”

Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) – The Avengers (2012)