Finding trouble with running

[Bjjexpertise@be]

For as long as I know I've had trouble with running. No it's not a disability it's just that I lose inspiration. I would run a mile then probably give up not because I'm worn out(perhaps that too ) but the fact that I just can't push myself to keep going. When I'm doing my wrestling workout with bear crawls, commando crawls, etc) I seem to find inspiration in what I do and push myself to keep going. It just might be the fact that I find running boring. It's just the same thing over and over again. Either that or I have ADD . So my question to all you guys out ther is: What's some good mental ways to keep you inspired and keep you running?

[koto_ryu]

Try sprinting then, you won't have to run as far and it'll help build your wind a great deal.

[shirase]

memorize a song you like and listen to it in your head, or listen to some pumpup music.(ex ROCKY)

[GeorgeK]

Consider getting a Concept II rower. The movements you perform on it somewhat resemble grappling (all pulling). It's considered by many to be the best piece of cardio equipment out there. You can set intervals on it, or go for time or distance. It works your whole body but mostly your back as well as your cardiovascular system. You can do circuit-type workouts with it. Add some Kettlebell exercises to it a for a complete grappler's workout. The Concept II can be a bit expensive but it's well worth it. Also, some commercial gyms have them. Try it and you might never want to or have to run. Have fun!

[Tee Sok]

When I run I don't think about time or distance, thoughts flow and I find it easier to concentrate on things (like planning the rest of the workout and exercises). Or I concentrate on my breathing, trying to breathe regularly, and then time passes without notice. After a while I can look at the watch and decide if it's time to run back home or not. In my opinion, to run enough you should think about anything but time and distance.

[Dead_Nerd]

The above is very good information, thanks for that. I ran tonight, and while I can usually only run about 2 1/2 miles, I let my mind wander to other things, like my business, and just let my feet keep moving. By the time my legs started feeling like they could go no more, I had ran 4 miles. It was great actually, usually I hate running, because I get bored. But doing this I could really concentrate clearly on other things, and it felt really good to run. So I recommend this to everyone, and I thank you for the good advice.

[gregimotis]

I hate to run outdoors, but kind of like it on a treadmill.


Outdoors is always too hot, or too cold, or the sidewalk surface is wrong - something always bugs me. I get on the treadmill and its much easier to just let go and sweat it out.
Mind, the treadmill is easier (three miles on a treadmill is easier than three on the road), but if you run until your tired it comes out to the same thing.

[Tee Sok]

The above is very good information, thanks for that. I ran tonight, and while I can usually only run about 2 1/2 miles, I let my mind wander to other things, like my business, and just let my feet keep moving. By the time my legs started feeling like they could go no more, I had ran 4 miles. It was great actually, usually I hate running, because I get bored. But doing this I could really concentrate clearly on other things, and it felt really good to run. So I recommend this to everyone, and I thank you for the good advice.

You're welcome. I felt bored too when I first started to run, but then my mind was going somewhere else. I think it's the rythm with which you run that makes your thoughts flow and your mind more relaxed. I take 1-2 minutes breaks in which I walk, and when I start running again my heartbeat and my breathing are slower and more regular and this allows me to run for longer periods of time.

[dukemushroom]

i started running again, i chose my way of doing it based on the comments about running and lifting weights. What i do is just run one mile, right now i have to take breaks, but my goal is to run 1 mile as fast as i can, i'd like to get down to about 7-8 mins/mile, i figured that would be a good distance but also a quick pace to get my heart rate up, after i can do it at about 8 mins, i'll probably add another half mile. But i do have a problem, no matter what shoes i wear, and this has happened with 3 pairs, the front of my shins hurt. I don't think it's shin splints because it stops hurting once i've stopped running.

[Dead_Nerd]

The same sort of thing happend to me about 3 months ago when I started running to get in shape for baseball, except it was my knees that were sore during it, but not after. I found that if I just ran on a regular basis, it went away after the first 3 or 4 runs, perhaps my knee joints were not conditioned for running, as perhaps your shins aren't. Anyways, I would start of running as slow as you have to to get a mile run in, and then work on distance first, not speed. This will help you get endurance, and then after a while you can mix in some speed changes. For example, I run about 4 miles usually at a pretty slow pace, but one of the miles (after I'm warm) I run at about a 6:30-7 min pace, timing it to push myself the next time I run. Hope this helps!

[sc4596]

I just have play whenever I'm training by myself, whether it is running, bodyweight, or whatever. I have certain rules that I stick to, but I have no routines, reps, sets or anything but these few rules. I try to make all training relate to ring fighting.

I always run for about 20mins, my fights will only be 3x2min, so why run for longer. I vary every run so it is different, somedays I will concentrate on maximum sprints until I feel myself slowing down, then I have long rests until I feel I can do a max sprint. Other days I might add a run before and after the sprint so I'm pushing the runs and keep the sprint short. Sometimes I'll just try to run hard for 2 min and have a min jog.

I never push myself for more than 2min and never have longer than a minute jog. I do not time myself, I do not push myself to hard as I think this will cause fatigue and will be detrimental. If I do not feel like running but want to do cardio, then I do burpees and jumping jacks with various intervals.

I think by continually changing your training it will make it more interesting and fun. Train by how you feel, do not set targets. If you hit your targets then the target was too easy, if you can't hit it then the target is to hard.

The only goal is to improve, train and you will improve.

Running at constant speed is going to improve your aerobic system but not your anaerobic, so don't do it.

[Tee Sok]

True. It's good to do a 1 minute sprint every 5 minutes, or run backwards for a minute and then switch again. Running uphill is good too. It's good to do some warm up before running, especially for knees and the waist.

[adacas]

hey a good idea would be to stop every mile or so and drop to do a few pushups, sit ups, etc. sometimes a quick change of pace helps break that brain drain that running can cause.

[GeorgeK]

I've said numerous times on this forum that I follow or try to follow Crossfit program (www.Crossfit.com). Well, yesterday's WOD (Workout of the Day) related directly to this discussion. It was as follows:

6 rounds for time of:
Run 400 meters
25 Burpees

It was awesome. The runs were more like jogging than sprinting and I had to break up burpees into 10/10/5 reps and also took at least 30 sec rest between rounds and exercises but had tons of fun. I can't believe I actually did 150 burpees yesterday! Sore today but feeling really good! You guys should try this one sometime. Cheers!