I was thinking about mental strength and running when I was on the treadmill yesterday. A couple years ago, I ONLY wanted to run on a treadmill. I was scared of running outside. I didn’t have numbers to keep me going/motivated and I didn’t have distractions such as the jumbo TV screens at the gym. Since I got my Garmin Forerunner 405, I have grown to love running outside and actually dread the treadmill now. I love breathing in the fresh air, actually going somewhere, and having changes in terrain (hills, wind, steps, etc).
Well the snow made it a little hard to run outside yesterday (although I did see the track team running in the snow!). Which leads me to the topic of today’s post.
For me, running, especially on a treadmill, takes as much mental strength as it does physical strength. I often find that when I have a when-can-I-stop-running?! attitude, my runs drag on forever and ever. However, when I start to think about how good it feels to be running (or other distracting thoughts completely unrelated), my runs breeze by.
Back when I first started running longer distances, running served as a therapy session. I was lost in a sea of depression and loneliness, but running put a smile on my face and gave me an optimistic outlook–a big feat at the time.
I challenged myself to run until I literally could not take another step. Then I would run for a little longer. Well, a little longer turned into a lot longer and before I knew it I was running a personal distance record EVERY day. First it was 4 miles, then 5 miles, then 6 miles, then 8 miles. I felt like I was on top of the world.
Mental strength powered me through my runs. All I had to do was keep thinking about whatever was troubling my mind that day. I would think about it for miles and miles until finally it didn’t bother me anymore and I was in a great mood. If my legs got tired, I would muster up the mental strength to keep going and my legs kept flying!
However, too much of a good thing can be VERY bad. Soon enough, I was sidelined for 3 months with a stress fracture in my shin, as I explain in my story.
Well yesterday, I couldn’t find anything to think about on the treadmill until finally I got distracted by this very topic! Before I knew it, I was on my way to 2 miles. However I had to call it quits at 2.2 miles because I felt a twinge of pain in my left shin. Mental strength, in my opinion, is one of the tricks to lasting on the treadmill. However, you have to know when to stop so you don’t get injured.
If you run, do you prefer to run on the treadmill or outside?
What gets you through your runs? Distractions? Songs? Thoughts?
***
This morning I woke up and needed to get the juices flowing. I was goose-bump cold and moving slooooowly. So I did some jumping jacks and a mini dance sesh in my room for ~15 min. At one point I put on my HRM and saw that my heart rate got up to 160 bpm!!!
I couldn’t believe I was sweating from just moving around my shoe-box room.
Brunch:
I also cannot believe how strong my cravings have been for green monsters!!
It’s all I want these days. I added 2 slices of frozen peaches and instant green tea to the classic combo (banana, milk, spinach).
I also prepped overnight oats last night (duh). Look at this recipe card I picked up at Whole Foods. I didn’t follow this recipe…I just wanted to show ya 
Overnight cOmBo:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup oat bran
- 1/2 T chia seeds
- 1/4 Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup kefir
- 1/4 cup skim milk
MoRnIn’ Add-Ins:
- 1/3 banana
- 1/3 cup butternut squash puree
- Mango + Strawberry chunks
- Shredded coconut
I was rather excited for this cold meal after my sweaty dance sesh….until I went outside in the freezing cold to photograph it in my t-shirt and shorts!!!
This doesn’t look a big meal but it was fairly caloric when you put it all together. I’m hoping it lasts a couple hours in my tummy!
I’ve got a busy busy busy day today so I packed some snax to get me through class (from left to right):
- Kabocha Squash + Ketchup
- Baby Carrots
- Apple Slices
And a granola square:
All packed up in my $1 reusable lunch sack from Target
Agenda:
I’m gonna need some mental strength to get me through today!
- Class from 2:50-7:00 pm (shoulda been a snow day!!)
- Gym 7:15-8:45pm (maybe the Body Tone class?)
- Meeting 9:00-10:00pm
- Shower –> eat –> work –> sleep
**Dinner will be whatever I can scrounge up! It probably won’t be pretty seeing as how it won’t be until ~10 PM!
Off to classy wass!! But first, I have to pick up a package from the Post Office–wahoO!!
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
i can’t run on a treadmill any more. i tried just 0.75 mile one day last week; it was very very dreadful.
I totally prefer running outside and HATE the dreadmill. Oddly, it used to be the other way around. I didn’t know the perks of running outside. Time goes by so much faster. I love running with my hubby too. On the treadmill, I count the seconds and can’t ever seem to focus on anything else. It’s so very mental. It’s not that I physically can’t do it, it’s that I mentally shut down.
I am one of those people who wishes they could love running, but just can’t find it in me to actually love it! I’ve only ran outside a handful of times in my life (aside from during other sports) and I used to go to the gym to run on the treadmill, but like you said, I spent almost the entire time watching the seconds tick by and most of the time I was miserable. One way I found kind of worked to keep my mind off how much I was hating it was to do intervals. So I’d jog at a half decent pace for a few minutes and then full out sprint for 30 seconds – 1 minute. I may give running another shot come spring when all the snow melts cause it’s something I really want to love – it’s such a cheap and low maintenance workout, really. I’m more of a fitness class or sports type of girl, I guess?
You have me craving overnight oats now – maybe tomorrow morning!
When I used to run, I HATED the treadmill. I think this is because I started running outside, so when I tried out the treadmill it felt unnaturally easy and, uh, BORING. Agreeeed that it takes some mental stimulation to keep going.
Happy Monday, chica!
I remember the days of working out that late when I was in college. Now I’m practically asleep by that point!
I LOVE how bright green your smoothies are.. mine always turn out like brown. EW.
Good luck getting through this Monday, hun!
I cannot STAND the treadmill!!! I don’t know how people do it! (Or use any machine, for that matter…)
I love running outside! I have no clue how the time passes…I’ve never listened to music while running. I think my thoughts and the songs in my head just keep me going!
That’s a long afternoon of classes…while it was awesome to sleep in during college, I think I liked getting my classes out of the way by 2-ish!
I definitely agree that mental strength is the most important tool to getting in a great workout. And for lots of things in life. We have to have the motivation to give things our best and accomplish them well. Great post!
I hope your busy day goes well
I LOVE running outside and almost never run on the treadmill. I just not the same experience. I’d rather run in the freezing cold temps than on a stale treadmill.
I run with my ipod, but my thoughts are what keeps me going
Cute lunch bag! I much prefer running outside and I think mental strength is huge with running. I like to listen to music if I’m inside but outside I sometimes prefer nothing but me and my thoughts- which powers me through. A few summers ago, I actually got a stress fracture in my knee, also from pushing through mentally but not paying attention enough to my body. It’s a balance!
I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill for sure. During nice weather, I LOVE outdoor runs…but I’m a cold weather wimp, so during the winter, I appreciate the treadmill for its indoor pleasure
I used to be the same way! Only running on the treadmill, now I have done a complete 180 and love running outside
I definitely prefer running outdoors as well, though I still have yet to get my hands on a Garmin. I have to tell myself to take it easy too, though, hence why I’ve been ellipticalling like a crazy woman for the past month in preparation for half marathon training. It does go by so much faster with a positive outlook, though. I hate those runs that just drag on…what’s the point?
I definitely prefer running outside! I really can’t run on the treadmill without music, but outside I just get lost in my own thoughts. I find that when I’m running I get some of my most creative ideas for writing – just like you, I often think up blog post ideas while hitting the pavement!
Oh my goodness you have a busy day girl! Crikey!! Love your snacks though – you snack on Kabocha squash – I can tell we would get along
LOVE your breakfast too – oatbran and oatmeal is so obvious to put together, yet I’ve never thought of it!? It’s on my Breakfasts I Must Try List, so thankyou
Have fun on your crazy busy day
Oh yeah! I’m definetly an outdoor runner, I DREAD the treadmill, hate it with a passion!! I always listen to music or an audio book on my runs, it really helps. That, and exploring new routes. And I agree, a garmin changes EVERTYHING!
OOOh I love getting packages in the mail!!! Makes my day – hope it does for you too!
I used to run but can’t anymore for leg reasons (boooo) but when I ran I could ONLY run outside or else I’d get stir-crazy and feel like a hamster or gerbil or something haha!
I find that running outside goes by SO much quicker and it also seems slower! Whenever I run 8:30 pace on the treadmill it feels so much faster than when I run the same pace outside!
And good luck getting through your long day! I know you can do it!
i like both outdoor AND treadmill runs! the thing that makes the treadmill fun for me is MAGAZINES. if i couldn’t read on the ‘mill, it would be so much less fun for me!
Life is all about balance. I think your post is inspiring as it reminds me to remember to keep a healthy mindset. Thanks girlyy
Hope you enjoy the rest of the day
bec xo
That is a LONG class!
In the winter I’m all about the treadmill. Come summer, though, I like to be outside. I take one of my kids on their bike and believe you me, that is distraction enough. If I take my son I have the extra bonus of the occasional sprint because he’s gotten to far ahead of me. LOL!
I. Need. That. Lunchbag.
You are so amazingly strong – look at how far you have come mentally and physically. And just think, it could not come at a better time for you to take the next step in your life after graduation. You go, girl!
Ohhh Allie…you are too cute. I love getting packages too…Wahoo is my exclamation of choice too…hahahaha
(That lunch bag is SO you! heheh bright and cute)
The brunch looks fantastic!! WF sometimes gives out really awesome recipes and a print-out motivates me more than just seeing a recipe online.
I think I prefer running outdoors for SURE! The change of scenery and just people watching makes the time go by so much faster!!! Plus i don’t have to worry about slowing down or speeding up whenever i want (without fearing for my life/falling off the treadmill). Sadly Chicago is so freakin’ cold I never get out to run. Treadmill’sj ust don’t motivate me. Ughhh or am i just making up excuses for myself?
Hey Allie! I love your photos! I’ve never tried kefir before, but after seeing it pop up so often on your blog, I think I may just have to give it a shot.
Looks like you have a jam-packed evening. Me, too, these days – I go from work to swim practice or a run and then back home around 9-10pm. I have time to eat before swimming, but I’m not sure how to handle my evening meals – should I break up dinner into pre- and post-workout halves? Should I have two substantial snacks instead? What do you do?
treadmill seriously sucks ass. i do use it ONLY for condtioning purposes, and to do crossfit that requires running adn lifting in rounds.
WHEW..
hmm. i don’t run with music AT ALL. i used to, but i deemed that unsafe, so i gave up on that. i thnk i just mentally tell myself ONE FOOT AT A TIME.
Ah I miss running so much I still can’t really run because of my back : (
But when I did run I like it much better outside you always feel like your going somewhere I so can’t wait to get back to it x x
Allie, I love hearing your thoughts! I hope you’re crazy busy day is going well! I’m all over the place when it comes to running. Since it is FREEZING here at least 4 months out of the year, I really appreciate the treadmill at the gym. But, I love running outside in the summer! Lately I’ve been focusing on speed and short runs instead of distance, and my legs feel so much better! I have my musica, which is a huge help. A package you say?!
Girl I COMPLETELY understand the whole mental strength thing. Treadmill running kills me, but when I get thinking I can run miles and miles.
OBSESSED with the reusable lunchbag! one less plastic bag killing mother earth
I like running both on the treadie as well as outside…but I feel so much stronger and just bad-ass when I run outside.
You are my favorite person EVER for bringing kabocha as a snack for class.
PS Supah cute lunch tote!
Great post…
I prefer to run outside. When I do get on the treadmill, I mostly walk. For some reason, I can’t stand running on it. When I do run outside, I love to run with friends to pass the time. We chit chat about food of course. A solo run is needed sometimes, and for that I listen to tunes on my iPod.
Questions for you:
1) Now that you ARE a runner, do you plan to run a 1/2-marathon or any other length of race?
2) Why do you take your pix outside?
…and I LOVE the lunch bag!!!
Loved this post.
I simply cannot run on treadmills… there was one incident that basically scarred me (literally, too) and I’m still a wee bit paranoid around treadmills. Plus, I don’t have that kind of mental strength! I can never blank out and just run on treadmills with the timer going. Running outside = pretty scenery, sunshine, breezes… peace. 
Awww, I wish my Whole Foods had recipe cards! D: How was that granola square? I hope you mustered up the mental strength for a wonderful day!
i used to run on the treadmill. Music got me going.
your oats sound delicious!!
I started running on the treadmill last year mainly because I was scared to run outside because I was scared I would run into people, wasn’t fast enough, etc. I started running outside more and more this past summer and absolutely fell in love (especially with mapmyrun.com afterwards) Now, I jump at the opportunity to run outside every chance that I can!
girl it sounds like you have learned SO much from your past-and good for you for stopping after some pain! thats awesome.
those overnight oats look great btw!
haha lovin the kabocha “fries” and catsup combo
Summer: outside
Winter: Tread (vs the track).
I like to watch TV
Food Network of course. Like yesterday, I was sooo distracted by TV that I ran 10 miles. Weird thing is I’ve never run that much in my life. The most I’ve ever done was 6.5. When I’m distracted, I can go on much longer. Sometimes I read for class too. I have to concentrate pretty hard on the reading so I definitely get distracted from the running.
your overnight oats look amazing- i’m impressed whole foods picked up on the idea
i am also so glad u stopped when it hurt, that is awesome
thanks for this post! i’ve been having the mental barriers while running lately so its awesome to read how everyone perseveres through their runs.
Looks so delicious! I think you have a very good perspective about your running:)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
I just found your blog the other day and it’s great. I can’t believe your schedule, it’s manic. You definitely need mental strength! Good Luck, hope it all goes smoothly today. Helen
I used to feel the same way about running outside until I started doing it in the summer two years ago. Now I see the treadmill as something functional, that I can use to keep my endurance up when it’s balls cold out, but it’s not my first choice.
I’ve been craaaaving smoothies too! It’s so weird, but I did read that our bodies like cold things because they actually warm us up when we burn them off (or something to that effect).
I’ve never run on a treadmill to be honest. I got into running through my dad and he’s pretty old school so no weather could (can) stop us. Running in snow is sometimes scary but also fun and uses more muscles for balancing. I ran through ankle deep snow on Sunday and that was fun but also pretty exhausting. ANYWAY, running is all mental – some runs are so easy and others are a pain in the ass.
Those oats look amazing!
I definitely agree about mental strength. I don’t know how some people run over 5 miles on treadmills. And you’ve got me thinking–I might be mistaking that “when can I stop” feeling with a lack of running ability. Like, I always assume that I’m just “not strong enough” and that’s why I need to stop, not that the treadmill is just a challenging mental exercise as well as physical.
Great post, I love how it got me thinking!
loved this post! totally agree about the mental strength thing…i now LOVE running outside (i feel like i can push myself more) and it was really smart of you to stop after you felt little “twinge” in your shin…ice that baby up! i hope it feels better
good luck with your day today! ps. your overnight oats look amazing!
Your brekkie and lucnh box are gorgeous! I too totally dread the treadmill. I find it helps to have a book/newspaper/magazine…
I cannot run more than 2 miles on the treadmill. I just get BORED.
I just started running at the end of December. I live in Minnesota so running outside at that time of year is dreadful for me. I have been running on the treadmill. I have found it to be enjoyable if I can find something distracting to think about or an interesting person to watch at the gym:)
Tell me more about your stress fracture in your shin. I have been having extreme pain in my right shin for the last 4 weeks. When it gets really bad, I take 3 days off from running and try again. I ran 30 minutes on Sunday and tried to run last night and could barely finish a mile…so much pain!!!
Good for you!
Can I borrow some of that mental strength please? There’s something about running–I just psych myself out all the time!
Eek – 3 months! I’m also out of activity right now due to a strained hamstring (I think) and am going seriously crazy not being able to go to the gym at my college so I understand how you feel.
I feel so lazy and bored all the time, and my appetite has gone a little which really stinks since I’m just sitting about all the time.
What did you find yourself doing while you were sidelined to stay active?
I’ve heard you can bike or use the elliptical but I’m not sure if that would put too much strain on my hamstring. Also, upper body ST’ing, but I’m trying to gain weight right now and my arms are already buff enough!
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