How can runners get over a mental block?

Question

I have been running long distance and after about 20-30 minutes my mind starts wondering and I just about mentally shut down.

I have been trying to focus elsewhere and have been running at night to try and compensate but I always seem to hit a "mental wall" around that time...I can only get about another 10 minutes out of my run after that.

After my cool down, I feel like I could get out and go again, and during the day I am thinking about my runs as well...

Any help would be great!

Answer 1

This could be a number of things. I'll float you a few suggestions.



A wondering mind is not necessarily a bad thing. I do lots of thinking on my runs.



1. Try a completely different course/route/trail.

2. Challenge yourself. Try a serious hill, or mix in some speed play.

3. Run with a friend.

4. Make sure you are getting enough rest. Don't overtrain.

5. Ratchet up the intensity. If you're just shuffling along, you may not be hitting your target heartrate.

6. Try running a local race, say a 5 or 10K. In training after the race, look to improve upon that time, or draw upon your experience during the race.

7. Set a goal. Run for something other than the sake of running. It is good for you, but sometimes you need to work to make it fun.

8. Consider cross training.



Keep it fresh, and you should sharpen up...

Answer 2

It has happened to me. I am a college runner and it happened to me last summer and some this year. You probably have been doing this for a while now and are getting tired. Last summer I did 3 speed sessions per week. Monday was 5 mile repeats at pretty much all out to exhaustion, wednesday was 8x800m in 2:32 with 400m jog in between and Tuesday was a tempo run at 5:28 pace ( pretty much a race even though I did not know because my pr was 5:32 pace). I was burning myself out. What I suggest is that you stop interval training for a week until you get the desire back because once you start to give up on workouts it only gets worse. I tried to push through the feeling but I ended up burning out and having an awful cross country season. Some negative thoughts are normal and sometimes you do quit ,which makes you have more desire next time but if this happens too much you might want to reconsider your training like I did. You have the talent now you just have to listen to what your body is saying. Good luck bud. You will do well.

Answer 3

Ranor woods gave some good advice there. I use to put songs into my head and run to the beat of them.. I know this is even going to sound dumber but I use to grow my hair longer before a marathon so that my hair would hit my ears just right and I could tell if my pace was slow or if I got going to fast. Crazy but it worked for a sub 2:30. so go figure.



Oh by the way that mental shut down you talk about is the one of the reason some people run. Peace. Welcome to the world of true runners my friend.

Answer 4

Try one of those products such as Twin Labs Ultrafuel or Hydrafuel before your run. Maybe your energy levels aren't stoked enough and your mental energies are waning and focus is affected. It's ok to daydream a but but not to the point where you're spitting the bit.

Maybe you could also put some mental gymnastics into your run to keep the brain focused. Split times etc. I knew I was spent while cycling when I couldn't do simple math problems in my head.

Answer 5

It's pretty common for your mind to wonder, it happens to me all the time. Try and set mini goals for yourself along the run and keep your cadence up when you see it slowing down. The best thing you can do is find a partner thats about the same speed as you and run together. This way you won't be able to slow down!

Answer 6

Try leaving your watch @ Home & just run for enjoyment like hitting a new trail you haven't run before & enjoy the Scenary