Runners often share a personality type that strives for perfection. We’re hard on ourselves when we fail to measure up to our personal high standards. In some ways, this is exactly what propels us to our successes and in other ways, it’s what has limited us. So let’s look at some mindset shifts that can help us take control, enjoy the process and achieve more.
#1 Embrace the Suck
Let’s just come out and say it. Sometimes training sucks.
It’s hard to hit the track and push yourself, it’s hard to go to the gym when it’s so perfect outside to run, it’s hard to get in the miles when you’re feeling tired.
Avoid the negative thinking of how you would prefer things to be and make the best of what they are. Laugh at completely ridiculous conditions (hello running through 2 inches of snow) and circumstances. In other words, Embrace The Suck.
By doing so, you’ll not only get the benefit of getting out there, you’ll also add these experiences to draw upon later when you are at a tough moment in your training or a race. If nothing else, think of all of those that aren’t.
Matt Fitzgerald talks a lot about this in his great book How Bad Do You Want it. A must read if you’re working on mindset to get in to the pain cave on race day.
