How to Push Oneself When Running

Running is a challenging exercise that takes endurance and fortitude to complete. One of the toughest aspects of a run is the mental tenacity it requires to push the body to keep running even though the legs are starting to feel like jelly. If a person can master this aspect of running, they can break through those plateaus and improve their training regimen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Visualize the finish line when running. Looking at the end of a run through the mind’s eye can help a runner sustain the necessary focus and push through until the end.
2. Increase the number of times you run during a week. This increase in frequency can help the body become more accustomed to running and enable the muscles to push through during the run. However, make sure to rest a day in between runs to allow the body to adjust and recover.
3. Change your goals as you mature as a runner. Sometimes people just need to change up their routines to be able to push through a plateau and improve their training. Therefore, one day make a training goal based on speed per mile and pace. Then the next day set a goal based on distance. This way a runner does not get bored and fall into a running rut.
4. Incorporate leg weight workouts into your routine. If runners can strengthen their legs through lifting weights it can increase their ability to push themselves during a run.
5. Remember something that happened at work or in your home life that upset or frustrated you at the time. Then use this frustration as a tool to push yourself during the run.
6. Talk to friends or family that run and ask them for suggestions. Most every runner has a mental trick or technique to push themselves on their run.

Tips & Warnings

• Always listen to what your body is trying to tell you and if there is pain, you need to ease up. Remember there is a difference between determined and stubborn.