Distracting your mind while running?

Question

Sometimes I just find it really hard to keep running those 4-6 miles without wanting to stop, so what are some ways to distract yourself from the pain of running. This really applies for cross country. Here are some that I heard have worked: Spell words backwards/forwards, sing a song in your head, and count how many people you pass.

Answer 1

Think about something you are looking forward to, like hanging out with your friends or an upcoming vacation. It really helps. Singing a song in your head helps a lot too.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

try running in the woods or at the park. somewhere wear theres different trails u can run on. i always find myself running a lot better when i run in the woods on trails. it sbest when u find new trails or u get lost. its exciting. :-) good luck

Answer 3

I find that tryign to get your mind off the pain of running really puts the thought of it in the back of your mind, I guess try not to think of it if possible, but here are some things that I do to keep my runs fresh and interesting.

Try running a new route if possible, go to www.mapmyrun.com and enter in your zip code to see what routes other people are running, I have found some great runs and trails that way.

Download some radio shows or books on tape onto your iPod. This keeps your mind focused on the entertainment you are listening to rather than the task at hand. I listen to sports when I run, its great!

Answer 4

think of a word for each letter of the alphabet like a- apple etc

Answer 5

a- apple

b- bear

c-cow

d-dog

works but also think about every single thing youve done in the last 24 hours go into detail

also think about how pain is temporary and think about all your compettitiors who are on their couch right now and picture yourself passing them on race day when it gets tough

Answer 6

Get a good song/beat in your head that gets you hyped up.

Answer 7

when i run i NEED music! i listen to geno beats (haha yes and im not even a geno) or anything like club music. i find running to an upbeat pumping song makes me need to move to the beat. I get lost in the song and alot of times forget im running. Although every now and then ill snap back and be tired. then i switch the so and get in the beat agian. Try to mix up your playlist so every time you run its not repetitive. Get songs you like so you will enoy the run. some songs i suggest are:

~not gonna get us- T.A.T.U

~Piece of me- brittany spears

~with love- hillary duff

~dont stop the music-rihanna

~all the things she said-  T.A.T.U

~crazy frog music...althogh it gets annoying after a while

~any songs by scooter are AMAZING for running!!

also if i cant help thinking i think of things going on in my life and just review everything going on. maybe between my friends, family, job, vacations, events. You can think about the future and what you want to do, or think about what youll do the rest of the day.

i would think that spelling words and counting would bore me and make it more painfull to keep running. Although im all for singing a song in your head, but i think it would better with actuall music. MP3's are cheap so its not hard to get portible music.

hope this helps!:)

Answer 8

maths sums. i spy with urself. grab a laf and look at the intricate patterns on it close ur eyes. i never get bored wenever i run 6 miles and if u are doing x-country then u shouldnt be getting bored as there is usually so much to see so perhaps u should try to find sumwhere else to run?

Answer 9

think about what you have to do today, and what your having for dinner. =]

Answer 10

i can't run without my music... i HAVE to have my ipod or i get messed up and im always thinking about stopping. i know in a XC race u cant listne n to ur ipod so thats why i listen to it before. Good luck && dont stop running =]