Building mental toughness for racing

Training Advice/Discussion General

7 years ago 03/27/2017 3:26pm EDT

Let me start by saying that I am a hobbyjogger who never expects more than the occasional age group award in small races. I didn't start running until my mid 20's and have been running seriously for only 3 years now.

During races, I am having trouble pushing through the pain of racing. It isn't exhaustion because I will finish the race feeling tired but not dead. It's just that last 1/3 of a race my brain wants to give up.

Letsrunners, how do you push past the pain during a race? Anything you do in training and racing that I ought to try. I was thinking I haven't been doing a lot of workouts or hard efforts and maybe I'm just not used to the pain of running at max effort for distance? Or am I just not fit enough?

7 years ago 03/27/2017 8:12pm EDT

re: Weak willed runner

Weak willed runner wrote:
Let me start by saying that I am a hobbyjogger who never expects more than the occasional age group award in small races. I didn't start running until my mid 20's and have been running seriously for only 3 years now.
During races, I am having trouble pushing through the pain of racing. It isn't exhaustion because I will finish the race feeling tired but not dead. It's just that last 1/3 of a race my brain wants to give up.
Letsrunners, how do you push past the pain during a race? Anything you do in training and racing that I ought to try. I was thinking I haven't been doing a lot of workouts or hard efforts and maybe I'm just not used to the pain of running at max effort for distance? Or am I just not fit enough?

Could be some of both. It depends on how badly you want to run faster.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 9:12pm EDT

re: pain is good

Read your last paragraph again and do all those things - try doing some workouts and try doing some hard efforts, which coincidentally will get you more fit as well. It will help put you in a better position to finish stronger. It takes a while, and a lot of experience, to figure out what works for you. However, once you do have a breakthrough moment whether in racing or in training, it can be a big confidence builder.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 9:23pm EDT

re: Niceguy542007

Try racing on "Pure Hate." It's not for everyone, but can be an effective tool to knock you out of the doldrums. Beware, however it takes years to develop and if not careful can have unintended side-effects.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 11:05pm EDT

re: Niceguy542007

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I'll try and do more hard efforts instead of just easy miles and occasional moderate tempos. Always nice to see some helpful folks on letsrun.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 11:32pm EDT

re: Weak willed runner

Nevermind, I'm just a cuck beta with no self-respect.

7 years ago 03/28/2017 12:39am EDT

re: Weak willed runner

1. Continuous tempo runs so you get used to running at a steady effort without stopping.

2. Race-pace intervals so that you get used to your target pace.

3. Pace better. You're starting out too fast. You slow down because you aren't as fit as you think you are. No matter how motivated you are, fitness always wins.

7 years ago 03/28/2017 5:16pm EDT

re: Weak willed runner

No easy answer to this. Some people are just mentally tougher than others. Occasional hard tempos where you go to the well are helpful. Working out with people who will push you also good. Lots of racing and honest self-analysis. Did you leave it all out there or not? And although hard to intentionally advise doing so, blowing up in a race - hitting that lactic acid threshold where the legs just can't go anymore also part of the journey. Most people never go there and never know.

7 years ago 03/28/2017 6:37pm EDT

re: top 3 all time

This is the most correct answer.

top 3 all time wrote:
1. Continuous tempo runs so you get used to running at a steady effort without stopping.
2. Race-pace intervals so that you get used to your target pace.
3. Pace better. You're starting out too fast. You slow down because you aren't as fit as you think you are. No matter how motivated you are, fitness always wins.

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