i'm told that distance running is mental sport where you can't let yourself stop and you have to tell yourself to keep going. the problem is, while running distance, i always feel like after a certain amount of time or distance i can't run anymore even though i know i have the ability to do it. has this happened to anyone when they started running distance? and how do i get over it?
try setting realistic goals and then don't let failure be an option; just assume that you will accomplish your goal. when i was just starting (not that i've been running for very long) i would just run without really knowing how far i was going to run or how long but then i started saying, "i'm going to run 30min and then eat an apple" or "after 4 miles i'm going to hit the showers and watch the office". just assume that you're going to do whatever you say you'll do and then do it; from what i've gathered running is mostly mental.
I like the idea of setting a distance goal before each and every run I take. Sometimes I will do a quick short run (4 miles) and I feel like I cannot go another step when I hit the 4 mile mark. Same thing with a long run. I set the goal (the night before) to give my mind enough time to committ to the distance. When I start to feel like giving up around mile 10, I remind myself that I have committed to run 12. I just do it...blisters and all. It also helps to find a running buddy. It is one thing to let yourself down, but it will bother you even more to let your partner down. You are absolutely right- it is totally mental (after you have established a good base).
Another thing that helps me is to keep a running journal or calendar. When you can actually write down what you have accomplished at the end of a grueling run, it is really satisfying. I personally use the training log on this website.
I always say, "ok I'll go to this mark, or I'll run this far" and then when I make it to that point, I try to go a liiiiittle bit farther, just to make myself think, "SEE. you CAN do it."
When I run and have that problem, I just find a point maybe 20-30 meters ahead, and say i'll run to that point, then maybe i can walk, (even though I know I probably won't) then I get there and I just say, O maybe just another 20-30 meters, then I end up getting into a rhythm and forget about the whole thing and just run
This way you can establish a goal you know you can run, and end up running more
What distances are you talking about? Hydration and nutrition could play a role. I'm good for up to 9 or 10 miles without carrying water. (depending on the temperature), and up to 13 or 14 without carring something like an energy gel to give me an boost.
I think all that also depends on your fitness level. Oh, and be realistic, don't increase your weekly mileage too fast (no more than 10% per week).
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