What do you do when you start to struggle on your run, but quitting is NOT an option (because how else will you get home or back to your car)? Of course I guess we could walk the rest of the way (and I'm sure we've all done that at least once, right?). The goal of course is to just keep moving.
Here are a few tricks both of us have used from time to time to help us speed up and get that run finished.
1. Think of a reward: Whether it be a cold Starbucks Frappe or a glass of wine, think "Well, if I can go this far, I will reward myself with (insert treat here). And if not, than I guess I didn't want it that bad".
2. When my legs are starting to slow down, I put more effort into using my arms. It's amazing how your pace can pick up once you get those arms moving.
3. Another thing I do when I start to slow down is that I concentrate more on form. My PT once told me that in true running form your feet should feel like they are pushing off from a skateboard. Once I start concentrating on this, things get easier. Also (I have not official been told to do this by a coach or PT), but sometimes I sway my hips back and forth when I run because that makes it easier as well. I figure if it make race walkers faster, then it should make me run a little faster too and sometimes it does.
4. Hearing a good song on our playlist always gives us that pep in our step. It might be just that one song that helps you get to the finish line feeling a little stronger. What is that song for you?
5. Finally, one other thing that helps me get through a tough run is when I completely zone out and stop thinking of the run. When I start thinking about something else (like my next blog post), it seems like I start running a little better and the miles start going quicker.
Do you use any of these strategies when you start to struggle? M&L