Mind games

[OakLeaf]

I was the one with the battery, but I'm going to save that for racing.

Sometimes I visualize Pac-Man when I'm running intervals. Wakka-wakka-wakka-wakka, scoop up a power-up. Sometimes I'll visualize a flaming ball of energy at my crown and/or center.

Running, vary your route so you have different things to look at. On the path that you cycle on, notice little details that go by too quickly when you're on the bike. It's always amazing to me that the same route can look completely different on foot, on the bike, and in the car. (Also on the motorcycle, which is extra interesting, considering the speed is usually pretty similar to car speed - you just notice different things.) I can't focus exclusively on form, but I like to be in my body a lot when I run, which is quite a bit of engagement.

[goldfinch]

On the bike I listen for birds and make sure that I can identify their calls. Sometimes I call back. Teacher! Teacher! Teacher! Says the oven bird. I moo to cows. Think bad thoughts about starlings.

It drives me a bit nuts if I hear something though that I can't id and have no binoculars to check it out, but I roll on, waiting for the next bird.

[lph]

Ooh, I like the pacman one. Will try. The earbug one is pretty funny too

I run with music and can't hear any birds (not that I could where I run anyway), but just paying closer attention to little details is a nice idea.

[malkin]

Don't run anymore, but when I did and was really tired I used to just count 1-2-3. I like how the 1s happen on alternate feet.

[goride]

I am not running right now, but when I ran, I did a variation on the counting - I would try to predict where on the course I would be in 100 steps, then count out the steps. I usually didn't have to do that more than once or twice to get my rhythm going again. It wasn't important if I guessed right or not. It was really about the counting and re-establishing the rhythm. Have fun with your tri.

[Miranda]

Good for you on branching out!

I wish I could too. But my medical body stuff says no.

Well, what little I did run years ago I tried to focus on the sound. Guess the same with swimming. And I do this also on my bike.

With the bike it's the steady hum of the cranks turning, and the chain in the cogs. It's like being a well oiled machine. You and bike. One beast.

With running I would focus on my feet striking the ground and the sound of debris crushing underneath it. And my breathing. Everything smooth and rhthymic.

Swimming, same. My steady breathing. And the graceful swooshing sound/movement of my limbs in the water.

I think music really helps if you can do it safely. With the bike I gave up my one loan ear bud. And I do miss it.

I think the sights are a big help too. The longer you run your route you will begin to notice the routine of what happens.

And yes, I agree with you... the clock of how many minutes is left is the worst for motivation... amazing how long a minute can be sometimes lol.

Good Luck!



EDIT ADD:

And more so directly answering the post title... "mind games"... it's funny, rhythmic exercise, like cycling, is about the only time my mind completely shuts off... it's a really wonderful thing.

Funny, I tried to do yoga once and kinda hated it. The being still physically and woo-ing zen to come to me was just not working for me. But turn it around and put things into steady motion first... the universe is at peace.

[roo4]

Funny, I tried to do yoga once and kinda hated it. The being still physically and woo-ing zen to come to me was just not working for me. But turn it around and put things into steady motion first... the universe is at peace.

I took a yoga class once. The instructor told us to "disconnect from your mind, allow yourself to float freely without your brain..." No way. I need my brain! Then I started thinking about whether the eye-cushions had been cleaned recently. Then I started thinking about pink eye. Not a resounding success.

[Antaresia]

On the bike I listen for birds and make sure that I can identify their calls.

Me too! I pay a lot of attention to the birds, always have. Once on my way home, I could NOT identify this flock of constant squawkers. Bugged the heck out of me for a week - but one day I saw a guy with a telescope pointed at them. He told me in a very annoyed tone of voice that they were Caspian Terns. Yeay!

And then there was this other time were I heard a crow squawking his head off, so of course I had to see what he was up too. He dive bombs this poor girl, she looks around confused, and sees me laughing at her. This girl probably thought I threw something at her, and now has a really low opinion of cyclists.