Mind games

[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.

[GLC1968]

When running, I find that doing what Oak suggested and being really observant helps pass the time. Sometimes I'm analyzing what others are wearing (if there are others to look at), other times, I like to look at houses and gardens and admire things and get ideas for our own place. I purposefully don't run with music because I like to be able to hear things and notice them (since on a bike, there is too much wind to hear the soft stuff), like birds or whatever. I also enjoy noticing and trying to identify smells (I do this on the bike, too).

I also sometimes use the time to work over a problem in my head (again, it helps to not have music playing). This was more common when I used to run after work - it helped me put the day in order and behind me, actually.

Or, you could just run from zombies:
http://www.zombiesrungame.com/

[Tri Girl]

Or, you could just run from zombies:
http://www.zombiesrungame.com/

OK- so that's pretty funny and quite unique.
I just don't know if I could listen to that the whole time I'm running. Can you imagine a 10 mile run with that in your ear. ahhhhhhh

[OakLeaf]

My sister does the Zombies Run thing. She's been doing it pretty much ever since it came out, so it must be engaging.

[lph]

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.

bwaa-haa-haaa I wasn't very good at yoga either. But I can zone out on kayaking like I was born to it.

[malkin]

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.

One time at massage, face down on the table with my face 'in the hole' my nose plugged up completely, so I had to breathe through my mouth and ended up drooling on the floor. Not exactly relaxing.

[lph]

I got a new one today! Went for a long run (10 miles, outrageously long for me) in the woods. It's been raining heavily, and I passed some beautiful small streams with water that lovely amber colour. Made me smile every time, and then I thought "hey, something that makes me smile = energy". So I ran looking for things I like especially, briar roses, daisies, streams, a friendly passing dog Every one was a tiny boost.

[jessmarimba]

Smiling is actually a great trick. When you feel miserable, force yourself to smile - lots of studies on how your expression can affect your mood.

[AppleTree]

I got a new one today! Went for a long run (10 miles, outrageously long for me) in the woods. It's been raining heavily, and I passed some beautiful small streams with water that lovely amber colour. Made me smile every time, and then I thought "hey, something that makes me smile = energy". So I ran looking for things I like especially, briar roses, daisies, streams, a friendly passing dog Every one was a tiny boost.

This....

Great post!