Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a challenging workout, reaching a point where you just want to give up? How often do you give in to that urge to quit? And how often do you push through despite the mental struggle? Quitting is like a mental pain, a signal from your mind urging your body to stop before it experiences discomfort. While there are times when stopping is necessary to prevent injury, more often than not, it’s your mind imposing limits even when your body is capable of more.
Mental Block
As I grow older, I discover the extent of what my body is capable of, yet also how much I hold back. The true depth of mental pain became apparent to me during my ultra marathon this past April. My brain screamed “No,” while my legs continued to move forward. Physically, I wasn’t exhausted to the point of needing to stop, as that would have meant the end of my race. But mentally, I couldn’t break free from my own thoughts. Despite my efforts to articulate my feelings, all I could muster was, “I don’t know what to say,” and soon, more walking ensued. It happened around mile 14, knowing I wasn’t even halfway there.
Tips for Overcoming Mental Barriers
Ask yourself: Am I injured? Am I physically unable to continue? Can I push for just 5 more minutes? Gradually increase this duration as you progress.
Take deep breaths; nasal breathing can help calm your mind.
Visualize the race ahead, breaking it down into manageable segments. For instance, for my ultra marathon, I mentally divided the remaining 18 miles into three 5-mile runs and a final 5k.
Acknowledge your progress aloud, offering yourself positive reinforcement.
Talk it out. Having someone like Will during the ultra provided an outlet for venting, encouragement, and motivation.
Physical Pain
Engaging in physical activities inevitably brings about pain. It could be from a fall during a run, foot discomfort due to a bunion, or lingering back pain from previous lifting injuries—all of which I experience. These pains occur when I neglect proper posture or fail to pay close attention, leading to mishaps. While it’s important to acknowledge physical pain, it’s crucial not to conflate it with the mental strain experienced during challenging moments.
Embracing Challenges
I take pride in tackling difficult tasks, yet there are times when I merely go through the motions during workouts. This is a habit I aim to break. When I commit to a workout, I must push past mental barriers and embrace physical discomfort. The real results come when you push yourself to the limit. Inspired by Dadjogger’s advice, I’m working on increasing my speed during shorter races, aiming for faster times. Similarly, I’ve challenged myself to lift heavier weights during strength training, already noticing significant improvements.
Overcoming Limitations
What holds me back from reaching my full potential is the fear of pushing too hard and not being able to finish the race. Deep down, I know I’m capable of more than my mind allows. I’m determined to break free from this psychological barrier and take pride in crossing the finish line.
Conclusion
My goal for the summer is to complete a 5k in under 24 minutes, equivalent to running under an 8 minute mile. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. By acknowledging mental pain and focusing on form and speed, I aim to overcome physical discomfort. The human body is capable of remarkable feats, and I challenge you to push yourself further in your next workout—whether it’s lifting heavier weights or shaving seconds off your mile time. You can do it bro!
