Knocking Out Self Doubt
I’ve been having a hard time believing that I am going to be able to run a half marathon in one hour and forty minutes. The pace required seems to fast for me. Even though I have gotten faster over time, I really still consider myself a turtle when it comes to running. Setting goals with pace in the sevens scare me. My mind keeps telling that pace is too fast for a turtle.
When feeling this way there are several things that help me break down the walls of self down. Look at past performances and my training log. At the 3M marathon I ran a 1:43:32 half marathon. Going into the race I thought if I fought hard I might be able to finish the race in 1:45. But I ran the race at what felt like a relaxed pace, I didn’t feel like I was really pushing and I exceeded my expectations. Keeping this in mind I should be able to cut a few minutes off of that time if I am actually make a strong effort during AHC half marathon.
The second thing I need to have confidence in is my training. I am following a pretty rigorous training schedule, it has much more speedwork than I am used to doing. The first week of training was a disaster but last week was better and this week has been great so far. My intervals and tempo run this week were actually better than the schedule called for and faster than I thought I could run them. Following a training plan has always allowed me to meet my goals in the past. If I am consistent and put the work in I will see good results.
The last mental barriers I need to knock down are my poor self image and low self confidence. Sometimes I still see myself as that overweight woman who ran so slow speed walkers passed her on the trail. I am not that woman anymore, I’ve worked hard, have gotten much faster and if I don’t let my mind stop me I can kick butt this April.
I just want to leave you with some quotes I find helpful when I doubt myself:
“Run hard, be strong, think big!” -Percy Cerutty
“Part of a runner’s training consists of pushing back the limits of his mind..” -Kenny Moore
“The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go to far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy…It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed.” -Jacqueline Gareau
“Mind is everything: muscle–pieces of rubber. All that I am, I am because of my mind” -Paavo Nurmi
Am I the only one who is constantly doubting herself? Do you ever doubt yourself and your running ability? How do you overcome your doubts?
Filed under: Running Blog
The way I knock out self-doubt is by crossing the finish line.
I have lots of problems with self doubt. It has been something i have always struggled with during running- especially in high school. I think Im finally to the point where im running to make me happy and thats it. Run because you love it, & set goals because you love a challenge. Love yourself and believe in yourself!
I don’t find myself in doubt, but I do feel that being realistic with goals based on current pacing is important.
The speedwork is where it all comes together, and pushing that will provide the most benefits. You’re still having fun, and that’s where the importance lies.