Every run is tough, sometimes from the start. I’ve never experienced a run that didn’t need me to push myself.

And that’s the purpose of running- to push through the pain barrier where then, strength arises, both body and mind. 

Here are powerful mind tricks to help you complete a painful and tiring run.

1. Expect The Run to be Hard.

Don’t go for a run thinking “oh, this is going to be easy”.

Instead, expect it to be hard, because at some points it will. And when it does, your mind will already be prepared to push through the discomfort. 

2. Spot The Next Target

A target is any visible object on your running trail. It could be a person, tree, billboard, etc.

Say you will run till that target. When you reach it, spot another one ahead and try reaching it too.

Spotting targets helps you focus on your surroundings which distracts you from focusing on the pain.

3. Run Counting Steps, Walk Counting Steps

The run-walk step counting strategy is great as it helps control pain by slowing down.

Decide how many steps you want to run (depending on the intensity of the pain), then walk half those steps.  

For example, run 30 steps, and walk 15 steps.

 If you don’t want to walk, you can run slower.

4. Remind Yourself of Your  Running Goal

Why are you running? 

Constantly reminding yourself what you want to achieve through running is a great motivation to push through the pain cave.

Related: 9 Reasons to Run That Hold Endless Motivation

5. Use Running Mantras

Mantras are affirmations runners use to build mental toughness for running. They help push you even during the toughest runs.

 6. Speed Walk

Taking short, quick strides tricks your mind into thinking you’re running quickly, which encourages you to keep running.

 7. Break Down the Run into Smaller Distances

Mentally divide the run into manageable distances. For example, if it’s a 5km run, first focus on running 1km. 

This is a clever way to trick the mind through accomplishment because when you surprisingly finish one kilometer, you will want to push and finish the next one.

 8. Dedicate The Run to Someone Dear to You

Dedicating the run to someone you love alters your mindset greatly. It enables you to push hard for them even if you want to quit.

9. Visualize Yourself Completing The Run

 Visualization creates a clear mental image that helps one achieve a goal.

Picture yourself completing the run. How does it feel?  What do you do next?

Personally, visualizing myself posting my running stats online and how good it feels pushes me a lot to finish a hard run. (lol)

10. Pain is Temporary

Find comfort in the fact that the pain is present only at some points during the run. And that after the run is over, so is the pain and discomfort.

11. Zone Out

Avoid thinking about the discomfort by thinking about something else. Could be the next thing you’re planning on doing after the run, something that’s been bothering you, etc.

Sometimes I find myself thinking of content ideas.

Engaging your mind with thoughts helps you zone out from the discomfort which is a great distraction.

However, zoning out can easily cause accidents, so keep scanning your running trail to avoid trips and falls.

Conclusion

These running mental tricks are a great pain distraction. However, remember;

• Be watchful of your environment. Don’t get so distracted that you zone out from your surroundings.
• Do not use headphones when running alone or on a new trail.
•  Listen to your body. If the pain becomes unbearable, walk then switch back to running when it gets better. If it doesn’t please seek medical advice.

Now I’d like to hear from you.

Any other mental tricks you would like to share to push through tough runs?

Please share in the comment section below.

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