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My biggest problem with running isn’t form, it isn’t the heat, it isn’t aches or pains in my muscles or any other part of my body, and it’s not my endurance. I can work through all of those things. My biggest weakness, hands down — is that I have yet to teach myself how to push to the level of discomfort and stay there. (which is interesting, since in aerobic workouts and strength training I push way past my limits almost every time.)
As athletes, the first few weeks of training we tend to improve rapidly…. After awhile we find a “comfort zone” — a pace that makes us comfortable for longer distances than we’re used to, a distance that is easier than we ever imagined possible, Etc… All too often we’re afraid of pushing past that zone and really “suffering” during training. I am so guilty of this, it’s not even funny.. I can always force myself to keep moving, but when my lungs start to burn TOO badly I’ll slow down my pace without any conscious thought about it.
It’s NO secret that it is absolutely critical to the success of endurance racing to push myself past these limits. I failed to do this during my Iron Girl Half-Marathon, and it’s not exactly a surprise that because of this, my time was terribly pathetic and I had much more energy than I should have after crossing that finish line 13.1 miles later.
It’s that point when the body takes over and the mind just has to hang on for the ride — THAT is why I run… Yet, why am I so hesitant to get to that point? There’s no sound reason as to why, I’m not afraid – I’m not thinking to myself “omg slow down” I just do. I need to start consciously thinking “keep pushing. Push HARDER”
This week I have really been working on running past my comfort zone. After yesterday’s workout with coach J, he confirmed my suspicions. These buns are getting stronger. All hail the dumbbell squats & lunges. They’re truly miracle workers (yoga streak probably has a lot to do with it as well. Credit, where credit is deserved)
He gave me the go ahead to push it to the limits.
Cue Music…
We also had a lengthy discussion about how I have yet to really hit that discomfort level and stay there… He gave me some great advice. Funny how the best advice is simple, to the point, and usually no more than a few words.
- Repeat a Mantra. For me, my mantras usually consist of a few curse words, The f word is my personal favorite while running. “You can F-ing do this” is a big one for me. But, whatever works for you is just dandy.
- Remember it Will Pass. If you aren’t injured, the pain is only temporary. A lot of the times it won’t even stick with you more than a few miles. Even if it does last the rest of your run — it will pass, and next time you’ll be that much stronger for it.
- Distractions. Distractions. Distractions. This is where coach J differs from a lot of other coaches. More and more people are trying to train without music. He, recommended faster paced music with the volume pumped up. It will help ME zone out (this isn’t for everyone. But I’m a fiercely loyal music-runner.)
Of course, this doesn’t mean I should stop listening to my body. If there is sudden sharp pain, nausea/vomitting, or other OBVIOUS signs my body is crying for help — I’m not going to keep pushing it then. There’s a difference between pushing your limits and being stupid. 
& before I part. My last vlog update of the week… You can see me momentarily freak out over a bird. or bat. or something?
What helps you push your limits?
When was the last time you took the opportunity to push past what you thought your limits were?
Im totally guilty of this too! I saw a picture on Pinterest that said “your legs aren’t giving out; your mind is giving up” or something like that- totally true of me. Thanks for the reminder to push past my comfort zone.
haha i saw that on pinterest too. pretty sure I repinned it somewhere
Excellent point!
I did a strength circuit workout yesterday (DVD) and my biceps and quads HURT today… Which made me think: I’ve been lifting regularly for months, why am I sore?? Clearly I got stuck in a rut/comfort zone and didn’t even realize it until the fateful DVD workout!
My rut-busters: signing up for a race, going to the track, sticking with the “new to you” cross training challenge.
ooou new to you routines are always great rut busters!
Good for you. I think knowing it will pass is always what gets me through. Pain is temporary, right? Keep it up–you’ll be setting some serious PRs before you know it!
exactly!!!
awesome job. I neeeed a mantra to get me through the tough times and workouts.
it works.
Isn’t it just, I am the most awesome woman alive?
haha.
Support from others help me push my limits.
Really glad to hear that your dress isn’t “topless”
Bahahaha. Huge oops. As soon as I said “topless” I was like omg NO! Ha
I often repeat my mantras in my head while running! The mind is one powerful thing! Good job!
The mind is an amazing thing. thanks lady!
I can relate to this. Thanks for putting this into words —>”My biggest problem with running isn’t form, it isn’t the heat, it isn’t aches or pains in my muscles or any other part of my body, and it’s not my endurance. I can work through all of those things. My biggest weakness, hands down — is that I have yet to teach myself how to push to the level of discomfort and stay there.”
I need to work on this when I’m running too. A motivating song definitely helps!
I know it kind of says a lot in it self… but Im NOTHING Without my music when it comes to running.
I’m guilty of the same! Once I start feeling too uncomfortable during a run my mind starts to race with thoughts of maybe I should slow down or maybe I should for for a block. I find that if I can focus on something else the moment passes and I can keep going. Music helps for sure!
Yep, I’m guilty of exactly that. I need to distract myself
I struggle with this as well. I tend to slow down or stop when it gets hard, even though know thats when I am getting better! It’s a conscious effort!
It really is. I think it will always be a battle for me. Unless I retrain my mind
Cute vid
Was just thinking about this same concept as I was writing a post for later in the week today. Glad to know others feel me on this…like your ideas 
— Ericka @ The Sweet Life
I’ve actually talked to a LOT of runners who push during races but openly admit they don’t as much during training. we’re not alone
it’s always weird to me that I can push through discomfort to run longer, but it has taken a lot more mental work to push through high intensity moments
I’ve always thought the same thing. Ive said frequently that I “should” be able to push it with speed since I push it to new distances.. but it’s yet to be true LOL.
Speedwork! That will totally take you out of your comfort zone. Cool thing about that is you arent “uncomfortable” for too long. Some quick little bursts of speed will help you feel more comfortable at a faster pace.
Side note: Like the angle of the phone much better… and so does the bird.
Second side note: a topless dress might be a little distracting for those around you.
yea now that school is out I’m definitely going to hit up some tracks. Never did during the school year because my scheduled free time was usually school hours.. heh. So THAT should help a ton.
and yea um.. we’ll just ignore that huge oops before creepers start watching my videos about topless dresses. LOL ;P
Ahh I need to do this. I am so stuck in my running comfort zone and afraid to push myself to new (not even so outlandish) limits. I’m definitely with you on music helping me zone out. I’m better off if I forget that I’m running
and just in the zone. Or, motivational music to push me harder always works, too!
THanks for the inspiration. By the end of the summer, I want to be running a faster 5k! And maybe longer distances… maybe
That quote!!! One word…amazing. Will remember this!!!
Hehehehehehe, I love the “my dress is top…I mean strapless.” LOL That was awesome.
I love the fact that you mention a comfort zone. From April 2010 to April 2012, I was in a major comfort zone – 5K. And I wasn’t even improving on that distance!! I was stuck…wasn’t really pushing myself. It wasn’t until I hit the higher mileage that I realized just how comfortable I’d let myself get. Especially that first 8-miler. That was brutal. Nasty. Horrible. You do need to push yourself…”discomfort is strength” is my mantra when it starts getting uncomfortable. I never let myself feel actual PAIN…but I’m learning to embrace discomfort.
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Omg, when I read that your mantra is the f word it made me, seriously lol and then love you even more than I do.. How is that possible? I will scream the f word with you on any run, anytime, anywhere. xo