6 Tips for Becoming Mentally Strong as an Endurance Runner

[@BarbaraClayArtisticsoulwithin]

I'm not a runner. I have a rare heart condition, and there are days I can barely walk because I am in so much pain. Just a few months ago, I started looking at runners on KZbin. I have a long list of motivational videos, and I was still very sad. I started to think this is not working. I need something out of the box that I can focus on. Runners came to mind. I wanted to know how they deal with so much pain and keep going. I'm not trying to compare my health condition with a runner's pain but I was thinking if I can just learn a little bit of a runner's mindset, I can make it to tomorrow. And boy did it work. After I started looking at trail running videos I get up, get dressed and tell myself I just need to go to the kitchen and cook. I just need to take one more step. I am in pain but that is ok. Lol after you said the definition of endure I laughed so hard. Now I understand the mindset of a runner. Enduring. That is exactly what I am learning to do. Thank you for this video. It was very helpful to a non-runner like me❤

[@runningwithjane]

Hi Barbara!! Wow, this comment really means so much to me. You're an inspiration to us all. I can try to empathize with your situation, but the reality is I just can't imagine what you're going through each day. We runners get to choose to endure; you don't. I think this is what many of us channel when things get really hard. I had two athletes who went through life-altering situations last year, both of which put them through a lot of physical and emotional pain. So when I felt awful at the Chicago Marathon, I ran for them. I imagined taking away their pain and making it mine. I wish you all the health and joy and know that your story matters. Highly recommend following Sally McRae - Choose Strong!

[@BarbaraClayArtisticsoulwithin]

@@runningwithjane Thank You❤️

[@PrettyLittlePlantBased]

Barbara, may God Bless you and heal you. I couldn’t imagine what you might be going through, but your strength to endure hard times is very inspirational. “ Lay down your burdens and God will give you rest.” Mathew 11:28 ❤ Sending love and blessings.

[@TexKP]

You made an awesome connection. I find that the tough patches in running bring so much to my everyday struggles with depression and more. Don’t forget the power of music and stay strong. You’re an inspiration.

[@BarbaraClayArtisticsoulwithin]

@PrettyLittlePlantBased That's a promise 😃♥️ Thank you so much for reminding me of this scripture. This is a promise that I can depend on. Thank you and God Bless you♥️

[@copperdan7667]

Dakotah Lindwurm smiles a lot towards the end of her marathons. Dakotah has won Grandma's Marathon twice and will be representing the United States in Paris this year. She says that smiling makes it hurt less. Ive tried it and it works. So my new saying is Smile when it Hurts.

[@runningwithjane]

Yes, I love this strategy!

[@ym6722]

This is great advice. I am 62 and I am planning my first full marathon next year (February). I have tried 2 times to train for a full, but always got injured. On one hand my attitude was "I just want to finish" and was too relaxed about it and ignored strength training, stretches and rolling and on the other hand I was too hyper focused on getting the miles fast and ignoring the warning signs to injury. That was 4 years ago and I am now ready to do it the right way. The running is the reward for all at the work before hand. The time of training is quite long and I will get my base up slowly. I have a few races planned before the Texas heat melts my face. I have fall the begin in earnest and my plan is Jeff Galloway "to finish" since I run/walk all the time now!! These were great great tips!!! Thank you! Oh and my 11 mile run today was pure suffering. But I really really appreciate it!!!

[@runningwithjane]

You can do it!! Easy paced miles are your ticket to getting to the start line healthy (and yes, strength training is a big one, too). Jeff Galloway plans are a great guide!

[@definit1on119]

Love this. I ran my longest easy paced long run on Saturday of 18 miles. The last two miles were more a challenge mentally for sure.

[@runningwithjane]

It's a grind! Defintely those last 2 you have to convince yourself you can keep going when your brain is trying to say, "Surely we've done enough??" Hahaha. Proud of you!

[@andrewgiassa4987]

Love your videos! I have been listening to them on my runs! So informative and motivating!

[@runningwithjane]

Wow, thanks for taking me along on your runs with you! Anything in particular that you'd like to see/hear for a video topic?

[@LayneBracy1]

Another excellent video! I'll be healthy at the start line for my 4th marathon this Saturday in large part to your channel. Thanks for the tips - I plan to add some speed sessions with my next block. 🙂

[@runningwithjane]

You're always so kind - thank you, Layne!! Always happy to hear the videos have been helpful; your journey has been impressive. I really appreciate the tip and I'm going to put this straight into my NYC Marathon fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation. Apologize if you already told me in a previous video, but which one are you running on Saturday?

[@LayneBracy1]

@@runningwithjane You're welcome and good luck with the fundraiser! I'm doing Runs with Scissors, a 20-lap loop race in Adams County, Colorado.

[@runningwithjane]

@@LayneBracy1 Awesome! Just looked it up. Check back in and let me know what you thought of that kind of course! Makes me think there's some pretty good camaraderie out there! Best of luck!

[@LayneBracy1]

@@runningwithjane Well, conditions were challenging, with cold and steady rain that led to a muddier course each lap. But, it was great to pass the aid station every 1.3 miles, and the staff were wonderful. Runners of all speeds were welcome. Best of all, my wife surprised me by joining me for lap 12, which was a great morale boost! Highly recommend this event, which includes half and ultra options.

[@PrettyLittlePlantBased]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing. You inspire me to be a better runner. God bless ❤

[@runningwithjane]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words. Appreciate it so much!

[@Nateshe]

Great video, thanks

[@runningwithjane]

You're so welcome, glad you found it helpful!

[@jotaylor1684]

Brilliant advice and so good to hear the word 'suffering' used. My strength in racing when I was younger used to be that I could 'suffer' but when I explained this to some fellow runners they looked at me in horror! Of course one suffers in a race! You hit the nail on the head. Now at 69 I am returning to 'racing' from just 'running' for many years, and we'll see if that ability to suffer is still there! Thank you for the video❤

[@runningwithjane]

What I don't think I realized for a long time is that suffering really is optional haha. Like that some people don't like it so they just choose not to do it. It never occurred to me to not go to my max! Clearly this is a personality trait - I'm very competitive so I guess I'll do whatever it takes. So your conversation with those other runners doesn't surprise me! So awesome you're returning to racing - never too late and I hope you have a blast out there suffering!

[@doernerrr]

Great video Jane. Thanks for having the courage to address a difficult topic most others avoid.

[@runningwithjane]

Hey Dick - great to hear from you! Yeah, on my zone 2 videos I got accused of "just teaching people to be slow" hahaha...I'm like, "Oh no, there is plenty of suffering going on for my athletes" LOL...just doesn't take a lot of it to be effective. You can get far on an aerobic base but to really get to your potential you have to learn to hang out in that pain cave.

[@wvu05]

Agree with the suffering question. Looking back, I honestly wonder how fast I would have been as a younger man had I truly understood what race pace felt like. I remember at what is my senior PR at the mile on a road course, I was aiming for 85-second quarters. I ran the first quarter in 78 seconds and had a little bit of oxygen debt but not much, and coupled with a faster than expected quarter, I eased _way_ up, and the other quarters were 89, 94, and 89. Maybe I was actually on my correct pace after all and didn't know it, maybe I should have been closer to 80, but looking back, it was entirely possible that I could have finished so much faster than 5:50 if I only knew.

[@runningwithjane]

I think it's really normal to look back and wonder what could've been. And it all progresses with experience that's for sure! Gotta practice strengthening our minds, too.

[@IRunThings]

Fantastic tips Jane!!❤

[@runningwithjane]

Hi Suzie! Glad you found it helpful!

[@TexKP]

Thank you for this video, right when I need it most. My marathon training really took a hit during the peak period and instead of getting those long runs in, I’ve been recovering from plantar fasciitis and just trying to maintain my fitness along the way. Once the race comes next Sunday, the goal is just to run / walk to the finish, but trying to make a rational decision when you’re fatigued and trying to avoid further injury is not easy.

[@runningwithjane]

I'm sorry to hear that your training did not go according to plan. There is definitely a difference between the normal suffering in training and suffering through pain that's actually detrimental to you. PF is a tough one for sure. And it's OK to race for run or race to finish or run smart. You got this and know that there will be other opportunities!!

[@TexKP]

@@runningwithjane Thank you! I was 35 minutes short oh my already conservative goal today, but feel stronger for pushing through and finishing. The joke is the PF barely caused any issues with the walking breaks. I unfortunately experienced the same kind of digestive issues that plagued you in Chicago. Your perseverance pulled me, through. In my case, I kept on wondering if anyone in the Slow AF running group had passed me up along the way! 🤣 In many ways the folks either new at running or struggling in the back of the pack could teach average runner more fortitude than the ribbon breakers.

[@liisaky]

Threshold runs really are a killer! Always proud when one is complete. The tip about adjusting workouts is something I came to as well and that really feels life changing. I have race day coming up next Saturday and I am getting really nervous lol.

[@runningwithjane]

Is the race tomorrow? You got this, Liisa!! Those tempos have taught you to mentally stay in it when it gets tough!

[@liisaky]

@@runningwithjane Thanks! I did great and finished strong!!! My plan A was 5:30, plan B was just to finished, and I did it in 5:05:59!!!!!! A few friends came to support me and it was just such a great day :)

[@moniquequinome4018]

Great video! Your advices are the best in the whole youtube-universe (i'm german, excuse mistakes in grammar).

[@runningwithjane]

Awww I appreciate that so much and glad you find the content helpful!

[@kingtrumpet123]

I still love watching your videos Coach Jane. I'm still here, LOL. Have an awesomeness week Coach.

[@runningwithjane]

Glad you're still here - thanks for always supporting!!

[@mad_incognito]

My biggest issue is not the suffering but that when I do I sort of mentally check out and I am just running way slower than usual. During that period no music or cheering does get my out of my funk. During my last Half Marathon run I did not encounter any such issue even though my Garmin's stamina was on 0 after half the distance. So this might be an issue with not taking enough fuel during the race especially in the second half. I will test my fueling on the upcoming 20 miler long runs before the taper to make it is on point and I am used to it.

[@sarahdothings]

i am suffering with the first thing SO much rn. I've been giving myself grace since I'm so far out from my marathon, but i'm being so inconsistent

[@runningwithjane]

Hi Sarah! I'd start with the most basic routine you can commit to. Do it for a week, and then bump slightly there and do it again the next week. This builds momentum and confidence...consistency is the most important training tool you have. You got this!

[@johnhutton2500]

Thanks. Excellent.

[@runningwithjane]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@df6932]

Spot on advice!

[@runningwithjane]

Glad it resonated with you! Thanks for watching!

[@Nyelands]

I learned on my first marathon (last sunday) that I can suffer for at very long time until it is on longer mind over body but body over mind. I wasn't far from an even split even though at 17K my quads got soar and it only got worse. I never had problems with my quads and I know that I trained well for this marathon. It's Copenhagen so it's flat. So 17K in it was a sufferfest. 30 meters before the finisline I all of a sudden started wobbling to the side and my body just shut completely down. I tried but ended up being brought in by samaritans 🙂. I don't feel sorry for myself but I am curious curious to why this happened to me. My finish time would have been around 3:26 had I been able to run the last 30 meters over the line. I feel like I fueled well and drank at most stations, but maybe I sweat more than normal and need electrolytes or something. The moral of the story is maybe you can be a little too good at suffering when you instead should tuned in to what your body is telling you, but since this was my first marathon I didn't really know how I was supposed to feel :-) All I know is that this was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! I'm 47 and have been running consistently for about a year.

[@runningwithjane]

Congrats on your first marathon! You should be so proud of that effort even with with the struggles you had. 3:26 after only running for a year is pretty unreal! So did you not take in any electrolytes? If so, very likely the lack of sodium was a big factor. Going out too fast or lack of proper training for that particular time goal would be other reasons. If you are interested in leveling up your next marathon, this is exactly what our coaching team can help with. Also, this video may help you pinpoint for next time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqWxiYaqZaaondksi=FQNQESTTcLu2QdJl

[@sarahkirkpatrick1485]

Ha ha! Can’t believe this came out the day after my 50k. Suffering? Check.

[@runningwithjane]

You could teach a masterclass in suffering for sure!! 😂 And you were certainly patient in your suffering - negative splitting a 50k is an incredible feat!

[@jereldonovan834]

You would know best, but I feel that losing the headphones in your long runs helps you mentally endure

[@runningwithjane]

Oh for sure that helps! I've done both and have raced without and really like that, but will admit I've gotten so used to listening to podcasts in the last couple of years I look forward to that on long runs.