Running and Mental Confidence (toughness) Strategies

[@RUN_RGB]

This video reminds me of a great quote I like to follow in my running and life in general. “If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.” Good stuff Seth. 👍

[@terciosantana4697]

great quote! needed that today.

[@johnwalker5822]

I constantly think about, “Have I earned the right to run at the speed I want for the distance required”

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Well said. I like this mindset a lot.

[@maraballerina]

What an awesome way to put it!

[@mechanicaldummy7346]

The cinematic shots you get are insane. As a viewer I appreciate your time in these vlogs

[@suzannelaburt2641]

Seth the Vlog-inator!!! Kills it nearly every vid!!!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

We fight on

[@steveN-hn4fo]

My challenge is to run the first mile at the right pace, instead of going out too fast. Always say I'll start slow but tend to run first mile too fast every time

[@justinbrewer9776]

Last July, while with some family friends who run half marathons, they knew I ran 5ks in relatively fast times (not XC times, but sub-20 is better than the average joe) and they were asking about when I was going to finally run a half marathon. I told them that I never wanted to run a half marathon. November, following that July, I set out on my first half-marathon, after a week of being sick and not being able to run, with a goal of 1:45, and put down a 1:34:30.5 on a very hilly course. I cannot describe the pain cave I was in for the last two or three miles, but I had a friend by my side who had caught up with me (he's a sub 3:00 marathoner just running the race for miles) and he was dumbfounded to have found me this far ahead of my target. He was determined to see me get in ahead of 1:35. I passed people on every hill and with some quality coaching on the back half, I pulled off the most solid performance of my life in my first half-marathon. The level of emotion as I sprinted out the last 100m of the race, to the finish, was overwhelming. In May, I'm shooting to break 1:32:00 or better. I have 600+ more miles of Aerobic base since that race, and a good amount of track time. We will see how race day goes! Today you mentioned embracing the pain. This is the most important thing I've discovered in racing. Who is willing to hurt and who is willing to hurt the longest. At the end of it is either glory or disappointment, the length you are willing to hurt is proportionate to your results.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Great comment Justin, can’t wait to see your races unfold.

[@davidm3147]

Justin, good luck in May

[@clarkydrums]

Hardest mental part for me is just getting the shoes on and going out in the first place. I always love it when I'm out, but for some reason tell myself I really don't want to do it before I go.

[@simonanderson5501]

clarkydrums get somebody to train with you, makes all the difference. Just start asking people

[@clarkydrums]

Simon Anderson I kind of go out at weird times due to the shift pattern I work, do much prefer running with a partner though. Once I get that first mile in, even solo, I wonder why I was putting it off all day 😂

[@suzannelaburt2641]

Three things help me mentally: knowing "you gotta want to hurt" to run fast and executing that (not caving to the run hurt), my natural grit, and racing in all kinds of conditions.

[@davidm3147]

Seth, I read some of the comments here, not all. I'm surprised I haven't seen anything on mental visualization. Back in the day when I ran in college our coach brought in a sports psychologist that worked with us one season. We had to take 10 or 15 min a night where we would go into a quiet room and close our eyes and just visualize our race. We would have an imaginary white board where we would see our lap times (at the time I was running the 1500). We also had a "trigger" during the race which was a point in the race where we wanted to make a move (mine was the final lap bell). Prior to visualizing our race, we were to relax every part of our body going from head to toe. We did this every night leading up to Conference and Regions in hopes of getting a National qualifying time. Well we started out with a large no. of track runners and by the end of the season only a few of us were still doing the visualization homework. It all came together for me at our Conference meet where I was in 5th place at the bell. I slowly started picking off the runners ahead of me one by one and as we rounded the final turn I later told my brother that I couldnt believe I was going to take second at Conference. Well, I out leaned the leader to win the race in 3:51.5 . My roommate/teammate who also did the visualization homework qualified for Nationals and to this day holds the school record for the Steeplechase. and one other runner "Greg" qualified for Nationals in the 5000 m. My point is you have to put in the leg work, but dont forget to visualise in your mind what you want the outcome to be. See it in your minds eye.

[@Abes523]

Mental! QD: My biggest mental block I'm training to overcome is injury risk. Coming from a healed stress fracture, any niggle I feel in that foot during a run causes me to slow down ever so slightly. Another big mental block is seeing how far I've run, or where I'm going way off in the distance causes me to question why I'm doing this (while I'm running) but the biggest question that arrises is, "Am I nuts?!" Thank you for this vlog Seth, it really is helpful as next week is my last tough week before I begin to taper. I've shaved 20 minutes off my 20 miler, and am hopeful my final long run will be just a little faster keeping me in line with a lowish 4 hour marathon.

[@brentyoung6061]

Hey Jason, my pressure socks are Blitzu. I think I paid 16 bucks for them. I've had them since September, and they work just as good as they did when they were brand new. And they're made very well I'm pretty impressed.

[@GreyJedi17]

Thank you Seth. There are a lot of advice gems in this video. I ran 21.1 km, not a race, just a personal attempt on 16th April. It is not the fastest (2 hours 33 min) but I am really proud that I can do it. But at the same time, I must remind myself not to be a desperate runner. To remember to rest and relax besides training better. To set great time and great pace while losing the ability to enjoy a run, will defeat the whole purpose of me starting running.

[@lakeatonbuilder2096]

Qotd - my biggest challenge for mental confidence is knowing that my body is aging. Working to learn to accept that distance and pace can and will likely decrease over time. Also working to accept that those metrics dont mean everything in overall health and happiness. And figured your keys to mental toughness would align with mine. What else am I gonna do is a question I still ask myself before most runs 3 years in. Yesterday's answer was service 2 vehicles, a lawn mower, tidy up a yard, clean a boat. Today's answer was take a nap or catch up on all of SJD's videos I missed this week, so I ran. Love the channel but priorities! I will catchup soon!

[@mikedavis3385]

You’re amazing to listen to. I love your videos and all you do for running. Your passion is contagious! Don’t ever lose that.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thank you for being here Mike!

[@danielgutowski3807]

Thanks for the motivation Seth! Biggest mental challenge is getting out when the weather is trash. When it's sunny or I'm doing a long, slow run on a weekend, I can't wait to get out. But when it's chilly or dark out and I'm exhausted, getting outside can be the hardest part.

[@luizalves5805]

My challenge is to control my mind and make it work for me! I always finish my marathons with a full tank! And I do have a terrible feeling that I could have pushed harder than I did!

[@nehemiah9190]

MENTAL: I’ve constantly fought between my body’s desire to run slow for a long period of time (LSDs are lots of fun for me) and running fast to train for faster times. I still work on it constantly where I am putting my faith in my training plan rather than my body to prepare me for an upcoming race. Great video as usual!

[@DanRuns]

I feel that investing time in mental confidence is very important to achieving goals, running or otherwise

[@annettecestari2103]

My mind always tells me that I cannot do a certain workout, that I should take it easy. I know that I will feel great if I complete the wotkout at the given pace and that is my motivation. I want to prove myself that I can do it.

[@nikkimarie7056]

Thank you needed to hear this ...feel like I need more confidence in myself when I’m running ...been running for 11 years and right now feels likes the toughest...going to keep pushing myself

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

NIKKI MARIE you got this Nikki 🙌🏼

[@thegumbychronicles4892]

As I used to say to the football players in my high school, "your sport's punishment is my sport." What I was talking about is that as distance runners, we know what it is to suffer and keep going. We've all heard what I call "the voice." The voice says "oh, you don't really need to do this 20 miler today, you've done enough training, you don't need to do 4 more 800 meter intervals, it hurts or worse during a race, you can slow down and make this a training run." My response to the voice is to tell it to F off. I think most if not all runners have the same response. That helps to develop mental toughness. What really impresses me are the people who are new to running, who may be overweight and who don't have people mentoring them and STILL, the put in the miles and ignore the voice. I think that is real courage. So, I would suggest that experienced runners coming across one of these newbies offer some encouraging words and show some respect. That's one of the things that make our sport something special. Cheers.

[@marblsy2181]

Those trails. All I have here are like a few fields and 2 ways along the river. But then I remember there are people who just have access to a park in the city. tbf after a 30km I like to sit on a couch :D

[@Zzyzx-]

Keep up the good work including metric system lengths and times! Love it! You putting in that extra effort helps so much following your videos without having to convert all the time. Great job! Also your content is really really good! Inspiring! :)

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch, I'll keep converting : )

[@pitchmeupscotty]

Mental! QD: I can't plan long runs, the occasion has to be there and then it becomes an opportunity which makes me very happy. On the other hand, I know I have to use the occasion to "push my limits": the long run will evolve so that I will hit a certain limit by the last 3 miles. This can be "tired legs" through hills or "tired heart" through plain distance. Once I hit this point I become happy, but that final mile and that dilemma "to stop or to go 1 more" makes my mental side flip from A to Z to A to... :-)

[@zachcrim6223]

Just finished reading Running with the Buffaloes yesterday, so it was a real treat to get to see you run Mags.

[@bretstevens262]

Love Mags! Such an awesome, yet challenging road!

[@devinaydon551]

your stride is so relaxed in the turbos! great video shots Seth!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks Devin

[@adilorfi7908]

Thanks for today's tips. I am doing Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon as well. I am going through the same emotions as well. Got to be mentally strong to go through this stage of training. I will be heading to the track today to do speed work out and I will be doing a long run this week ( 18 - 22 miles) . I am little nervous but as you said we got to go through this. Thanks again for the video.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

So great Adil!! So glad you are racing and yes, we are in this fight together!

[@jackmck480]

Currently reading running with the buffalo, so cool to get a look at what old mags is really like!

[@ofirlan7810]

First to watch OMG !!!!!

[@liama-p8281]

Nice

[@dzhuwao]

My take away - Strength by inches. Great work Seth. Keep it up!

[@enmanuelsori784]

Love your channel and the effort you put into it and you motivate me to go out on those long runs by myself ✅

[@jessicabradshaw3365]

Enmanuel Sori. Me too! I always watch him to get pepped up before a tough run, his energy is contagious!!!

[@openshoe21]

Wonderful

[@lisarunsfast7368]

Hoping to run a sub 1 hour 10K this weekend ! I feel the most confident when I’m well trained and set reasonable goals for myself. I ran 6.2 miles Last week during an 8 mile training run in about 58 minutes so I’m confident I can do it !

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Excellent and keep us posted on the race!

[@ericsisk1]

Good word today Seth! Also, didn’t realize you were a walk-on? That’s incredible!

[@michakulbacki7818]

Thanks for that video, I felt the whole time that those words are especially for me :)

[@cicirunner]

I've always been a believer of that mentality too, "You aren't going to magically do something in a race that you haven't trained for. Fitness does not lie." If anything, I'm a little on the conservative/pessimistic side. I admire those that are so optimistic that they think they can do anything. I wish I had that degree of blind faith in myself.

[@avi-ventures]

seth you are so creative I love it.

[@mejulesyap]

Mental! QD: Not being able to run normally due to shin pains. Mentally stressful that it’s taking too long to get back to 100%, that I have to run too slowly, that there’s little progress, that I can’t push myself hard or it will just hurt too badly the next day, that I can’t really afford to see a doctor about it. It sucks. But at least I can still kinda run.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Patience is certainly key. Thanks Jules for your continued comments and insights. 🙏🏻

[@mejulesyap]

Patience indeed! 🙌🏼 once again, thanks for the inspiration! cheers Seth!

[@RunningOtaku]

This was one of my favorite videos you’ve made. Bravo! Last week I read Running With The Buffaloes- it’s great to see video of Mags. Maybe you can do a redux of the book but in vlog form? That would be amazing!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

So cool! So glad you read the book. I’ll consider that!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

How’s the legs feeling?

[@RunningOtaku]

Seth James DeMoor Halfway better, thanks for asking. Should be 100% by this weekend!

[@zethpeterka2930]

Great advice Seth✊🏼

[@Juniperskeleton]

I love running so much, but I deal with anxiety in racing. Its not always a big deal, I love racing, but I'm also not super conpetitive and would rather be doing a long run with friends. I am also sometimes challeneged by making easy days truly easy, but I have been getting better at that.

[@treboltreacy9498]

I love your running knolege 💪🏻👍🏻🙏🏻❤️ im getting my piramid ready for spead this 49er 😂

[@thegumbychronicles4892]

Great vlog Seth!

[@JordanThomasmedia]

Mental-Such a great video Seth! “Fitness doesn’t lie” i like that a lot. I think my biggest mental challenge is running at similar paces on the road as I do the track. Because I can’t see the finish line similar to track I tend to suck at judging at where I’m at in a race. This then leads to my pacing being all over the place. Any tips on how to work on this?

[@gokiwi2642]

My Challenge is in the long training runs more than say 30k keeping the mind positive & busy, not bored sleepy 💤 & start tripping over things, amazing video Seth, 👍

[@brentyoung6061]

I cannot believe this happened Seth, you didn't know you were doing anything wrong. You do not need a strike on your account that's ridiculous. That's one thing about me I'm very mentally strong and confident. I always told people it's always a mind game. If you can't pull off mental focus that's really going to hurt you. But you're right you have to be at your Peak Fitness for sure. I know at 43 years old I cannot run the times I used to, and I know that. I know I can't run the half-marathon that I was planning on. this injury put a damper on my running. there's no way that I can run a good time and be where I wanna be.

[@caledislikeskale855]

QD: have you ever messed around with intermittent fasting? I started doing it over 2 years ago, with immediate positive results in my training; less inflammation, energy through the roof, and surprisingly a mental clarity and vigor never present.

[@victornieves2165]

I'm running Cleveland Marathon and New York city 2020 💪🏃‍♂️💨

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Woohoo!! See you in Cleveland.

[@thedolenorway]

Mental: As someone who is still a little wet behind the ears when it comes to running my biggest mental challenge is a fear when crossing into uncharted territory, new distances, new intensities, new weekly volume can I handle it, am I ready for this new challenge? As I gradually expand my map previously terrifying distances are now starting to loose their fear factor. I guess lack of experience is my biggest hurdle for now.

[@lecat0235]

I cant sit in the house either. Love working out ( weights and running).

[@dnice4335]

LAST 5 MILES!!!!! OF 26.2 Hands down!!!!!!! because i have not learned to embrace suffering!!! BUT I WILL!!

[@oldman9154]

Nice running trail

[@pennydollar1586]

Starts @5:37

[@christinaclementson2685]

I get to 20 miles and my mind turns on me!! You’re going to slow down now, you’re going to hurt, here we go again!! I am my own worst enemy. Going to keep that BQ firmly in my mind during my next marathon!! It’s going to hurt, deal with it!!

[@adamtrusty4139]

What advice would you give for leading a race and pushing the pace to get a pr

[@df540148]

Mine is doubt. Doubt that I can maintain my effort for however long the race is. Doubt that I can reach a high position in the race. Doubt that my legs and stomach will hold out. It's a tough demon to fight, but when you're out there for many many hours, it's a good one to ponder and tackle.

[@Fiercygoat]

Yes, same doubts here and dont go away easily during the runs.

[@pjg805]

How many times do you run week? I know it is dependent on the mileage, but some insight into the most efficient way to break up your week would be helpful.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

I run every day, but I've been running for 20 years. If you're not use to running I'd recommend 4-6 days / week of running. I could talk about this soon.

[@harzal6750]

Mental I broke my arm 2 years ago . 3 months later I set my new PR 10k.

[@jasoncooper3939]

Hi mate what do you do before the start of the run do you just do what you did at the start of this race??. Thank you.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Stretch, roll the legs, get the hydration ready. Good question

[@robertbausa1]

MENTAL: Love the balance in these rules and strategies. Work hard, but be (at least somewhat) realistic as well. For me, I think the hardest part for Mental Strength is the rest and recovery phase as there is so much progress I want to make and patience is tough. I think about your enjoy the "Process" vlog (Jan 26) all the time! At 50 and still a newer runner, I was reviewing my data from where I started again (after 3 month injury) in mid-Nov 2018 to now and it is amazing how the progression works. I push harder and then have to take a week or two to step back as my body is saying "whoa boy!". A little rest, and I end up being stronger, but man is it hard to take the foot off the gas pedal, and it takes a lot of gas to power this 200lb, but still shrinking, clydesdale :-)

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Yes, enjoy the process!! Thank so much for the dedicated viewing and comments. “Walk the Line”

[@freetube7767]

Real deal starts at 4:20

[@fredmendes4635]

I'm a highschooler from a small town that runs track (800/1500/3000), and the fact I'm from a small town my running group is small as well, the diference of age is huge and I'm the only middle distance runnerof the group. And in my "long" track repeats (800meters and 1000meters ) I struggle to finish because I run alone. So my question is: What tips do you have for I run "long" repeats without struggle?

[@johannesrichter2927]

every time i run a hard race i question the reason for why so i deen this?

[@ronanmcmahon-staggs7313]

When is the next track workout???

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Soon! 😁

[@greenhat7618]

Without mental toughness/discipline you would stop pushing once it starts to hurt, in your training and in your race

[@Deadbuck73]

Sub 5 what? WTH is that 😂! Yes we have free will. I choose to run... I do miss my Atari 2600 PAC Man but being healthy is the best... my biggest challenge mentally is believing I can push it harder than I do... I don’t think I’ve gotten enough miles in lately but I know that adrenaline will be there on Saturday with me as I Crush Cancer! Set my playlist last night and that will help too! 😆

[@mattpicchioni370]

Running is as much as a mental sport as it is physical.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

With respect to speed, or getting out the door, or....?

[@robertflores9317]

KZbin is annoying literally every channel is talking about how they keep getting copyrighted.

[@connerrodriquez8092]

What is your recovery time for that. Since, you broke it nine times

[@moustaphabaya7887]

Just got hoka speedgoats 3.. does anyone have experience in them? If yes do you think they’re suitable for hiking? I wanna get a pair for my dad too

[@VerticalMARS1]

Moustapha Baya I bought them back in January. Orange Speedgoat 3. I wear them hiking all the time. The grip and cushioning is great. I used to wear Brooks Cascadias, but all I wear is Hoka now.

[@neznuga4859]

Do you ever get arch pain when wearing a new pair of shoes for the forst time

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

No I do not. What shoes are you in?

[@neznuga4859]

Seth James DeMoor im currently running in the saucony fastwitch 8’s and im transitioning into sauconys dunkin donut shoes which are the kinvara 10s

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

@@neznuga4859 Smart move, a little more support will go a long way for that arch. Let me know how your feet feel in a week or two.

[@neznuga4859]

Seth James DeMoor ok will do. Thank you

[@liama-p8281]

Early!

[@shubhamverma-it8tb]

Sir please recommend me light weight shoes for 800m .i m preparing for race and reebok floatridw is too costly for me. Pease sir

[@stuartrice2945]

New balance beacon id recommend. Plenty of cushion, light and really cheap if you look around.

[@thegumbychronicles4892]

You can find Saucony Kinvarra 9's that are pretty cheap. Good for training and racing.

[@shubhamverma-it8tb]

@@stuartrice2945 thanks bro

[@shubhamverma-it8tb]

@@thegumbychronicles4892 thanks bro

[@louismontano1918]

my farthest run is 10 miles and it was at 8:30 pace

[@thegumbychronicles4892]

That's a good run! Well done!

[@louismontano1918]

The Gumby Chronicles thank you!!!

[@ronanmcmahon-staggs7313]

Mental. When I am injured it is very hard for me to stay mentally focused because I am so pissed off

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Do you cross train?

[@jabfree4eva]

Pegasus turbos on gravel.. mmm ok

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

not gravel, hard dirt

[@rickyrich8246]

you cant stream a video feed of a television channel man! be careful. Im sure if you say sorry and tell them you didnt know you can stream again.

[@UnityInReps]

You should try to stream on another service, maybe twitch tv until the copyright strike gets off your channel so you don’t have to miss streaming!

[@UnityInReps]

Make a community announcement that you will be streaming on twitch tv for now if you do choose to switch that service.