Overcoming Your Running Fears

Hello! How’s it going? This week is flying by for me! Anyone else? I’m super busy and then had a mini-fail with the Run Camp emails when one of them didn’t send… and the next one goes out based on the previous so it was about to be a domino situation, but I think it’s fixed.

Since I’m working on a lot of projects right now I planned a super easy dinner courtesy of the crockpot. This is seriously the easiest dinner ever and only requires 4 ingredients. Boom! I’m going to post the recipe next week when I’m all caught up on things.

This is the world’s easiest pozole. And it’s so cold here – soup is so nice and comforting. This was exactly what I needed last night.

All this productivity requires some sweet fuel too…

I have an epic package of Lindt chocolates… the dark chocolate that’s in the black wrapper is the BEST. Seriously.

 

Now it’s time to talk about common running fears and how to overcome them.

Run Camp Day 5

Today we’re talking about overcoming your running fears.

I made a video with some of my thoughts on dealing with fears and self doubt when it comes to running. It’s something I have struggled with and it’s something I still struggle with! This is an ongoing challenge, but something we should face and work on. Self-doubt sucks.

Common Running Fears include:

I don’t look like a runner.

I’m not really a runner because I haven’t run a certain distance or am slow.

What if I want to quit?

I’m not going to be able to finish.

I’ll be the last one to finish the race.

I’ve gotten questions and concerns from readers on so many different worries on this topic. Running a new distance, just starting out, signing up for a race… these are all scary things.

It’s fine to be afraid. Sometimes you can’t get rid of that so you must move forward scared. But you can do it.

How to Overcome Running Fears:

1.  Identify exactly what your fear is – name it, write it down or tell someone.

If it sounds ridiculous to say, maybe it is – maybe this isn’t a valid concern but something you’ve grown in your mind.

Tell someone else. Write it down. This takes away some of the power it has over you.

It’s kind of like ‘know thy enemy’ where your fear is the enemy. The more you know about it the more you have the advantage to overcome it.

 

2. Acknowledge any aspects of your fear that might be valid.

Examples:

I will be the last to finish the race.

It takes me 2 hours to run 3 miles, that’s not even running.

I’m going to look dumb and chubby running a race with tons of super skinny people.

What if I get lost?

 

3. Identify what you can do to prevent it from happening.

Examples with the previous fears:

I will be the last to finish the race. –> Train more/harder to get a little faster.  Choose a race that gives you plenty of time to finish. Sign up to train with a running group to find running buddies that run at your pace. Find a race that lets walkers start early.

It takes me 2 hours to run 3 miles, that’s not even running. –> If you run – you’re a runner. There’s no mile time requirement to call yourself a runner.

I’m going to look dumb and chubby running a race with tons of super skinny people. –> It is awesome and surprising and inspiring to actually go to a big race and see all the different people! Runners are people of ALL ages and fitness levels and body types and abilities and colors and back-stories.

What if I get lost?  -> Look up the course and take a map or write it down or use your phone. This fear can be figured out.

 

4. Realize that even if your fear comes true – it won’t be that bad.

Even if all the fears I mentioned above come true – you’re last and slow and look a little dumb and get lost –> so what. You are running a race! You set a goal and went after it. Good for you!!

If everything goes wrong and you have to call Uber to give you a ride home and you put your race # upside-down and have a hole in the crotch of your pants… WHO CARES? You. But everyone else is self involved and not worried about how fast you are or what you weigh or whatever.

And if those things happen – at least you are setting goals and going for them. That’s what life is about! Do something.

 

5. List your strengths.

The best way to overcome your fears is to remind yourself of your strengths. YOU are awesome. You are capable of amazing things. You have this goal in your head because there is a part of you deep down that knows you can do it. So – do it.

Make a list of your strengths. Write out head to toe how your body parts (heart included) are going to help you. Write out any personality trait, experience or previous accomplishment proves you got this.

Question: What is your biggest fear:

• Failure
• Spiders
• Heights
• Falling in public
• Sending nudes to a family member on accident
• Falling in love with someone who is allergic to your favorite food
• Flying
• Starting to read a blog that you barely like, but continue reading out of boredom/curiosity/you like her cat
• Other