A simple mental strategy for going further when you feel like quitting a long run is to break it down into chunks.
This is a common strategy in ultramarathon running.
We can mentally manage a shorter distance, even more so distances we already know that we can go.
When you don’t feel like completing all of your miles, challenge yourself to go to a tree, sign, bridge, landmark, etc. further down the way.
When you get there, consider acknowledging that you made it and notice how you feel accomplishing that.
Remember, that important step of acknowledgement, it’s highly beneficial to us mentally. It draws our attention to the moment and allows us to highlight what we did it.
After that, you continue using that momentum. If you still feel like you’re mentally struggling, repeat what you just did because you can do it again. Focus on getting to that next point and no further.
You are in the here and now moment, focused on one thing at a time. You can continue to keep going if you choose to find another landmark and challenge yourself to get to that.
On the other hand, after using the mental strategy, you might have forgotten altogether that you didn’t feel like doing the miles in the first place. You’re back in the game.
Accomplishments feel amazing, but celebrate the progress, not just the end result. It’s okay if you felt like quitting, but in the end, you made it.
Related articles
Mental Strategies for Running in the Heat
Visualize How Your Race Training Fits Into Your Week For Success
Race Start Mindset and Strategy
Mental Strategies for Tackling a Tempo Run
Subscribe for more ultrarunning, mindset, and mental wellness tips
Will you support me in my mission?
One of my many goals is to increase mental health awareness, the availability of free resources, and the access to services.
If you value my free mental health content, it would mean a lot to me if you would “like,” share, or Buy Me a Coffee.
This helps people find my free content and allows me to continue providing free content.
Thanks for being a part of my mission.
Happy running,
Shannon
7 thoughts on “A Simple Mental Strategy for Finishing Your Run When You Feel Like Quitting”