How to beat common negative thoughts while running

Everyone has an off day where those negative thoughts drag you down during your run. Our emotions can’t always be happy. If you got out for a run though, think of how much positivity you already brought into your day. You can conquer that discouraging voice in your head by answering it with something positive. Here are a few examples:

“I just started and I already feel tired.”

The answer: No one is lucky enough to get through the front door and start off great every single time. Why else would we have warm-ups? If you’re feeling tired a few minutes into the run, just think of that as your body getting warmed up. In a few kilometres, you’ll be smooth sailing. If you’re not, enjoy the scenery and call it an easy day. What you’ve done is better for you than staying inside and that counts for something.

“I’m too out of shape to run.”

The answer: Don’t feel ashamed about getting in shape. No one is at peak fitness when they start out. No one. Stick with it. And you’re not too out of shape to run. If you’re thinking this mid-run, that means you’re already running.

“I can’t go fast.”

The answer: We don’t all go fast. Speed gets better as time goes on. Not feeling so fast today? So what? Your running is keeping you healthy, no one is timing you and today is not a race. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

“I look really bad when I run.”

The answer: If you look bad when you run, you are in the majority. Most people don’t look their best when working out. That’s not the point. How great do you feel right now? How great do you look in your jeans?

“I did horrible on my last race.”

The answer: That’s why you’re running now. Hey, at least you raced. Plus, a bad race will make for a better reason to celebrate the good ones. Now you can pick it up a little and just think of that finish line.