The 8 mile wasn't a failed attempt due to any physical reason. It was pure 100% mental. I didn't set myself up for success. So here are my tips to successfully running long on the treadmill.
- Tell yourself with confidence you are going to do it. My failed attempt followed a week of me thinking I may or may not run long since I did a 19-miler the week before.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare. Yes, I like to get my bottles of SOS Rehydrate ready the night before to avoid any unnecessary procrastination the day of.
- Start early. The longer you delay the harder it will be...at least for me. I am a morning runner to begin with so I often start my long treadmill runs on Saturday after having breakfast with darling daughter.
- Clear your day. Don't have a lot on your plate to do afterwards. Saturdays tend to be my errands and chores days but when I need to run long, I clear my day. I run my errands Friday afternoon to alleviate stress that I must get x, y, and z done. Plus I can multi-task and get laundry going and moving while running as I incorporate very fast pit stops into moving laundry.
- Make it fun. I know, a long run on the treadmill doesn't sound like fun but I try to fun it up by getting a movie or two from Redbox for darling daughter to watch (I kinda watch them too) and we play the washcloth game in which she moves a washcloth from one stack to another at set mile increments. It breaks the run up into segments. Plus I turn to social media for support and fun. I adore running for Toby and this is one plus in running long on the treadmill. I will post to him, and on my facebook page, when I start and then provide updates at one hour intervals. It gives me something else to look forward too. I also allow myself to listen to tunes or read some.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful I have a treadmill at home.
Daily Bible Verse: Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! ~ Psalm 31:24