What do you think about when you're jogging/running, etc.?

This might seem like a silly question, but what do you think about when you're jogging/running or doing any exercise that requires a fair amount of effort? Or, are you even able to focus on anything else?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm trying to slowly build my way up to being able to run 5k. I am now able to successfully jog for 3 minutes without walking, and I've convinced myself that I can make it for 5 minutes tomorrow, but the biggest thing standing in my way is definitely my mind rather than my body. Physically, I know I can do it, but as I'm jogging, I keep thinking, "This sucks, this sucks. I can't breathe. My legs are cramping. This sucks." But I know if I could find something else to focus on, 5 minutes wouldn't seem so long. 

I try to listen to my iPod, but my mind overpowers my ability to actually hear the music, and I jog on a treadmill in a stinky gym, so there's nothing really to look at as I go. 

Annnyway, what do you think about? and/or, do you have any useful suggestions? 

i might not qualify to contribute to this discussion because so far i havent eased myself off the treadmill onto the big bad open road, however, the treadmill is awful boring and im like you, i count the mins till my 30 mins is done.  But just recently ive worked something out, i have wooden board running across the arms of the treadmill and i stick my laptop on it and i watch funny stuff from youtube, stuff like stand up comedians, interviews with funny people, funny clips from movies, sit coms, etc.  music doesnt work for me that well because i associate music with relaxation and i definately dont want to be doing that.  So my only suggestion is that you download some funnies (audio only) (or get someone else to do it - itll be a surprise whats coming next then) and stick it on your ipod.  hope that works but if it doesnt, good luck to you, youre doing great. 

Hey, am doing the C25K programme too (slightly different version), am running 2 x 8 min at the moment so I know what you mean  We have two types of threadmill in my gym - with TV and without. I used to avoid the non-TV ones because all I can see on the monitor is the timer, I used to listen to my music and look at TV screen. But the other night all TV threadmills were taken so I went on Technogym no-TV threadmill and looked at the timer pretty much the whole time. You know, it wasn't too bad actually.

When I start I keep thinking that I cannot possibly get tired until 4 minutes are up so no point worrying about that, then after 4 min I think that if I do another 2 min I'll be pretty much done, then after the last 2 min left I think that I am nearly there for the whole 7th minute and for the last minute I think that I can do anything if it is only for one minute. There you go, that's exactly how it goes for me  Am going to go for 2 x 10 min on Friday and if I have time to get at least 1 10 min interval done today so I'll do similar auto-brainwashing except will start with 5 min and go from there.

Yep, the treadmill sucks rocks.  Dump it and try a run outside.  I promise that you will have a much better time.  I know it isn't always realistic due to time constraints, but I would prefer to run outside than go to the gym any day of the week.

Look in your area for running clubs.  They usually have a diverse group of individuals who are at different skill levels.  That way you can run outside in the safety of a group.  They also may have some wonderful personal advice for you.

Personally I hit my stride at about mile two and then I hit the "running in a void" stage.  Its awesome. 

Original Post by ellajayne:
run26_2-- It seems counterintuitive, but you were completely right: speeding up was more helpful for me than slowing down. I think pushing myself a little harder during tough moments sort of convinced me that my body is capable of accomplishing what I've set out to do. Also, it made me focus more on keeping up with the machine than on thinking "Wow, my legs are heavy."

Woohoo! Congrats on pushing past your comfort zone. The other kind of weird thing you might try is smiling. Might sound crazy, could definitely LOOK crazy, but there's something that happens when you're short on breath and starting to struggle. I've heard anecdotes about endorphine release so maybe that's it, I'm not sure. But I discovered this from when I was very serious about riding horses- I used to get made fun of because when I was trying REALLY hard, like times when I was ignoring pain and just pushing through tough rides, it would always look like I had a big toothy smile on my face. In those instances I think I may just have been gritting my teeth  but nonetheless when I started running and it got/ gets tough I tried forcing a smile on my face and I don't know what happens, but the run gets easier!

I think about being a machine, a running machine. I think about crossing finish lines first. I think about being a pace leader (heh, in my dreams!) and I think about all the races I want to be a part of.

And sometimes, I think about just getting through the run. ^_^