Half Marathon & Mental Stamina

'Alo, I am training for my first half marathon and though I am just hitting 5mile runs in my training program, I am having a serious problem finishing the runs without walking part of the way due to my lack of mental stamina.  For example, on my recovery run this week, I was supposed to run 3 miles and stopped running at about 2 miles on the treadmill.  But, I've run in a 5k before.

I was wondering if there are any long distance runners out there that have any tips, tricks, or suggestions as to how I can build up the stamina? 

Well, if you can, run outside -- at least for your long runs!  Its oodles better as far as interest goes......and it is also very different from treadmill running since there are hills/slopes and wind resistance.  If you plan to run an outdoor half you had better get your cardio upto outdoor standards.

I pack my playlist with "memories" -- as in songs that remind me of things or times in my life rather than songs that would pump me up for a fast workout.  I know a guy who runs ultramarathons and he puts books on tape on his playlist!

But, yeah, at a point in your distance training you do have to push beyond the boredom or the lack of desire to continue running and decide to do it just because you can.  In all likelihood your cardio is in very good shape now.  Your leg muscles are quite well trained....it now becomes a battle between your mind and body, telling your body that you can because you want to make it to that half marathon.

When you want to give up and walk, just don't.....its a simple as that.

Now, all my training for a half has been in 10s and 1s and that is likely how I will run the entire half...that is to say I run for 10 minutes walk for 1 minute....very rarely does it effect your final time.

You can do it -- now you must set your mind to it.

I also find it very motivating to pay for the race and then make good and sure that money doesn't go to waste!

I'm much more likely to walk or shorten my runs on the treadmill. wehn I run outside, I tend to run longer and better. I have the same problem...boredom. It sucks! But I found a park near my home that i can run at that is busy and keeps me interested. But really it's just something you have to deal with. Whenever you want to walk, set a goal (run another .25 miles) and wehn you hit that, set another goal instead of walking. That's helped me a lot!

Developing mental stamina is part of your training and it can be the toughest part. Remember that ultimately YOU are in control.  It's mind over matter - so play mind games:

• tell yourself to run "just to the next corner/hydrant, etc." or, on the treadmill, "just to the end of this song" - sometimes, once you're past that point, your desire to stop will have passed
• remind yourself that you CAN do it (you're physically able, right?), so JUST DO IT (Nike's right- it's the only way) - you didn't come this far to quit, did you?
• RUN your run! You're the boss - don't let the run control you
• keep positive - tell yourself how lucky you are to be able to run, how good it feels to have a good run, how strong you've become

I realize it sounds corny but it works. Find your inner strength and you'll see how strong you are.  I've been running for 5 years and I'm amazed that I can do what I do. 

Here's one of my "A-ha" moments - a couple of years ago I saw a documentary about a paraplegic man who became a wheelchair athlete.  He said the mental hurdles he had to conquer were tougher than any of the physical limitations he had.  Imagine that!  That's incredible to me.

Consider trying to find a running group in your area. Training outside and with other people really cuts down the monotony of distance running. Even if you only meet up one day a week, it will add some extra motivation and entertainment so you don't burn out due to boredom. If you have no choice but to use the treadmill, have set points where you change the incline and/or speed to bring some variety to your running. It will also more closely mimic a road race where there's some changes in terrain.

My mind is always the first thing to give out on me, I've been told to concentrate on my breathing, find a mantra, get lost in the music and for the most part these things all work for me, but the thing that works the best is my "imaginary" compitition with my sister in law (who happens to be one of my best friends)! We started the C25K program together, she kept at it and I let my mind get in the way. she beat me across the finish line of our first 5K by 4 minutes. Now everytime I think I need to walk or I just can't go another step, I think I don't really mind her beating me if she's really better at it, but if she's beating me because I've given up....well then I've beaten myself and that just stinks and thats enough to keep me running!!

ahhhh definitely can be hard!

i've run 2 marathons and it is so much more mind over matter...i think everyone has those days where you just dont want to.  what do you like to do when you run....do you run outside? listen to music? watch tv? it might be that you need to change your routine.

I always play mind games with myself.....giving myself extra goals i agree with  runyourlife give your self physicals goals when your running outside "to that next street"  ...also when your running remind yourself how good it's going to feel when you finish! i got to a point where I would stop myself occassionally after 5 miles and just not want to do it....but if you remind yourself how good your going to feel after your run it is so worth it. 

do you have anyone you can run with? i find when i'm running at the gym i get really competitive with the person running next to me...i always have to fun faster (hahah i know it sounds stupid) but it can help if you find a running group. 

for me i have to have lots of pump up songs....do you run with music? it seems simple but i find i can push myself harder if i have a great song list!

I will add to what everybody else said...  slow down...  When you are building endurance and strength in your legs, speed does not matter.  Time on your feet does.  Once you have built up the distance, you can trade some of that endurance for speed.

Good luck!!