From @Akash Bhate
Here are a few strategies that help me stay focused.
#5 is most important. Practice mindfulness, stay in the moment.
1. Have specific goals: could be - 10k or HM or reduce 10 mins and get PR. Point is - have it. Having a clear goal in mind can help you stay motivated and focused during your training.
2. Find a running buddy such as, within RHWB local run partners during weekend runs. Buddy can help to keep you on track and motivated.
3. FS not just app, talk to coach. Get involved. Running app like Final Serge have features that can help you stay on track with your training and monitor progress with your coach. Talk to coach about small or minor improvements such as getting to know what cadence is and get your in place.
4. Find a distraction-free environment: If possible, try to find a place to run where you won't be easily distracted. This could be a quiet neighborhood, a local park, or a trail like Greenway.
5. Practice mindfulness: Try to bring your attention to the present moment while you're running. Focus on your breath, your body, and your surroundings. This can help you stay in the moment and avoid getting distracted.
6. Use music or audio books: Listening to music or an audio book can help take your mind off of any distractions and keep you focused on your run.
You may wonder with this I must have sub 2. Nah, i ran last HM at 3:20! Rumor rather jog. However, I am improving. From ACL injury where Doc says don’t walk more than 2 mile, I am at running HM. Your goal matters and it is your goal!
From @dimple
Self-Discipline beats all procrastination. When we prioritize anything we are doing, we automatically stop making excuses. Ask yourself, why you are in this program? How many times have your efforts to put your goals first have failed? When you connect your goals to actual purpose in life, you will slowly but surely achieve the 90% of success .And once you have tasted the success, you are never going to go back. Good Luck everyone.... we have awesome cohort to motivate and support us....when I see my cohort and passionate runners finishing their run in-spite of all odds, my excuses seems phony. Hope you all imbibe their best discipline in making you a better person. I read somewhere, Go seek a person/group who you idolize, he/they will surely bring you up. RHWB is that for me.
From @sonalioltikar
Our tagline for this season - "FitterFartherFaster" very accurately depicts the sequence of milestones any runner should follow. However, it is very tempting to get to Farther or Faster before getting Fitter. When I first started this structured training program, that was one distraction which was quite difficult to shake off. It took me a lot of effort to prioritize getting fit first (e.g need to first focus on getting the hang of a CP run). Running faster or longer distances can feel much more glamorous than just concentrating on the basics first and getting the foundation right. However, not following this priority or chain of milestones can lead to other problems down the road such as injuries.
From @sridhar.pola I agree completely, the goal we have in my opinion is to stick to the training program and that is it, the final run will happen, PR or not will happen but as long as we stick to the program we are doing our job. I have some experience in letting distractions come in the way, basically it could be vacation, it could be a get together, a work commitment, but if I think about it carefully I could have fitted in my training for the day if I had given it priority. And every time I have skipped training and lost the training rhythm and discipline, my body has reprimanded me. So keeping the goal of getting the training of the day done and treating everything else that might come in the way as a distraction is the way to go.
On a lighter note, sometimes during a tough long run I can attribute 100% of the success to distracting myself from the run, anything, passing treetops, birds, clouds, music, podcasts etc.. but lately focusing on my rhythmic breathing is working real good.
From @neerajnagpal
For me not getting distracted is all about believing in my abilities and avoiding self doubt. Before COVID I couldn’t think of running even 2 miles and never thought I will be able to run longer distances. Even though I have been running for couple of years now, I still get some of those doubts especially on the longer runs. I am training myself to stay focused by not worrying about the distance or the pace but just putting one foot next to the other. I think the other thing I am trying is to just enjoy the process of running, which was mentioned by someone else also in this group. One of the things I keep going back to stay focused is this idea from Jay Shetty that healthy things make feel you better after you have done it and unhealthy things make you feel better before. Running definitely makes me feel awesome after. I’m Sharing this video for a more eloquent description.
From @vipra K
From my perspective, “90% success is all about not getting distracted” is about keeping a very close eye on your goal - No matter what. Like in this picture, focussing on the centre (core goal) is crucial without getting bogged down by any intrusions. When we pick up a habit or even join a workplace, the surroundings are overwhelming and it is natural to get distracted. Such as my garmin isn’t syncing, what are these stats, why is my heart rate very high etc. :) or at workplace, getting distracted by people, their talks etc. But how you come back and deliver your goal, despite all the odds, is important. Hence the 21-days challenge is critical, to set the mindset on following diligently with commitment!