This brain of mine is causing some problems. It never stops…
Funny thing to complain about, right? Here’s a problem I’ve come to realize about myself: my thoughts hinder my actions a lot. I allow my brain to stop me from doing a lot of things out of fear, a feeling of uncomfort, ect.
I went out on a first semi-real bike ride today. A 10 miler… that took me close to an hour. I probably could have run faster at certain points. What I came to realize today is that I am physically capable of running or riding a bike. I have the endurance to do so. What I lack is the ability to shut my brain off and push ahead.
I can’t explain my feeling of anxiety on the bike today. It wasn’t about the action of being on the bike. I know how to balance myself, I know how to work the breaks. But I would not allow myself to be physically pushed. My hands got more of a workout today from death-gripping the handlebars and breaks. But I would not power up hills, I would not even look down to take a drink of water. At one point I just wanted to stop because my brain was becoming too much. I couldn’t let go of the idea of needing to perform, or stop thinking about how hot my head was getting, or the general fear of crashing. I never felt comfortable or confident on the bike. Maybe (hopefully) this will come with time. A similar sensation has occurred while running as well. There are times when I talk myself out of going further or faster, even when I am capable. It’s almost like I’m scared to push into the next level. I know that I can run faster than 10 minute miles, I know that I can go farther than 6 miles… I’ve done it before. So why do I stop myself?
The mental aspect of an endurance activity is something that I haven’t payed enough attention to. I know that this mental road block is not uncommon for runners. The most enjoyable runs I have (and typically the longest/fastest) are when my brain is not involved. I turn up the music and just go. But then there are runs when I just can’t get into a groove, I can’t get my legs to go and I can’t get my thoughts to stop. How does one overcome this?
On a deeper level, I think that this mind control affects some personality traits. I am introverted and quiet in most social situations, and am generally viewed as an ice queen. Do I allow my brain to stop me from being the warm, friendly person I actually am? How does one overcome this weird mind game?
I found a Runner’s World article about toughing it out and staying motivated. Here are some of the tips that I think might work for me.
- Break it down: I need to focus on the smaller picture and what lies directly ahead of me. Instead of thinking about completing ten miles, it should just be about finishing whatever distance I’m currently at. Or just getting over the next hill on my bike.
- Repeat a Mantra: “Please don’t crash” probably isn’t a great mantra. Does anyone have anything better than “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming…” from Finding Nemo? Or maybe I’d be better off with “It’s Britney Alex, bitch.”
- Work your brain: RW gives the example of counting foot steps or doing math. This could be my saving grace. It I can occupy my mind with something silly and completely unrelated to the run/ride, my performance will sky rockets. Multiplication tables here I come.
Teaching myself how to loosen some of my tightly wound strings is going to be a challenge, but needs to be done. Now that my brain is even buzzier, I’m going to go clean… or watch Glee… or lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling.
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Running long distances is such a mental thing. Just recently, I realized that it’s ok to let myself run faster during long races/runs. I used to be so concerned that I would push to hard and then burn out before the end. But honestly, if you odn’t push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll never reach your full potential. I’m still getting there, but I’m on my way.
And I terrified of riding a bike. I haven’t done it since I was a kid. I like to run, and swimming is ok. I’m so afraid of crashing! Maybe I need to get over this fear, too…
We can definitely do more than we think we can – we’re stronger than we think we are, too. But sometimes we just need someone to tell us/remind us of this!
You can do it – just focus on the part you love most (whatever that may be) and you’ll get through it!
Hugs–
My brain is usually churning out a pretty steady stream of crazy thoughts, too….or least, it used to. I am outgoing and social, but I still always had these “worst-case scenarios” running though my head. In a weird way, I find that running takes care of that. It gives me a space to think in a stream of consciousness way, from song lyrics to meal-planning. A long run gives me plenty of time to think things through. I often don’t think about the run itself.
In the past year or so, I’ve forced myself out of my comfort zone – saying “yes” to last minute plans, joining new people for an activity, taking on challenges that seem outside my reach. By forcing myself to do things I wouldn’t normally do, that space outside my “comfort zone” became comfortable, if that makes any sense…
During this transition you will have so many opportunities to push past barriers. Don’t let them pass you by! You won’t regret it.
I agree with Suz – running is completely mental. Tell your brain to stop buzzing!
I get nervous when I ride my bike too, and it seems that even if I gain more experience through practice, I still don’t feel very confident. When I ru I’m more relaxed, probably because I don’t have to focus on what I’m doing so much, and spend more time letting my mind wander. Just stay positive, and the advice from Runner’s World sounds pretty good.
GREAT post. Congrats on your 10 miler!! I’ve only ever biked six. It definitely helps to stay focused on the “in the moment” stuff. And I am loving your mantra! =P
thats the main issue i have with my brain. i love it but it can really damper a lot of what i need it to do. i need it to filter away the negative thoughts, lack of motivation, anxiety, fear, racing thoughts etc. some how its about finding mind over matter.. but what if our mind strength isnt strong enough!! lol
xoxo <3
I can totally relate. I get mad at myself all the time because my dumb brain won’t stop churning and ends up holding me back. It’s funny how something can be your biggest asset and your biggest obstacle. Meaning, when my brain is working “with” me, it has helped me conquer things that I once thought impossible — like running a marathon. But when it’s not, even a 4 mile run seems tough. I think your tips/strategies for overcoming this are great. When I need to stop the brain buzz, I’ve tried counting or doing math problems (which is kind of tough and I usually give up relatively quickly!) or making up stories in my head. Sometimes these are blog posts or an imaginary letter or something cheesy. Whatever I can do to bring myself to another place.
Anyway, I really hope your next bike ride is better!! Hang in there and I’m sure you’ll be cruising along in no time.
“I am introverted and quiet in most social situations, and am generally viewed as an ice queen.” <– that is me to a T! One of my friends even (jokingly) nicknamed me "ice queen." I really don't like to think of myself like that though
Having a mantra definitely helps. When I was training for the marathon, mine were: "Pain is temporary" and "You're stronger than you think."
I also find that I’m struggling more against my mind than my body when I’m exercising! On those rare runs when I can really let go of my thoughts and just go with my body, it’s absolutely amazing. But not easy for me to do, that’s for sure.
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