Beginner Monday: Mental Strategies for New Runners

Running can sometimes feel like a battle between your body and your mind. When you're just starting out, the physical challenge of running is tough enough, but the mental side can be even harder to overcome. Self-doubt, frustration, and the desire to quit are all normal emotions new runners face. However, building mental resilience is just as important as improving your physical fitness. In this article, we’ll explore how to deal with self-doubt, push through tough runs, and set goals that keep you inspired and motivated.

It's common for beginners to feel like they aren’t "good enough" or that running is too difficult. These thoughts can be discouraging, but it's important to realise that everyone starts somewhere, no matter how experienced or fast someone else may seem.

Tips for Beating Self-Doubt:

There will be days when your body and mind want to quit. Whether it's the discomfort of a longer run or the fatigue from a busy week, pushing through those difficult moments is key to building resilience and improving as a runner.

Strategies for Pushing Through the Tough Days:

Goal setting is a powerful tool to keep you motivated, but it's important that your goals are both achievable and inspiring. Unrealistic goals can set you up for disappointment, while goals that are too easy may not push you enough.

How to Set the Right Goals:

One of the easiest ways to stay mentally strong is by using positive self-talk. The voice in your head can either be your greatest ally or your worst enemy, depending on how you choose to manage it.

How to Use Positive Self-Talk:

A key part of staying motivated is recognising your progress. Celebrate even the smallest achievements, whether that’s running a little further or sticking to your plan for a full week.

Ways to Celebrate Your Running Success:

Join us next Monday for Beginner Monday: Finding a Local Running Community. We’ll explore the benefits of joining running clubs or online communities, and how social running can keep your motivation high and help you stay accountable as you progress in your.