We choose all the right gear for our runs: the right clothes, the right shoes, the right fuel, the right music, etc. Sometimes we have to gear up mentally, too. While we always need to be in the right mind set to have a good run, it becomes more difficult when life throws you a curveball. Even the little curveballs.
How often have you sweated the small stuff? How often did it matter?
Prepping
I usually run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday . . . unless I don’t. That schedule works for me because it allows for one or two harder runs (tempos, speed work) with rest between them, a long run, and one easy/recovery run.
I had every intention of running yesterday. I knew I might get home late due to Sunday’s concert, but it ended up being even later than I thought (half hour break between each of three artists!).
I woke up just a little later than normal, but went to bed much later than normal, even though we left before the concert ended. Could I run? Of course I could. Did I want to? Nope. Especially knowing I’d be up later Monday night too.
On top of that, the rain that was forecast to come in midday started while I was out walking the dogs around 7:30 am. That sealed the deal for me.
Folding Up
I am a person who likes prior notice when something hard or painful needs to be done. I remember back in college, I had a very deep, very painful plantar’s wart on the ball of my foot. When I finally got to a podiatrist, they were ready to do laser surgery on the spot . . . only I wasn’t mentally ready. I came back a week later.
My run Monday? I can run in the rain. I have done so many times. In summer it can actually feel quite nice. I just wasn’t mentally prepared for rain that morning, and wouldn’t have dressed for it either, since I wasn’t expecting it. The truth is I really needed a rest day, so I took it, but I know if the day had been dry, I would have at least entertained the idea of running.
It will be harder to juggle running the rest of the week between a few appointments and a visit from my brother and nephew.
Training Mental Flexibility
The first step is to recognize where you’re inflexible. Maybe you can’t relax until your kitchen is completely tidy — if so, please feel free to come to my house and tidy up mine, because I guarantee you it’s rarely tidy. Maybe you can’t go to sleep if there are clothes on the floor. Maybe you won’t run in certain weather or at certain temperatures.
The second stop is to let go of your inflexibility — maybe just one or two days a week. Go walk with the family even though there are dishes in the sink. Run in the rain. Leave your husband’s dirty socks wherever they are.
The third step is to notice how that felt. Did it really make you anxious? Were you able to do something fun you’ve been putting off doing, or spend more time with your friends and family? Did you really feel more stressed — or did you actually feel as though a weight was lifted from your shoulders? Did you melt in the rain?
Be brutally honest with yourself. You may tell yourself that you really can’t do _____ until ________ is done, and it might be true — or it might be something that was just ingrained in you as you were growing up, and you never stopped to question it or notice if it was really making you calmer or adding yet more stress to your already stressful life.
The more you practice anything, the better you get at it.
Do you consider yourself to be a mentally flexible person?
Have you ever even thought about the need to train mental flexibility?
What are your tips for maintaining a mentally flexible attitude?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I like to think of myself as mentally flexible but in reality, I probably am not! I need a little time to think about things, I guess. We’re making some big changes at work and I needed to ‘dig deep’ to be a little more flexible than I wanted!
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From my observations, the older we get, the more inflexible we get. It’s good to at least be aware of that, that’s always the first step!
Good luck with the changes at work. Change is always hard, but it’s the only thing that’s a constant in life.
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Actually I am way more flexible as I get older. I realize that you have to let things go. I didn’t when I was younger. My life has had so many ups and downs…maybe that’s why, I can take it day by day and focus on the positives.
Yesterday early morning before the rain was perfect to run. I didn’t feel like it cuz I had to rush to work but as usual I was glad I did. I am always prepared with clothes to run but today I may or may not…probably not…same with the rest of the week.
Being flexible means to me prioritizing things in your life. What is important? Running will be there but time with friends and family, they may not.
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Often it’s really hard to get ourselves out the door for a run, but once we do we don’t regret it. It’s a great way to start the day!
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Lately I’ve been more busy than usual and on my “off” days, I let go of things and just relax. I need a mental break by either reading or watching TV.
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I think people really underrate rest days! Sometimes myself included.
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Not this girl! 🙂
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Smart girl. 😊👏🏻
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I think that every year I’m getting better with being mentally flexible. While I do like to plan out my workouts for the week on Sunday nights, I try to leave wiggle room since life is so unpredictable!
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I find it a lot harder to be flexible when I’m training, although that is really another topic altogether . . .
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Also, thank you for linking up with us!
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Great topic Judy. Building a house certainly teaches mental flexibility because things constantly bob and weave. I think that has bled over into other areas in my life. I have totally caught myself bailing on exercise when conditions aren’t perfect. That was never an issue when I hiked the Camino. Now the key is figuring out why that was so different?!?! Of course I did just hike at Baxter State Park in a downpour and 2 hail storms do maybe I am flexible!!!! I guess it depends on the day…thanks for making me ponder.
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I suspect it’s because you had a big goal, Candy. Big goals have a way of really focusing us.
Hiking in a hail storm is pretty darn Bada$$!
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On this topic there are 2 personal points of view: in my normal life (family, job, ecc.) I am flexible; about running it is a problem, it’s difficult for me to change the scheduled plan but now I must do it if I want to stay injury free.
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I’m much more flexible about running when I’m not actually training for something. Then I can get a little inflexible.
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Hmmm I like to think I am flexible but not sure if I really am ha ha. I am more flexible with certain areas in my life than others
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I think we all have areas of our lives that we’re not so flexible with. It’s important to recognize those areas — that’s always the first step.
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My hubby has the same mentality as you, Judy. He likes to be prepared in advance when something hard or unpleasant needs to be done, like a long run or vacuuming the house! 🙂 I love your ideas to combat inflexibility. I think we need them more as we get older (or maybe that’s just me).
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Nope, definitely not just you. I’m the baby of a long lived family (in general). I’ve noticed a lot of inflexibility as people age.
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