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Breaking Down the Mental Block

Today as I went out for one of my 1/2 marathon training runs I started to think about the power of thought. This is a common contemplation as I truly believe I haven’t been able to hit a 12a redpoint yet due to my inability to push through the mental block of feeling tired. I noticed that the mental block isn’t due to the fear of the fall, but really is that I
a) think I am too tired and take the fall or
b) really am tired but refuse to take a good rest and rather just try to push to the top.

If I am too tired and genuinely take the fall is fine. However, if I am falling because I haven’t taken a rest is a problem. I often catch myself not taking these rests as I feel like I am not recovering while resting due to the point that I am still exerting energy and can only shake one arm at a time. The silly part is if I take a fall, I can rest briefly and hop back on and finish the route.

I was thinking about this today as I was running because I hit a similar mental block when I am doing a solo run. I have a horrible habit of walking during these solo runs because I feel tired, mentally want to stop because I am bored and due to the point that there isn’t anyone pushing me. Today I did a little mental test where instead of letting myself walk when I hit this block, I would slow my pace down to a walk pace but still be “jogging” and just focus on catching my breath and clearing my head (similar to what I would be doing while resting on a climb). The conclusion was that this slower pace completely helped me recover and I was able to finish off the run quite easily.

Even though rests on a climb aren’t always available like the opportunity to slow down during a run, it still compares in the sense that I need to realize that these rests are actually helping me recover though I am still exerting energy.

These mental blocks are noticeable in my hobbies and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the same mental block is affecting other areas of my life. Perhaps I can slowly implement it to all areas of my life by beginning with my runs.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 31st, 2007 at 6:42 pm and is filed under climbing, misc, running. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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    Cool picture! Must have had some nice runs for the deep thoughts. A couple thoughts one from a runners magazine "Once a week, run the first half of a training run about one minute per mile slower than usual. As you approack the poin when you usually slow down, pick up the pace and gradually and say to yourself "I'm breaking through." Finish strong at regular training pace.
    Sometimes, I think we need to build confidence by making our minds believe we are strong.



    While obtaining your goal of 5.12 running and other goals remember all that you have accomplished, and enjoy the process.

    A quote from a climbing book, "A person worthy of the endeavor of rock climbing learns quickly that it is a deeper, far more indwelling, experience than merely to arrive at the tops of climbs (with a red point) The process is of stepping onto hundreds, even hundreds of thousands, or fooholds over the years. It is squeezing an endless number of hanholds, finding balance, making decisions..Climbing involves the beauty of nature and the simple joys of breathing and appreciating life. To complete a climb is usually rewarding, but the quality of the experience is always more so.





    Best wishes on your 12a. With analyzing, determination, and hardwork for sure you will reach your goal



    Ms. Pear.
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    Ms. Pear-
    Thank you so much for the fantastic feedback. I deeply appreciate your thoughts!

    WasatchGirl
 
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